Got a Peruvian Traffic Ticket? Here’s What You Need to Know
What We'll Cover Here:
✅ License Suspension & Points System
✅ Categories of Infractions (Mild, Severe, Very Severe)
✅ Updated Fines & Payment Discounts for 2025
✅ Speeding Tickets & Exceptions
✅ Fighting a Ticket vs. Paying It
✅ Tips for Expats & Tourists
Renting a Car in Peru? Here’s What You Need to Know About Traffic Tickets
Renting a car in Peru gives you flexibility, but it also comes with risks—especially when it comes to traffic violations. Many travelers don’t realize that rental car companies automatically charge fines to their credit cards, sometimes with additional administrative fees. Here’s what you need to know to avoid unnecessary charges.
How Traffic Fines Work for Rental Cars in Peru
- Rental Companies Get the Ticket First – In many cases, traffic violations are recorded by cameras and sent directly to the rental company. They then charge the fine (plus their own processing fees) to your credit card.
- You Might Not Know Until It’s Too Late – If you leave Peru before checking for fines, you could miss out on early payment discounts of up to 83%.
- Fighting a Ticket Is Almost Impossible – Since the rental company automatically pays the fine, disputing it later is nearly impossible.
Hidden Fees You Should Watch Out For
Many car rental companies in Peru charge extra fees on top of the actual fine, such as:
✅ Administrative Fees – Some companies charge $20–$50 just for handling the ticket.
✅ Late Payment Penalties – If the fine isn’t paid quickly, you could be charged even more.
✅ High Credit Card Holds – Some rental agencies block large amounts on your card in case of future fines.
How to Check for Traffic Tickets Before You Leave
Before returning your rental car, you can check for outstanding fines on the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) website. If you received a ticket, paying within 5 days gives you the biggest discount.
🚗 Pro Tip: Some rental agencies allow you to pre-pay minor fines at a discounted rate. Ask about this when picking up your vehicle.
How to Avoid Getting a Traffic Ticket in Peru
1️⃣ Know the Speed Camera Locations – Speeding tickets are the most common violation. Many highways have hidden speed traps.
2️⃣ Watch for Pico y Placa Restrictions – Some areas ban certain cars based on license plate numbers.
3️⃣ Be Careful with Parking – Illegally parked cars can be fined or towed.
4️⃣ Follow Red Light Rules – Red light cameras are strict, and fines are expensive.
5️⃣ Consider Alternatives – If driving in Lima feels overwhelming, taxis, private drivers, and rideshare apps like Didi and Uber can be stress-free options.
A Traffic Ticket Isn’t the End of the World—But It’s No Joke Either
Driving in Peru requires awareness of local traffic regulations to avoid fines and penalties. Here’s essential information for both expatriates and tourists considering car rentals:
Understanding the Traffic Ticket Point System
Peru’s Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) has implemented a point-based system for traffic violations:
Point Allocation: Each infraction adds 1 to 100 points to your driving record, depending on its severity.
License Suspension Thresholds:
- Accumulating 100 points results in a six-month suspension.
- A second accumulation of 100 points leads to a one-year suspension.
- A third accumulation within 24 months results in permanent disqualification.
Point Duration: Points remain on your record for 24 months from the date the infraction is finalized with the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT).
Categories of Infractions
Infractions are categorized based on their severity:
Mild Infractions (1-20 points): Examples include improper parking, littering on public roads, unnecessary use of the horn, and parking in handicap spots without authorization.
Severe Infractions (20-50 points): Examples include not yielding to priority vehicles, lacking vehicle identification plates, using unauthorized signals similar to emergency vehicles, and driving while using a handheld mobile device.
- Very Severe Infractions (50-100 points): Examples include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving without a valid license, parking in hazardous locations, and operating vehicles with poor mechanical conditions.
Want to check your current traffic violations? Click here to see the official list of infractions, fines, and their severity on the Peruvian government’s website.
Updated Fine Amounts for 2025
Traffic tickets in Peru vary widely in severity and cost. Knowing the rules can save you time and money. Check the SAT website for a complete list of infractions and fines.
If you don’t have a Peruvian driver’s license yet, learn how to get one here to avoid unnecessary penalties.
How Fines Are Calculated
Fines are based on a percentage of the Unidad Impositiva Tributaria (UIT), which is updated annually. For 2025, 1 UIT equals S/5,350.
- Mild Infractions: 4% to 5% of UIT (S/214 – S/267.50)
- Severe & Very Severe Infractions: Higher percentages, depending on the violation
Payment Discounts
To encourage prompt payment, the Peruvian government offers discounts on fines:
Within 5 Days: An approximate 83% discount.
Within 7 Days: An approximate 50% discount.
It’s important to note that in some areas as little as 1 mile per hour over the limit can get you a you a speeding ticket and the do not qualify for these discounts.
How Does The Drivers License Point System Work?
| Infraction Type | Points | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Mild (1-20) | 1-20 | Improper parking, littering, excessive honking |
| Severe (20-50) | 20-50 | Not yielding, missing plates, using a mobile phone while driving |
| Very Severe (50-100) | 50-100 | DUI, driving without a license, parking in tunnels/bridges |
Paying The Ticket Or Fighting It
Fighting a ticket in Peru is a frustrating, time-consuming process, and you will almost never win. Okay, almost never. When I say “time-consuming,” I mean you will waste an unbelievable amount of time.
I own a legal taxi, which is not subject to Pico y Placa restrictions, yet I received four tickets for it anyway. Even with solid proof in hand, it took years to get a decision in my favor—and that was just for one of them. You’ll spend day after day dealing with SAT, filing reclamos, and getting nowhere fast.
Should You Just Pay the Ticket?
If you’re in Peru short-term, my advice is simple: pay the fine within 5 days and move on. The Peruvian government offers an 83% discount if you pay within 5 days and a 50% discount if you pay within 7 days (on most tickets).
If you’re staying long-term, however, you have a decision to make:
- Pay now and save money, but risk opening the floodgates for more bogus fines.
- Fight it, knowing you’ll likely waste time and patience battling SAT.
Important Warning: There Are No Discounts for Speeding Tickets.
Even if you decide to pay, don’t assume that’ll be the end of it. If I had just paid my first ticket, SAT would have used that as an excuse to demand payment for the others. Once they know you’re willing to pay, they may try again.
If you’re dealing with a questionable fine, proceed carefully.
Recommendations for Expatriates and Tourists
Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws to avoid unintentional violations.
Immediate Action: If fined, consider paying promptly to benefit from available discounts, keeping in mind that some violations, like speeding, are excluded from these incentives.
Consult Authorities: For detailed information on specific fines and regulations, refer to official sources such as the SAT website or the MTC’s platforms.
By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable driving experience in Peru.
