Driving in Chile
Complete guide for tourists and expats. Learn the road rules, speed limits, and essential information before you drive in Chile.
Can You Drive in Chile?
Accepted Licenses From
Validity Period: Valid for up to 90 days from entry (matches tourist visa duration)
Important Note
Foreign licenses are accepted for tourists for up to 90 days (extendable). An IDP is recommended and may be requested at police checkpoints. For stays longer than 90 days, a Chilean license (licencia de conducir) is required.
What to Carry in Your Car
Mandatory Items
- Warning triangle
- Fire extinguisher
- Reflective vest
- First aid kit
- Spare tire with jack and wheel wrench
- Reflective vest
Recommended Items
- Snow chains (required for Andean passes in winter — June to September)
- Extra fuel container for long desert drives in the north
- Sunglasses (intense sun, especially in the Atacama Desert)
Speed Limits
Urban Areas
km/h
Rural Roads
km/h
Highways/Motorways
km/h
Toll Roads
Payment Methods
Average Cost
CLP 700–4,000 per toll plaza on intercity highways; Santiago urban highways charge CLP 500–3,500 depending on time of day
Santiago's urban highways (Autopista Central, Costanera Norte, Vespucio Norte/Sur, Américo Vespucio Oriente) use TAG electronic tolling with no cash option. Intercity tolls on Ruta 5 accept cash and cards. Peak-hour pricing applies on Santiago urban highways.
Parking
Line Colors
Parking Tips
- In Santiago, use apps like EasyPark or the municipal parking system for metered zones
- Shopping malls typically offer the first 30–60 minutes of parking free with a purchase
- Cuidadores de autos (informal parking attendants) are common — a small tip of CLP 500–1,000 is customary
Average Cost: CLP 500–2,000/hour in metered zones; CLP 5,000–15,000/day in private parking garages in Santiago
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
- 1Not having a TAG device for Santiago's urban highways — there are no toll booths; without a TAG you pay double the rate
- 2Underestimating the length of Chile — it is over 4,300 km from north to south, and driving times are much longer than expected
- 3Driving in Santiago without understanding the vehicle restriction system (Restricción Vehicular) — certain license plates are banned on specific days
- 4Not carrying snow chains when crossing Andean passes in winter — it is a legal requirement and conditions change rapidly
Traffic Fines
Speeding
CLP 70,000–280,000+ depending on how much the limit is exceeded; over 20 km/h above limit is a serious infraction
No Seatbelt
CLP 70,000–100,000 (approximately 1–1.5 UTM)
Phone Use
CLP 70,000–140,000 (serious infraction)
Red Light
CLP 70,000–140,000 (serious infraction, may include license suspension)
Illegal Parking
CLP 40,000–70,000 depending on violation
Ready to Drive in Chile?
Take a quick quiz to test your knowledge of the road rules.
Emergency Contacts
Police
133 (Carabineros de Chile)
Ambulance
131 (SAMU)
Fire
132
Roadside Assistance
ACHS: 1404 — or call Carabineros (133) for highway emergencies
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Want to Master Chile Driving Rules?
Practice with our driving test questions and learn all the rules before you drive.
