Driving in Uruguay: Licence, Cars and Apps
Uruguay · Step by Step
Key Facts
- Drive on the right. Uruguay drives on the right-hand side of the road, like most of the Americas, so the basics will feel familiar.
- Visitors. You can drive on a foreign or international licence for a short period after you arrive while you settle in.
- Residents convert. Once settled, you obtain a Uruguayan licence, the libreta de conducir, at your departmental intendencia.
- Zero tolerance. Uruguay applies a strict no-alcohol rule for drivers, so the safe amount before driving is none at all.
- Costly cars. Vehicles are relatively expensive because of import taxes, so buying one takes some budgeting.
Driving in Uruguay is straightforward once you know the basics: keep right, carry the right licence, respect the strict drink-driving rule, and plan for cars costing more than you might expect. Roads along the coast are well kept, and getting around without owning a car is genuinely easy in the city.
Driving on your foreign licence
As a visitor you can drive on your home-country or international licence for a limited time after arriving, which is plenty for your first trips. Keep your passport and licence together in case you are asked for them at a routine checkpoint.
This grace period is ideal while you are still finding your feet and viewing neighbourhoods. It lets you explore the coast and compare areas before you commit to a home or a car.
Once you become a resident, though, you are expected to switch to a local licence rather than keep relying on the foreign one. Treat the change as part of settling in, alongside your cédula and your other early paperwork.
Getting a Uruguayan licence
Residents apply for the libreta de conducir at their departmental intendencia, the local municipal government office that issues licences. The process involves the usual identity documents, a basic medical and eyesight check and, depending on your case, a theory or practical test.
Because it is a local procedure, the exact requirements vary a little from one department to another. Ask your own intendencia precisely what they need before you go, and take originals plus photocopies so you are not sent home for a missing paper.
If you already hold a valid licence from home, the process is often lighter, though you should not assume it transfers automatically. Confirm in advance whether a test applies, and allow a morning rather than rushing it between other errands.
Rules of the road and safety
Seatbelts are required for everyone in the car, speed limits are lower in towns than on the open road, and using a handheld phone while driving is not allowed. None of this will surprise anyone who has driven in Europe or North America.
The rule newcomers must take most seriously is alcohol, because Uruguay applies a zero-tolerance approach for drivers. The simplest plan is to leave the car at home and take a taxi or ride app whenever you are going out for the evening.
On open highways you are expected to keep your headlights on during the day, and you should watch for slower farm vehicles on rural stretches. Drive calmly and defensively, and the country's well-kept main roads make for genuinely relaxed journeys.
Buying and owning a car
Cars cost more in Uruguay than in many countries because of import taxes, so it is worth setting your budget before you start looking. Both new and used vehicles command relatively high prices, and good used cars hold their value.
When you buy, a notary handles the transfer so the change of owner is properly recorded and there are no nasty surprises later. Budget for that step, and always check the vehicle's papers and any unpaid tax before you hand over money.
A reputable dealer or a careful private sale both work perfectly well; the key is to take your time over the paperwork. A quick independent mechanical inspection before buying is a small cost that can save you a large one.
Tax, fuel and tolls
Every vehicle pays an annual road tax, the patente, which the SUCIVE system standardised so the amount no longer jumps between departments. Keep it up to date, because it is checked whenever you sell or transfer the car.
Fuel is sold through ANCAP, the state energy company, and tends to be pricier at the pump than in several neighbouring countries. Build a little extra for petrol into your monthly figure, especially if you plan longer drives.
On the main intercity routes you will pass peajes, the toll booths, so keep some change or an electronic tag handy. Basic third-party insurance is also required by law, and fuller cover is well worth considering for peace of mind.
Getting around without a car
Ride-hailing apps work well in Montevideo and are a simple, cash-free way to move around without driving at all. City and intercity buses are inexpensive and reach the great majority of towns, so many residents rely on them happily.
The coastal route linking the main towns is in good condition and a pleasure to drive on the days you do want your own wheels. Comfortable long-distance coaches are also a popular way to reach Punta del Este, Colonia or the interior.
For everyday city life, plenty of people go car-free and simply rent a vehicle for the occasional weekend away. Try the city for a while before deciding whether you really need a car of your own.
Parking and everyday city driving
In central Montevideo, street parking is managed in certain zones, so watch for the signs and pay where required to avoid a ticket. Private garages and lots fill in the gaps near busy areas, and the modest fee is often worth it for peace of mind.
City traffic is calm by regional standards, though roundabouts and one-way streets reward a little patience while you learn them. Give yourself a few unhurried trips to map the main routes before you tackle the morning rush.
Distances within the city are short, and the seaside rambla makes for an easy, scenic drive on a quiet afternoon. Keep an eye out for cyclists and pedestrians along that stretch, especially at weekends when it is busy.
For the shortest hops, walking or cycling through the leafy neighbourhoods is genuinely pleasant most of the year. Many residents end up keeping a car only for trips out of town and getting around on foot the rest of the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side of the road do they drive on?
Uruguay drives on the right, the same as most of the Americas, so adjusting is easy for most newcomers.
Can I use my foreign licence?
Yes, for a short period after arriving — after that, residents are expected to get a local licence at their intendencia.
How strict is the drink-driving rule?
Very strict. Uruguay applies a zero-tolerance approach for drivers, so plan a taxi or ride app whenever you intend to drink.
Are cars expensive?
Relatively, yes, mainly because of import taxes, which is why many people in the city manage comfortably without owning one.
What ongoing costs should I expect?
The annual patente road tax through SUCIVE, fuel from ANCAP, compulsory insurance, and peajes (tolls) on the main intercity routes.
Connected Coverage
Read this with our guide to the first 48 hours in Montevideo, the cost of living in Uruguay, and the full Uruguay Step by Step hub.
Read More from The Rio Times