Destinations / Uruguay
Driving in Uruguay as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Uruguay drives on the right and enforces a strict zero-alcohol rule; an IDP is advised with your national licence to rent and drive.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Uruguay expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h national routes |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in UYU. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol limit (0.0%). |
|---|---|
| Lights | Headlights on at all times on highways. |
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants. |
On the road in Uruguay
At the pump
State brand ANCAP plus Petrobras and DISA sell nafta (petrol, ~82 UYU/litre) and gasoil (diesel, ~50 UYU/litre); stations are attended (no self-serve) and accept cards in towns, though carrying pesos helps in rural areas.
After a crash
Dial 911 (or 02-911 from the interior) for police and ambulance; stop, do not leave the scene, and obtain the police report for insurance and the rental firm. Alcohol limit is 0.0%, so never drive after any drinking before or after a crash.
Sources: tyremap.com · tollguru.com · globalpetrolprices.com · countryreports.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Uruguay?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Uruguay drives on the right and enforces a strict zero-alcohol rule; an IDP is advised with your national licence to rent and drive.
Which translation format is used for Uruguay?
Uruguay uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Uruguay ask for a translation?
Montevideo desks request an IDP for non-Latin-script licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Uruguay?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in South America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.