Driving Rules in Chile
Tips, Laws, and Local Insights for a Smooth Drive Around Chile
Speed
- Urban
- 60 km/h
- Rural
- 100 km/h
- Highway
- 120 km/h
Drink Limit
- Max Blood Alcohol Allowed
- 0.05%
Fuel Price
- Gass
- $1.32/Liter
- Diesel
- $1.01/Liter
Required Documents
- Driving License
- Passport
Seat Belt
- Front Seat Belt
- Yes
- Rear Seat Belt
- Yes
- Road Side
- Right
Min Age
- Min Drive Age
- 18
- Min Rent Age
- 22
Requirements to Drive a Car in Chile
To drive a car in Santiago de Chile you must be at least 18 years old. To rent a car in Santiago de Chile you must be 25 years old. Some car rental companies in Santiago de Chile admit minor clients although they charge an extra tax for the service.
Among the documents that you must present when driving in Santiago de Chile are:
- Your Identification Document
- Valid driver's license
- Passport if you are a foreigner
In Chile, Civil Liability Insurance is mandatory so you must have proof of it. If you rent a car in Santiago de Chile, the insurance will already be included in the total cost of the rental.
Driving Laws in Chile
Speed Limits
The speed limits in Santiago de Chile, Chile for light vehicles are 60 km / h in urban areas. 100 km / h on the highway and 120 km / h on motorways
Traffic Lights
In the city of Santiago de Chile you will find a large number of traffic lights, especially on large avenues with dangerous intersections. The city in general is well signposted. In other cities in Chile, however, traffic lights are scarcer.
Road Side
In Santiago de Chile, as in all of Chile, you travel on the right side of the road. The left side is only used to pass another vehicle.
Where and how to park in Chile?
There are several areas that have free parking on the road. You can park in these places as long as you do not violate the traffic laws that regulate parking. Park as long as a vertical sign does not prohibit it or there is no yellow line on the sidewalk. In shopping centers and hotel areas you can find parking with parking meters or ticket machines and covere. There are other places, such as the beach area or vacant lots where you will find improvised or irregular parking lots that offer parking service.
They are cheaper, although they are not as reliable as official regulated parking. Security and parking Although Santiago de Chile is not an area that is characterized by theft, you should take into account basic rules to avoid the theft of your car or its accessories.
- Never leave your vehicle keys in the switch of your vehicle.
- Leave your car windows closed.
- Do not park in remote areas or where there is little traffic of people.
- Do not leave your car in poorly lit streets at night
Disabled parking: In several places you can find exclusive parking areas for the disabled in Santiago de Chile, however, it is not a culture that is widespread throughout the city. If you have a disability, it may be difficult to find parking.
Talking to the parking attendant may be helpful in finding a better area to park your car. Prevent your car from being towed for being badly parked Be careful to avoid obstructing the traffic or the exit of other vehicles, as well as not blocking garage exits, building entrances, etc. to prevent your car from being towed. Although these incidents are rare, they can occur, especially when it comes to a traffic obstruction.
What to do in an emergency in Chile?
If you have any setbacks in Santiago de Chile, the emergency number is 911. Other telephones for emergency situations are the following:
- Police: 117
- Firefighters and paramedics: 118
In the event of an accident with your vehicle in Santiago de Chile, Chile, you should immediately call the police. In case someone is injured you must call an ambulance. If no people are injured, you must move your vehicle to avoid obstructing traffic on the road. You should also call your insurance company.
In case your car is rented then immediately call the number of the office where you rented the car. In Chile, civil liability insurance is mandatory, it will cover you in the event of damage to third parties. If you purchased other insurance such as collision insurance, etc., these may offer me greater protection in case of accidents.
In case of a breakage then also call the office where you rented the car and they will take care of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to Santiago de Chile?
Traveling to Santiago de Chile, Chile is safe. Santiago de Chile is not characterized by being a violent city. Its rates of violence are lower than those of most cities in Chile, the United States and Europe.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Chile is during the intermediate seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). During these months, the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring the country's natural beauty. However, Chile’s diverse geography means the optimal travel time depends on the region: for example, summer (December to February) is best for visiting the beaches, Patagonia, and Easter Island, while winter (June to August) is ideal for skiing in the Andes. Overall, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and a more comfortable experience for most destinations across Chile
Driving FAQs
What type of car is the most recommended to drive in Santiago de Chile?
The most appropriate type of car to drive in Santiago de Chile will depend on your taste and your needs. For a family trip or with a large group of people, it is best to rent a van or minivan. If what you are looking for is an economical car, the best thing to do is rent a compact. If you want to venture to the most intricate, jungle or rural areas with difficult access roads, the most appropriate thing is to rent a suv.
What are the best places to park in Santiago de Chile?
To park in Santiago de Chile safely, it is best to look for official parking lots, even if they are a little more expensive. Those parking lots located in shopping centers, hotels or areas of tourist interest generally have parking meters or official parking garages that have protection measures.
Avoid parking in remote areas, on low-traffic streets or in poorly lit areas at night.