Peru (PE)

Urban/residential zones: 30–50 km/h (general urban 50 km/h; residential streets 30 km/h; school/hospital zones 30 km/h). National highways (carreteras): 80–100 km/h depending on road class. Expressways and toll roads: 100 km/h unless signed. Lima main avenues may have specific limits posted (40–60 km/h). Speed cameras and police radar are used on Lima highways and some intercity routes.

0.5 g/L of blood alcohol (approximately 50mg per 100mL blood / 0.5‰) for private drivers. 0.25 g/L (25mg/100mL / 0.25‰) for commercial, professional and heavy-vehicle drivers. Driving at or above these limits is a criminal offence (conducción en estado de ebriedad) under the Código Penal (Art. 274). Penalties: suspension or cancellation of licence, criminal charge, possible imprisonment. Field sobriety tests and breathalysers are used at checkpoints.

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited and classified as a serious ("grave") infraction. Fine: approximately 5% of UIT (≈S/275 for 2026 UIT at S/5,500). Hands-free is permitted. Police checkpoints actively enforce this in Lima and major cities.

Mandatory for all occupants in all seats. Fine for driver not wearing seatbelt: approximately 4% of UIT (≈S/220 for 2026). Passengers are personally responsible. Children must use appropriate child restraint systems.

Child restraint systems (sillas de seguridad) are required for children according to their age, weight and height. Children under 150 cm should use a child seat or booster. Fine for non-compliance: approximately 4% UIT (≈S/220). Bring internationally certified ECE R44 or i-Size seats — quality varies locally.

Vehicle registration and ownership transfers are managed through SUNARP (Superintendencia Nacional de los Registros Públicos). Use a notary to prepare the minuta de compraventa (sale contract), which is then submitted to SUNARP for title transfer. Required: notarised sale contract, Tarjeta de Identificación Vehicular (TIV, vehicle title), valid SOAT, owner's national ID (DNI) or Carnet de Extranjería (CE) for foreigners, and SUNARP fee. Complete within 30 days of purchase. Keep the TIV and SOAT in the vehicle at all times.

SOAT (Seguro Obligatorio de Accidentes de Tránsito) is mandatory for all vehicles before driving on public roads. SOAT covers death and bodily injury in accidents — it does NOT cover vehicle damage or third-party property damage. Comprehensive (multirriesgo) insurance is strongly recommended. Available from SBS (Superintendencia de Banca y Seguros)-licenced insurers including Rímac, Pacífico, La Positiva and others. Annual SOAT: approximately S/100–300 depending on vehicle type.

Municipal vehicle tax (impuesto al patrimonio vehicular) applies for the first 3 years after a vehicle's first registration in Peru. The rate is 1% of the vehicle's assessed value per year, collected by the local SAT (Servicio de Administración Tributaria) or municipality. After 3 years from first registration, the tax no longer applies to that vehicle. Confirm status with SAT Lima or your local municipality.

Revisión Técnica Vehicular (RTV) is mandatory for private vehicles from the 4th year after manufacture. Frequency: every 2 years for private cars 4–8 years old; annual for cars over 8 years old. Conducted at authorised CITV (Centro de Inspección Técnica Vehicular) stations. Fee: approximately S/100–250 (2026 rates). The RTV certificate must be displayed in the vehicle. Driving without a valid RTV certificate: S/2,750 fine (50% of 2026 UIT) + 50 penalty points + vehicle internment.

• •Cyclists must use designated cycle lanes (ciclovías) where they exist on main avenues.
• •Lights (front white, rear red) are required at night.
• •Helmet is legally required for cyclists in Peru — Law No. 29737 mandates helmets in urban areas.
• •Cyclists must ride on the right side of the road.
• •Running a red light on a bicycle is an infraction subject to fine.
• •Cycling under the influence of alcohol: the 0.5 g/L BAC limit applies.
• •Using a mobile phone while cycling is prohibited.

• •Lima malecon (Miraflores coastal path) and Av. Arequipa ciclovía are the safest city routes.
• •Weekend early mornings are ideal — Lima's ciclovías are car-free on Sunday mornings (Ciclovía Recreativa).
• •Watch for taxis opening doors suddenly (dooring) on avenues with parallel-parked cars.
• •Do not assume vehicle drivers will yield at intersections even on ciclovías.
• •Cusco Sacred Valley cycling is excellent but altitude (3,400m) affects even fit cyclists — acclimatise first.
• •Lock with a quality D-lock through frame and rear wheel; bicycle theft is common in Lima.
• •Register your bike informally with your building security and note the frame number.