About road traffic in Chile
Please observe the following rules when riding a motorcycle in Chile:
- Right-hand traffic: In Chile, drivers drive on the right.
- Speed limits: Maximum 50 km/h in urban areas, 100–120 km/h outside of urban areas – strictly observe signs!
- Lights are mandatory: Motorcycles must be operated with lights on, even during the day.
- Helmets are mandatory: Drivers and passengers must always wear a helmet.
- Alcohol limit: The blood alcohol limit is 0.3 ‰ – zero tolerance during police checks.
- Road conditions: Secondary roads, especially in rural areas, can be unpaved or in poor condition – drive carefully!
- Police checks: Always carry your passport, driver’s license, and vehicle registration documents.
- Drive with foresight, enjoy the scenery – and stay safe on the road!
Toll Roads
Some roads are toll roads – have small change or a credit card ready. If you want to travel to the central region around Santiago de Chile make sure your bike is equipped with a TAG. a TAG is an electronic toll collection system used on highways, especially in and around Santiago. It allows vehicles to pass through toll points (called pórticos) without stopping, using an electronic device mounted on the windshield.
- If your rental motorcycle has a TAG device, tolls will be automatically billed.
- Do not use urban highways that require TAG if the motorcycle isn’t registered or equipped for it – fines are issued automatically by camera.
- Outside Santiago, tolls are often paid manually, especially on intercity roads.
Border Crossings
Some smaller border crossings do not have PDI checkpoints. Before arrival, an online form must be completed (SALVOCONDUCTO). Since internet access is often unavailable in these remote locations, it’s best to do this the evening before at your hotel.
Webpage: https://pdivirtual.cerofilas.gob.cl/
This applies, among others, to the following passports:
- Paso Las Pampas
- Paso Río Aguas Frías
- Paso Las Pampas
- Paso Roballos
Medical Care
In addition to the public hospitals, there are several private clinics, especially in larger cities. In case of an emergency in rural areas, search for CESFAM in Google Maps. These family health centers provide primary care locally and are very common.
Emergency Numbers
- Ambulance 131
- Fire department 132
- Carabineros (Police) 133