Driving in Buenos Aires: what a foreign driver should know

Перевірено: 8 жовтня 2026 р.

The biggest difference is unsignalled intersections: by law you give way to traffic coming from your right (Ley 24.449, art. 41), and that applies at every street crossing without a sign. Busy avenidas, colectivo buses pulling in and out of the right lane, lots of motorbikes and delivery riders, pedestrians at crossings — it takes a few days to adjust. Drive predictably: indicate early, avoid sudden lane changes, and follow the posted speed limits.

Who goes first at an intersection without lights?

The driver coming from the right. Ley 24.449, art. 41: you must always give way at an intersection to the vehicle approaching from your right. Exceptions: a sign saying otherwise, trains, emergency vehicles, pedestrians on a crossing, a vehicle coming from a dirt road onto pavement, and roundabouts. Downtown, most streets are one-way and cross at right angles, so the "priority to the right" rule applies almost every block. In practice, drivers often approach intersections without slowing much: ease off at every crossing, even if it feels like you are on the main street.

Driving on the avenidas

Avenidas are wide multi-lane streets with linked traffic lights; the limit is usually 60 km/h, 70 km/h on a few (CABA Traffic Code, art. 6.2.2). Things to watch:

Bus lanes (Metrobus and carriles exclusivos) are off-limits — watch the markings and signs.
Turns off an avenida are often allowed only from the outer lane and not at every corner — look for the sign early.
No right turn on red — you must stop before the crossing or line on red (Ley 24.449, art. 44; CABA Traffic Code, art. 6.1.10 b); neither text has a US-style right-on-red exception. Left turns at signalled two-way junctions are only allowed with a dedicated arrow (art. 6.1.10 h).
Lane changes are tight — keep your distance and signal early (art. 43: indicate and move to the correct side 30 m before the turn).

How to behave around colectivos and motorbikes

Colectivos (city buses) stop at the right kerb and pull back into traffic — let them in and do not pass them on the right.
Motorbikes and delivery riders often filter between lanes and pass on both sides. Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning, especially on the right.
Bike lanes (ciclovías) in CABA are mostly separated from traffic by a divider — give way to cyclists when turning right.

Flashing headlights and horns

By law, flashing lights or the horn may be used to warn that you are overtaking on the highway (art. 42). In town the horn is prohibited except in danger (art. 48 inc. v). In practice, flashing headlights from behind means "let me through", and on the highway "please move out of the left lane". It is not a confrontation — just move over when it is safe.

How to behave around pedestrians in Buenos Aires

A pedestrian on a marked crossing (senda peatonal) has priority (arts. 38 and 41). When turning on green, give way to pedestrians on the crossing. People also cross outside crossings, so be ready to brake.

Roundabouts (rotondas) in Argentina

Under Ley 24.449, art. 43, traffic already on the roundabout has priority over traffic entering, but must give way to vehicles leaving. This is different from the "priority to the right" rule at ordinary intersections. On large squares (around monuments, for example) traffic may be controlled by lights — follow the signs.

On the highway in Argentina — lights, overtaking, alcohol

Dipped headlights on national highways, day and night (art. 47).
Overtake on the left only, never at intersections, on bends or bridges; move back right afterwards (art. 42).
Alcohol: zero (0 mg per litre of blood) on national highways (Ley 27.714, which amended art. 48 of Ley 24.449) and in Buenos Aires Province. The City (CABA) has its own limit: 0.5 g/l for car drivers, 0.2 g/l for motorcyclists and zero for professional and novice drivers (CABA Traffic Code, art. 5.4.4). The simplest rule is not to drink at all.

Tips for your first days driving in Buenos Aires

Take your first drives on a weekend morning, when traffic is lighter.
Use navigation with voice guidance and plan the route in advance.
Park legally or risk being towed (see the article on parking and fines).
In a rental car, keep the papers, insurance and the company's phone number in the car. RS AVTO terms are on the RS AVTO page.

Часті питання

Who has priority at an intersection without traffic lights?

The vehicle coming from the right (Ley 24.449, art. 41), unless a sign says otherwise.

Can I turn right on red?

No. Stop before the line on red (art. 44).

Who has priority on a roundabout?

Traffic already on it, but it must give way to vehicles leaving (art. 43).

What does flashing headlights behind me mean?

Usually "let me pass" or "move out of the left lane"; move over when safe.

Can I use the bus lane?

No. Metrobus and exclusive lanes are for public transport only.

Do I need headlights on during the day?

On national highways, yes, always (art. 47).