For driving in Venezuela, any foreign visitor needs to have driver license which is valid in country of his residence and International driving permit.

The main Venezuelan road traffic rules:

• Driving is on the right-hand side.
• The minimum driving age is 18 years.
• The speed limit is 60 km/h (37 mph) in built up areas, 80 km/h (50 mph) outside built up areas, and 120 km/h (74 mph) on highways.
• Drivers and all passengers in the front seat must use seat belts while driving.
• Motorcyclists must wear protective helmets.
• The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.08%.
• Stops at National Guard and local police checkpoints are mandatory. Drivers may be asked to show their car and insurance papers, passports and driver licenses.
• Every car must be equipped with a warning triangle, a spare tire, and wheel block.
• The police phone number is 171.

Additional information:

• Night driving outside the cities can be dangerous as of unmarked roads, unlighted vehicles, and livestock.
• Special child car seats are not always available in rental cars.
• In Caracas, traffic jams are common the day. Armed motorcycle gangs often operate in traffic jams.
• In the rainy season from May to October, dirt roads may be explored only by 4WD vehicles.
• When you take a car, ask the rental company where you can find the motor number as the police may ask you for it.
• Brining a car to Venezuela is time-consuming as involve a plenty of paperwork; it is more convenient to rent a vehicle locally.
• A driver needs to be at least 21 years of age to rent a car in Venezuela. Some companies have a maximum age, 65 years.
• Hitchhiking is not recommended.
• There is no national railway system in Venezuela.
• In Venezuela, pedestrians do not have the right of way so to slow down or stop at a crosswalk may cause an accident.

 Driving Overseas - Short Information