International driving license – valid in Chile

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Valid from 1 to 3 years

Drive Legally Overseas

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Recognized in over 150 countries

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International driving license – valid in Chile

Instant Approval

Fast & Easy Process

Valid from 1 to 3 years

Drive Legally Overseas

Translated in 12 Languages

Recognized in over 150 countries

Worldwide Express Shipping​

Order my international driving permit now

Driving Rules in Chile

Chile was ruled in the northern part of the country by the Inca before the Spanish showed up in the 1500s. The Mapuche, an indigenous group, lived in central and southern Chile. The population of Chile is estimated to be 18,186,770, and nearly 89 percent of the country is white and non-indigenous. Chile is a long and narrow country, and it includes a subtropical climate in the north and tundra in the south.  

Important Reminders:

• Driving is on the right-hand side of the road and overtaking on the left.
• The minimum driving age is 18 years old. The minimum rental age is 21 years old. 
• The speed limit in towns is 60 km/h and outside towns 100-120 km/h.
• Right turns are prohibited at red lights unless otherwise posted.
• Seat belts are mandatory for a driver and all passengers.   
• Children from 6 months to 4 years of age while traveling in cars must be secured in an appropriate child restraint.
• At intersections without traffic lights, drivers must give way to vehicles on the right.
• While driving, smoking is not permitted.
• Whilst driving, using a mobile phone without a hands-free system and listening to a personal music player with headphones is not permitted
• The legal blood-alcohol level is 0.05%.
• The police phone number is 133.

Additional information for driving in Chile:

Some major expressways (out of Santiago and some parts of Panamericana) are toll roads. Drivers have to pay toll at stations, but some new highways dispose of an electronic toll system. It is recommended to have Chilean pesos to pay frequent highway tolls In Santiago, main roads may switch directions during morning and evening rush hours. Major roads are generally in good condition; secondary and mountain roads may be poorly maintained. Many Chilean drivers do not signal lane changes. Also some of them exceed speed limits, don’t maintain safe distances and keep posted road signs. Foreign drivers should always carry car documents, passports, driver licenses and International driving permits with them. It is recommended not drive at night since heavy fog in rural areas may lead to vehicle accidents. It is recommended to avoid driving in rush-hour between 7:00 (7a.m.) and 9:00 (9a.m.) and between 17:00 (5 p.m.) and 20:00 (8 p.m.). Distances between destinations in Chile can be huge; it is advised to carry plenty of water and a spare tire. All drivers who get into an accident in Chile have to have a blood alcohol test. Most parking places and streets are narrow, so smaller vehicles may be the better choice.

Speed limits in Chile:

The maximum driving speed in the city is 50 – 60km/hr (31 – 38mph); on highways, it is usually 120km/hr (75mph); and on rural roads is 100km/hr (62mph) unless otherwise posted. Make sure to navigate the posted speed limit since the Carabineros (Chilean Police) are actively enforcing them, and don’t ever try to bribe a Carabinero. They are proud of their honesty and integrity; attempting to do so will get you in trouble if you aren’t already in one.