Highways - Toll
Foreign People may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United Status and Europe. The information below concerning Chile is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Driving in Chile is on the right-hand side of the road. Several modern toll highways have recently been opened in and around Santiago, dramatically improving transit into and through the city. Major roads are generally in good condition throughout the country. Some secondary roads, however, may be poorly maintained. At night, heavy fog conditions in rural areas have led to multiple vehicle accidents with occasional deaths and injuries. Care should be taken while driving in the mountains because the roads tend to have many tight switchbacks and rarely have guardrails. Chains are often required and should be used on mountain roads during the winter. Many major highways in Chile are toll roads; drivers should carry a sufficient amount of local currency to cover the tolls. The new major highways in and around Santiago generally collect tolls through use of an electronic transmitter issued by the concessionaire and placed on the vehicle. “Day passes” may be purchased separately. Vehicles rented at Santiago airport generally are equipped with the electronic transmitter and the rental car companies charge a surcharge for its use. Some major arteries remain under construction in Santiago and drivers should be alert for detours and delays.
Throughout Chile, but especially in Santiago, care should be exercised when changing lanes or merging because many drivers do not signal lane changes and rarely yield to merging traffic. Buses are especially aggressive in moving between lanes. Speeding is common, including in urban areas. Traffic jams and detours in Santiago and other areas are common. Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Drivers should drive with car doors locked at all times, especially in the southern parts of the city and near the airport, as there have been reports of thieves entering cars stopped at traffic lights or moving in slow traffic. In Santiago, certain major arteries switch directions during morning and evening rush hours. Visitors to Santiago should obtain up-to-date information on these changes from their auto rental company or the Chilean Automobile Association (please see below).
Driving under the influence of alcohol in Chile is severely punished, and can result in incarceration if the driver is involved in an accident. Individuals arrested for driving under the influence over a weekend can expect to remain incarcerated until the next business day when they will appear before a judge.
Visitors must have an international driver’s permit in order to drive legally in Chile. Although car rental firms may rent to customers with only a U.S. driver’s license, the police have detained several persons for lengthy periods for driving without a valid international permit.