General information only, not legal advice. Traffic rules, license recognition and insurance requirements change, so confirm with the Ministry of Transport, the local mobility authority and your insurer. The Bogotá mobility guidance used for this article dates from 2019. Last reviewed October 2026. This article was written with AI assistance, as explained in how we create our content.
Many expats get by without a car in Colombia’s big cities, but driving gives freedom for weekend trips and rural areas. The main questions are whether your license is valid, what insurance you need and how local conditions differ from home.
Using a Foreign License
- Tourists and short stays: according to Bogotá’s mobility guidance, a valid foreign license can be used during the authorized stay. Carry your passport with proof of legal entry, your foreign license and the vehicle documents.
- Residents: the same guidance says that once you remain in the country beyond about six months, a foreign license is no longer accepted and you must apply for a Colombian license.
- Converting a license: a recognition process exists, but only for people from countries with which Colombia has agreements. Ask the transport authorities whether your country qualifies.
- Commercial driving: driving for hire, cargo or delivery requires a Colombian license in the right category.
Getting a Colombian License
A first-time application generally involves a driving course from a certified school, a medical exam at an authorized center, registration in the national transport database (RUNT) and an in-person visit to a transit office to confirm data and pay fees. Requirements and steps can change, so ask the local transit office what applies in your city.
Insurance
Colombia requires compulsory third-party accident insurance called SOAT for vehicles. You must carry it, and police can check it. SOAT covers medical costs for people injured in an accident but does not cover vehicle damage. Many owners add voluntary comprehensive insurance. If you rent a car, ask about the insurance included and the deductible.
Buying and Owning a Car
Foreigners who are legally in the country can generally buy, sell and register vehicles, as long as their documents are in order. Expect annual vehicle tax, mandatory technical inspection for older cars and costs for parking, tolls and fuel. A local mechanic or lawyer can check the paperwork before you pay. See legal resources in Colombia.
Traffic Restrictions
Large cities, including Bogotá and Medellín, limit driving on certain days based on license plate numbers (called pico y placa), with fines for violations. Rules and hours change, so check the local mobility website.
Road Conditions
- Mountain roads can be narrow and winding, with trucks and landslides during the rainy season.
- Avoid driving at night in rural areas.
- Expect motorbikes weaving through traffic. Check mirrors constantly.
- Tolls are frequent. Carry small bills or use a card where accepted.
- Use navigation apps for live traffic and road closures.
At a Checkpoint
Police checkpoints are routine. Stay calm, keep documents handy and pull over where directed. If you are asked to pay a fine on the spot, ask for a written ticket instead.
Alternatives to Owning a Car
Ride apps, taxis, buses and car rentals are good alternatives in cities. See transportation in Colombia.
FAQ
Q: Can I drive with my home license?
A: As a visitor, generally yes during your authorized stay. Residents beyond about six months need a Colombian license.
Q: Is SOAT mandatory?
A: Yes, for vehicles in Colombia.
Q: What is pico y placa?
A: A restriction on driving on certain days according to your plate number.
I’m Luciana, a travel writer from Bogotá, Colombia, and yes, I know exactly what it’s like to be a solo female traveler in a country the world still misunderstands.
I’ve been travelling independently for 10 years, completing 50+ solo trips across Colombia, Mexico, Central America, Argentina, Peru and the United States. I write in both English and Spanish, and I also contribute to allaboutcolombia.com where I cover my home country in depth — from the coffee region to the Caribbean coast to the Andes.
My speciality is Latin America: the neighbourhoods the guidebooks skip, the buses that are actually fine to take, the hostels that feel like home, and the restaurants where locals actually eat. I’ve hitchhiked across Patagonia, navigated Medellín’s metro system at rush hour, and camped solo in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. I know this region the way you only can when it’s yours.
I also cover the US for solo travelers, having spent time road-tripping through the Southwest, the Pacific Coast and the Deep South.
