Community Traffic
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Know Before You Drive
Road Rules
| Traffic side | Left-hand traffic |
| Urban speed limit | 40 km/h |
| Rural roads | 80 km/h |
| Motorways | 100 km/h |
| Blood alcohol limit | 0.05% |
| Seatbelts | Mandatory |
| Child seats | Required by law |
| Mobile phone use | Hands-free only |
| Motorcycle helmets | Mandatory |
| Minimum driving age | 18 years |
Visitors
Foreign Driving Licence
To drive in Suriname on a foreign licence, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your valid national licence. Get the IDP from your home country's motoring association before you travel.
If you arrive without one, you can apply for a local driving permit at the Bureau Nieuwe Haven in Paramaribo using your foreign licence. Permits are issued for up to one year and can be renewed.
Car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old and to have held their licence for at least one year.
If It Happens
After an Accident
In Suriname, the standard procedure after a collision is to complete the SURVAM Aanrijdingsformulier (collision form) together with the other driver at the scene. Keep a copy in your vehicle. Your insurer needs it to process a claim.
1. Stay at the scene
Do not leave. Move the vehicle to the roadside only if it is safe and the vehicle can be driven.
2. Check for injuries
If anyone is injured, call 115 (police) immediately. They will dispatch an ambulance when needed.
3. Complete the collision form
Fill in the SURVAM Aanrijdingsformulier together with the other driver. Note the cause, sketch the road position, record the damage, and both parties sign both sides.
4. Document everything
Photograph the damage, the road situation, and the other driver's driving licence and insurance certificate. Get witness names and phone numbers.
5. Report to your insurer
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible with the completed form and your photos.
When to call the police (115)
- Someone is seriously injured
- A serious traffic violation was involved: running a red light, driving under the influence
- The other driver disputes the facts or the situation escalates
- The other driver left the scene without leaving their details (hit and run)
- The damage is due to theft, break-in or vandalism