On the road in Chile

General Informationn Speed limit The speed limit in towns and cities is 60 km/h and sometimes only 50 km/h. 100 km/h are permitted on rural roads, if not indicated differently. The speed limit on highway throughout Chile is 120 km/h. It is recommended to follow these limits, since Chilean “Carabineros” (policemen) often control with radar, especially on highway. Panamericana and other Highways The Panamericana between La Serena and Puerto Montt and other highways as well, are quite modern and well developed. Beside some few exceptions, they are tarred properly and have emergency lanes on the right side. However, these are often misused for picnics by the Chilean population. Please be aware that you might meet bikers, pedestrians or horse-drawn carriages on Chilean highways! Highway toll In Chile, the use of highways is charged with toll. The rates differ according to distance and section. Outside Santiago, the toll has to be paid at tollgates in cash (Chilean Pesos). In Santiago, the toll is automatically charged via the TAG-system. It consists of a little sensor that is fixed at the windshield of each car. The use is mandatory for driving on Santiago’s city highways and it reacts with a “beep” every time you pass by an antenna mast that is linked to the TAG. (see Driving in Santiago). Rural Roads Many of Chile’s rural roads are beautiful in terms of landscape, but some of them are not tarred, especially in remote areas. The streets are in very different conditions. If you’re planning a longer trip on these roads, we recommend hiring a Pick-Up or 4x4 vehicle. It is also recommendable to take along a spare tire Roadmap In many parts of Chile, a roadmap is definitely necessary. Traffic signs are very rare in remote areas and might as well be bad in tourist areas. Don’t trust in traffic signs and always check your route and destiny with a reliable road map. Good road maps can be purchased for about 10 USD at the Copec Gas Stations throughout Chile. Gas Stations If you are traveling to remote regions, the tank should always be filled and it is recommendable to carry an additional jerry can with you. Gas stations are rare and help might be far away in case of a car breakdown. Ask about the frequency of gas stations at the local police station before your departure. There are gas stations in regular distances on highways. Surprisingly, gas is often cheaper at highway gas stations than at gas stations in towns and villages. One liter costs approximately 1.20 USD and prices rise with the distance from Santiago. Please inform yourself at the car rental agency about the kind of gas you have to fuel! Police controls Particularly during summer and high season or long weekends, the Chilean Carabineros (policemen) control traffic and speed limits. Additionally, they check car documents, drivers’ license and passports quite frequently. Please have these documents at hand and up-to date. Attention: Since 2007, a new law makes it mandatory to drive with dimmed headlights on highways, even during the day. Nonobservance may lead to a monetary fine.. Safety Measures Always lock up your car properly and never leave the windows open. To be on the very safe side, you should also lock up your car while driving to avoid being robbed at red traffic lights. Please follow this advice especially when you’re driving through poorer urban areas. Please watch what happens around your car while you’re waiting at red traffic lights. It has occurred that thieves have broken car windows to rob handbags (especially women who travel alone should be careful!) If possible, take the radio with you when you leave the car and do not store valuables inside. They should not be viewable at least! In the event of an accident - it doesn’t matter how serious - you must always call the police (Carabineros: 133). They have to register the accident so that your car insurance accepts the damage. You’ll receive a document from the police which has to be submitted to the insurance company. Please notify Chile Inside and the car rental agency as well. Alcohol and Driving AThe local drink-drive-limit in Chile is 0.5 grams of alcohol /liter of blood; however, all drivers with alcoholemia will partially be blamed guilty in case of an accident. The police conduct a lot of alcohol checks, especially in Santiago by night, and on highways during the weekend. It is recommendable to drink no alcohol at all, if you have to drive a car afterwards.

 

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