UruguayUruguay

Drive on the right. On a normal two-way road, overtaking is generally carried out on the left when it can be done safely and legally.

Call 911 for an emergency. Uruguay's 911 system coordinates police, fire and emergency medical responses. The public medical emergency service is also known as SAME 105.

Uruguay has a zero-alcohol rule. A driver is prohibited from driving when the blood-alcohol concentration or equivalent breath-test result is above 0.0 g/L.

The national general maximum in urban and suburban areas is 45 km/h. Departmental authorities may establish and sign limits of up to 60 km/h, and exceptionally up to 75 km/h on qualifying roads. Always follow the posted limit.

On roads and highways outside urban and suburban areas, the general maximum in optimal conditions is 90 km/h for light vehicles without a trailer and specifically authorised buses, and 80 km/h for other vehicles.

Yes. The Ministry of Transport may authorise a higher limit for light vehicles without trailers on suitable road sections, but the authorised maximum cannot exceed 110 km/h. Such sections must be specifically signed, so 110 km/h is not a universal national highway limit.

Yes. The National Traffic Regulation provides reduced maximum speeds in specified situations. For example, 40 km/h applies near certain railway crossings, poorly visible intersections, marked pedestrian crossings, right-angle signed curves and a bus stopped to pick up or drop off passengers. Posted restrictions take precedence.

No. Uruguay does not use a nationwide vignette. Tolls apply on particular national routes and are collected through systems including Telepeaje and vehicle-registration identification.

Foreign visitors can use options including the Pase Turista, which uses registration-plate recognition for short visits, or the Abono Extranjero, which includes an electronic tag. Drivers should arrange the appropriate payment method when using tolled national routes.

Yes. Motor vehicles must use low-beam headlights permanently. Vehicles originally equipped with daytime running lights, or DRL, may use those instead of low beams for this purpose.

Yes. In cars and light passenger vehicles, seat belts are compulsory for the driver and passengers in both front and rear seats. Additional requirements apply to passenger-transport and school-transport vehicles.

Children from 0 through 12 years old must travel in the rear seats using the appropriate regulated child-restraint system. The same rear-seat and restraint obligations apply to passengers under 18 years old who are shorter than 1.50 m.

Yes. Motorcycle users must wear a certified protective helmet, correctly fastened. The requirement applies to both the rider and passenger.

Yes. Riders and passengers on motorcycles, mopeds, quadricycles and similar vehicles must use a compliant retro-reflective vest, jacket or reflective bands while travelling on public roads.

A child or adolescent must not be carried on a motorcycle, moped or similar vehicle if they cannot reach the footrests. Children who are legally carried must also use a protective helmet appropriate to their physical characteristics.

Using a mobile phone or other communication device while driving is prohibited when the communication requires the use of either hand. Hands-free communication is permitted under this specific rule.

At an uncontrolled intersection of roads of similar importance, a driver must give way to a vehicle approaching from the right. Signs such as PARE or CEDA EL PASO override this general rule.

Do not assume that traffic already circulating automatically has priority at every Uruguayan roundabout. UNASEV states that priority is determined by the installed signs. Enter with the central island on your left, reduce speed and obey PARE, CEDA EL PASO or other traffic control.

Drivers must give way to pedestrians at designated pedestrian crossings. The national rules also require pedestrian priority at intersections in urban and suburban areas.

Give way when an emergency vehicle is using its prescribed audible and visual warnings. Move as close as practicable to the right-hand edge of the road, stay clear of intersections and stop if necessary.

Foreign tourists driving in Uruguay must carry a valid driving licence together with valid identification. Visitors bringing a foreign vehicle must also carry proof of insurance and documents establishing ownership or lawful possession of the vehicle. Recognition and exchange procedures for residents can depend on the issuing country and applicable agreements.

Yes. Uruguay requires compulsory motor insurance known as SOA, covering bodily injury suffered by third parties in road crashes. Foreign motorists must carry the insurance documentation applicable to their vehicle and entry arrangements.

National law requires safety equipment including a fire extinguisher and emergency warning devices. Vehicles with more than two wheels must also normally have a spare wheel unless they have an approved alternative system that provides sufficient continued mobility.

Yes. Motor vehicles with four or more wheels, except quadricycles, must carry a regulated first-aid and road-safety kit. Its required contents include first-aid materials, an LED flashlight, gloves and two retro-reflective vests.

Vehicles must be maintained in safe operating condition, and the law provides for technical fitness to be certified by the competent authority or an authorised inspection operator. The inspection procedure and frequency can depend on the vehicle type and competent departmental or national authority, so there is no single simple annual schedule applicable to every private vehicle nationwide.

Generally no. Carrying people in the cargo box of a vehicle that was not designed for passenger transport is prohibited, subject only to specific regulatory exceptions.

The horn may be used only to help avoid an accident. It should not be used simply to express impatience or attract attention unnecessarily.

Written traffic signs and road information are principally in Spanish. Common regulatory wording includes PARE for stop and CEDA EL PASO for give way.