ArgentinaArgentina

Drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Normally overtake on the left. Passing on the right is allowed only in specific situations, such as when the vehicle ahead is turning left or when the left-hand queue is moving more slowly in congested traffic.

Call 911 for general emergency assistance.

Not completely. The National Traffic Law provides the principal framework, but provinces, municipalities and the City of Buenos Aires can have additional or different local rules. Always obey locally posted signs and regulations.

Under the National Traffic Law, Argentina has a zero-alcohol rule: 0.0. Driving any type of vehicle with an alcohol concentration above zero is prohibited where the national law applies. Provincial and local legislation should also be checked because traffic-law jurisdiction is decentralized.

Under the National Traffic Law, the general maximum on urban streets is 40 km/h, unless another limit is posted.

The national general maximum on urban avenues is 60 km/h, subject to locally posted or jurisdiction-specific limits.

For motorcycles, cars and light utility vehicles, the national maximum in rural areas is generally 110 km/h. Lower limits apply to buses, trucks and certain other vehicle classes.

Cars and motorcycles may generally travel at up to 120 km/h on a semiautopista under the National Traffic Law, unless a lower limit is posted.

For cars and motorcycles, the national maximum on an autopista is generally 130 km/h. Local motorway limits can be lower; always follow the posted limit.

Yes. Under the national framework, the maximum is 30 km/h at an uncontrolled urban intersection, 20 km/h at an unprotected railway crossing and 20 km/h near schools, sports facilities and other heavily attended places while they are operating. Routes passing through urban areas are generally limited to 60 km/h unless signed otherwise.

No. Argentina does not have a nationwide vignette. Tolls are charged only on particular roads, motorways and other concessioned sections.

Payment depends on the road and operator. TelePASE is widely used on toll roads and motorways, while some facilities still have manual payment lanes. Argentina is progressively introducing more automatic and free-flow toll collection.

Yes. Since 2026, foreign individuals and companies can register foreign-plated vehicles for TelePASE and link an international payment method for participating roads.

On national routes, dipped headlights or daytime running lights must remain switched on during both day and night, regardless of natural light conditions.

Yes. All occupants must use the required seat belt in vehicles equipped with them.

Under the national framework, children under 10 years old must travel in the rear seat using an approved child-restraint system appropriate to their weight and size. Local jurisdictions can impose additional requirements.

Yes. Both the motorcycle rider and passenger must wear an approved helmet.

If a motorcycle has no windscreen, the driver must use appropriate protective eyewear in addition to the required helmet.

Driving while using headphones or manually operated communication systems is prohibited under the National Traffic Law. Do not hold or manually use a mobile phone while driving.

As a general rule, you must give way to traffic approaching from your right. The rule has specified exceptions, including contrary signs, trains, emergency vehicles, traffic on a semiautopista and pedestrians lawfully using a crossing.

A vehicle already circulating in the roundabout has priority over a vehicle attempting to enter, unless signs establish a different arrangement.

Yes. Drivers must give way to pedestrians lawfully crossing at a pedestrian crossing or another specially marked pedestrian area and must stop if necessary to avoid endangering them.

On a narrow slope where two vehicles cannot pass safely, the descending vehicle normally has to reverse to allow the ascending vehicle to continue. An exception applies when the descending vehicle is towing a trailer and the ascending vehicle is not.

No. The horn may generally be used only to warn of danger or, where appropriate, in rural areas. Unnecessary horn use is prohibited.

Autopistas prohibit pedestrians, human-powered vehicles, animal-drawn vehicles, mopeds and special machinery. Ordinary motorcycles are not included in this general prohibition.

A motor vehicle must carry a compliant fire extinguisher and portable warning beacons. Motorcycles are exempt from these particular equipment requirements.

Yes. Cars, motorcycles, trailers and semitrailers must have compulsory insurance covering third-party damage.

Vehicles are subject to a Revisión Técnica Obligatoria (RTO) or the corresponding jurisdictional inspection system. Under the national regime updated in 2026, new private vehicles receive up to five years before their first inspection; private vehicles up to 10 years old are then generally inspected every 24 months and older private vehicles every 12 months. Local VTV or inspection arrangements can differ.

Yes, when the licence meets the applicable international-convention requirements. A valid national driving licence issued by a country that is party to the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna road-traffic conventions can generally be used in Argentina for up to one year after entry. MERCOSUR licences also benefit from regional recognition for tourist travel.

Not always. Argentina recognises qualifying national licences issued under applicable international conventions, as well as compliant international permits. Visitors whose licence does not fall within those arrangements should verify the requirements before driving.

There is no universal year-round chain requirement across the entire country, but carrying or using chains can become compulsory on snowy mountain roads and border crossings. During winter, chain carriage is specifically required on various Andean and Patagonian routes when authorities order it.

Argentina uses a standardised national traffic-sign system with internationally recognisable symbols, while written legends and destination information are primarily in Spanish.