Foreign visitors who wish to drive in Suriname must have a valid International driving permit in addition to their original driver licenses. Everybody who doesn’t have an International driving permit may apply for a Suriname driver license at the Driver licenses Department of the Police Station. An applicant must submit his application form by his valid national driver license and its official translation on Dutch and his passport with visa which is a proof of legal stay in Suriname.

The main Suriname road traffic rules:

  • Traffic moves on the left side of the road.
  • The minimum age for driving a car is 18.
  • Seatbelts are required for drivers and all automobile passengers.
  • Child seats are required.
  •  All motorcycle riders must wear helmets.
  • While driving, drivers may only use cell phones with a hands-free device.
  • The maximum speed limit in urban areas is 40 km/h (25 mph), on rural roads – 60 km/h (37 mph), on motorways – 90 km/h (55 mph).
  • The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.05 %.
  • The police phone number is 115.

Additional information:

  • Left-hand-drive vehicles are allowed on the road. 4WD vehicles are needed in the rainy season.
  • Rainy season differs from year to year, approximately from mid-November to January and from April to July.
  • In the interior of Suriname, roads are poorly maintained which pass through the rain forest. The major roads in Paramaribo are paved, but not in a great condition.
  • To rent car, drivers need be at least 21 years old and have held their driver licenses for one year or more.
  • There are no toll roads in Suriname.


 Driving Overseas - Short Information