Traffic regulations in South America - Colombia

What should be considered on a motorcycle tour through Colombia? What documents do you need to bring with you? Which special features in road traffic have to be observed. MotoGS WorldTours provides you with answers to your most important questions.
Errors and omissions excepted - all information without guarantee.

Basics:
Colombia is the fourth largest country in South America after Peru and impresses with its cultural and scenic diversity. Colombia's cultural heart beats not only in Bogota or Medellín, but also in many other regions.
Colombia is one of the most beautiful countries in South America. Due to its diversity, the country offers numerous tour options. The mighty Amazon region, the species-rich rainforest and dreamy Caribbean beaches are just a few of Colombia's highlights.

BUT:
Your personal safety must be given the utmost attention.

The crime rate and the willingness to use violence are high. The country faces organized and other forms of crime.

The social and political situation is tense. Spontaneous strikes, demonstrations and unrest are possible at any time. They can be accompanied by arson, looting and roadblocks. The risk of unexpectedly getting into a violent conflict cannot be ruled out.

Road blockages and strikes can cause disruptions and delays in travel and can sometimes paralyze entire regions. If it lasts longer, there may also be supply bottlenecks.
In the event of road blockages and strikes, travelers have no choice but to inquire locally about alternative tour options and, if necessary, wait for the situation to normalize.

In some rural and border areas, guerrilla fighters from the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) remain active, as do splinter groups from the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) and other illegal armed groups.
The authorities can impose a state of emergency and curfews at short notice.

Politically motivated attacks and other attacks on civilians occur across the country. Attacks are primarily aimed at security forces, but uninvolved civilians are also repeatedly victims of acts of violence.

Therefore, pay due attention to your personal safety and preferably stay in the following places:

• Larger cities, capitals of the departments and their surroundings.
• Generally, destinations with a developed tourism infrastructure offered by recognized tour operators or where there are many European and American communities.
• Consider these factors when planning your tour. Preferably join a guided tour group.

Specific regional risks:
The description of danger zones is approximate; Risks cannot be confined to precisely defined areas.

Northwest and border areas with Venezuela and Ecuador: There is an increased risk of becoming a victim of an attack, a violent crime or kidnapping. The risk of unexpectedly getting into a violent conflict is high. We therefore advise against traveling to the entire territory of the following departments: Chocó, Nariño, Putumayo, Guainía, Vichada, Arauca, Norte de Santander and Cesar. The department capitals of Pasto, Mocoa and Valledupar are an exception, provided that the journey there is by plane.
In the departments of La Guajira and Boyacà, travel to the border regions with Venezuela is not recommended.

Department of Cauca: There is a high risk of kidnapping. Violent clashes between drug and other criminal gangs, as well as attacks and acts of violence by guerrilla and other armed groups, are common. Uninvolved people are also at high risk. Since the beginning of 2020, there have been numerous acts of violence against the civilian population. In the frequent confrontations between the security forces and criminal groups, bystanders are regularly affected.
Tours in the department of Cauca are not recommended. An exception is the department capital Popayan on condition that the journey is made by plane. The island of Gorgona is also an exception, provided that the journey is made by plane (Guapi airport) and boat.

Department of Valle del Cauca: Despite the deployment of additional security forces, violent clashes between drug and other criminal gangs and attacks by guerrilla and other armed groups are common. Uninvolved people are also at high risk. Violent crime and social tensions are particularly high in Buenaventura, but are also increasing in the south-east of the department.
Travel to the Valle del Cauca department is not recommended. The department capital Cali is an exception, provided that the journey is made by plane.

Departments of Atlántico, Bolívar, Magdalena and Sucre: Drug and other criminal gangs are active in these departments. There is a high risk of unexpectedly getting into a violent clash between criminal groups and security forces. Various drug gangs and other criminal groups also fight each other.
Since the beginning of May 2022, there have been numerous acts of violence against the civilian population and restrictions on freedom of movement in various areas of these departments. Travel to the departments of Atlántico, Bolívar, Magdalena and Sucre is not recommended. The department capitals of Barranquilla (Atlántico), Cartagena (Bolívar), Santa Maria (Magdalena) and Sincelejo (Sucre) are an exception, provided that the journey is made by plane.

Rural areas: Guerrillas, other illegal armed groups and criminals are active in some rural areas, such as in the departments of Antioquia, Caquetà, Casanare and Risaralda. Occasional armed clashes occur. The groups are very mobile, so the danger zones are constantly changing. In addition, duds and mines represent a serious danger. The endangered areas are only rarely marked. As a general rule, these risks (including the risk of being kidnapped) are higher in remote, less developed areas.

Exercise extreme caution when touring in the other areas not mentioned above. Preferably join a guided tour, especially to visit outlying tourist sites such as Ciudad Perdida in the Sierra Nevada (in the north of the country) and San Agustín (Huila).

Entry requirements to Colombia:
To enter Colombia, EU citizens need a passport that is still valid for at least 6 months, even a provisional passport is sufficient. Of course, an identity card is not sufficient for entering Colombia.
Tourists staying in the country for less than 90 days do not need a visa. An extension to 180 days can be applied for online at the migration authorities.
Almost similar requirements apply to non-EU citizens, but this always depends on your actual country of origin. Therefore, for your own safety, you should check the visa requirements for your home country to enter Colombia at VisaHQ. This website is a very good indicator to find out easily.

Customs regulations for entering Colombia:
If you have any food with you, we recommend that you tick “Si” (Yes) on the customs declaration and show the officers everything you have with you. The importation of undeclared and unauthorized foodstuffs only creates unnecessary problems. The import of cash up to US$ 10,000 is unrestricted and does not have to be declared.

Language:
The official language in Colombia is Spanish. Very few Colombians speak English, and if they do, then only the young Colombians. However, there are many communities in Colombia, especially from Canada, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and especially from the US states. Therefore, there is always someone who speaks Spanish and German or Spanish and English.
However, basic knowledge of the Spanish language or a well-functioning translation program are better.

Currency:
The national currency of Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). The inflation is high in Colombia. You can see the current exchange rate on Oanda, for example.

Vaccinations:
Since March 2017, the Colombian Ministry of Health has issued a new yellow fever alert. Travelers wishing to enter from or via Brazil are currently required to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination, which often cannot be denied boarding at airports in Brazil. Yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory for travelers within Colombia who have been proven to be in yellow fever risk areas, but it is recommended. This primarily includes areas below 2300 m. In the following areas, the danger is rated as high: Amazonas (Leticia and surroundings), Santa Marta and surroundings (Santa Marta, Minca, Tayrona Park, Palomino, Chocó (Nuquí and Bahía Solano), La Macarena (Cano Cristales), La Guajira, Yopal (Hato La Aurora).

Otherwise, Colombia generally does not provide for mandatory vaccinations. However, a refresher or review of the standard vaccinations is recommended. Hepatitis A vaccination is advisable. There is a certain risk of malaria infection along the entire Pacific coast, which is why it is recommended to take a stand-by medicine with you for longer stays. For all other areas (including the Caribbean coast) malaria prophylaxis is not required.

Vehicle papers and other necessary documents:
Assuming that you do NOT want to bring your own motorcycle or have it brought to Colombia, but simply rent a motorcycle on site in a much less complicated way, then the following documents must also be brought with you.
Of course, you can also have your motorcycle shipped to Colombia or generally to South America by ship or air freight for a certain period of time. Basically no problem. BUT, time-consuming, cost-intensive and always the risk in the neck, for example, everything goes according to plan at customs in the country of arrival. Many motorcyclists and globetrotters have their own motorcycles with them, which of course has a certain charm and is understandable, but there is also a little easier way. What if your own motorcycle is totaled in an accident, for example, what if it was stolen. Always remember, the motorcycle MUST be re-exported for customs purposes. If the motorcycle is not demonstrably exported within the prescribed time (3 to 6 months, with an extension up to 12 months), this is considered an import and this is guaranteed to cause major problems and be very expensive. Confiscation will result and enforcement action for customs fraud. That is why we are dealing here with renting a motorcycle on site.

Your national driver's license is usually sufficient, but to be on the safe side, because many rental stations require it, be sure to bring an international driver's license (usually issued for a period of 3 years) and of course a credit card to make a necessary deposit to deposit with the rental company.
Since you travel to Colombia as a tourist without a visa, you can basically ride for a period of 3 months with your passport and the valid driver's license from your home country. As a result, obtaining a Colombian driver’s license is not required. Therefore, take a copy of your passport and the page with the entry stamp with you to the rental station. This serves as proof that you are a tourist that does not require a local driver's license.
The legal driving age for general motor vehicles in Colombia is 18 years. For foreigners who want to rent a motorcycle in Colombia, the rental stations usually require a minimum age of 21 years, sometimes even 23 years.
Young rider surcharges for riders under the age of 23 are often required. You should also have held a motorcycle license for at least 2 years.

Health insurance:
In principle, all travelers to Colombia or abroad in general, regardless of their country of origin, should take out international health insurance. This can also be done easily here via Global Rescue. Surely this type of insurance protection is a bit more expensive than other providers. However, as the name suggests, this type of coverage is built on Rescue. Therefore not comparable. However, this should not be understood as advertising, it is a simple recommendation.

Helmet obligation:
Helmets are compulsory! And this just for your own safety.

First aid kit / warning vests:
It is always advisable to carry a high-visibility vest, a first aid kit in a dustproof package, a motorcycle warning triangle and a small warning light.

Lighting:
There is no official regulation in this regard, and if there is, nobody follows it anyway. Nevertheless, for your own safety reasons, everyone is advised to ride with lights on during the day all year round. It is therefore always advisable to take a set of spare light bulbs with you. Excluded are motorcycles equipped with LED lights.

Speed limits in Colombia:
In urban areas: 60 km/h
Out of town: 90 km/h

Alcohol limit:
The general traffic rules in Colombia also determine how much blood alcohol in the blood drivers are still allowed to ride a motorcycle. The general alcohol limit is 0.0‰.
Even if the police (mainly on motorbikes and generally 2 police officers) do not really bother about any traffic offenses, they do it all the more when it comes to drunk riding.

Environmental zone:
A restriction of motor traffic by an environmental zone, as it is known from environmental zones in Europe, is not known in Colombia.
In other words, there is no information about an environmental zone in Colombia.

Important and interesting, however, is the Pico y Placa regulation, which states that on certain days of the week and during certain peak times, cars and motorcycles are not allowed to enter the city area, depending on the number on the license plate. Since each city has its own regulations and these change every 6 months, you should inform yourself beforehand on the Internet and from your motorcycle rental company. Compliance with this regulation is strictly monitored, also with the help of cameras, even at night at 11:00 p.m. For example, if it had been possible to move your vehicle the next day, i.e. at 12:01 a.m., based on your number in the license plate, you would have gotten away without a penalty. But at 11:00 p.m. you are subject to a sanction, as in this case. 

Note: however, this Pico y Placa regulation is more about reducing traffic density than it is about any environmental protection.

Tired of tolls on motorways, tunnels and bridges:
The use of many road sections and tunnels in Colombia are subject to tolls. Payment will usually be made in cash or, in some cases, electronically. Payment is made directly at the respective toll station.

Correct behavior in the event of an accident or breakdown:
In any case, it is advisable and important to call the police, even in the case of "minor damage", because the police protocol is the basis for the settlement of the damage.
This applies all the more if, for example, the motorcycle was rented.
However, it is not always so easy for the police to actually come to the scene of the accident after a call for help. Here you have to bring a little patience, sometimes a lot of patience, or in the case of small things solve the problem with a small sum of money. But you have to be extremely careful here. You never know who you are looking at, and whoever pays, even if it is just a small sum, certainly has more money with them. To put it in a nutshell, try by all means to get the police involved. Experience has shown that the police are rather impartial but always a little foreigner-oriented. However, it is different if the other party involved in the accident and the police officer know each other personally.

Border crossing to neighboring countries with the rented motorbike:
Basically possible, but always absolutely dependent on the respective neighboring country. So for example, Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru. Since a possible border crossing into one of the neighboring countries depends on the respective customs regulations of the countries among themselves, it is absolutely necessary to clarify this question directly with the motorcycle rental station.

However, one thing remains clear, there is a border, for example between Colombia and Panama, but it is almost insurmountable. Although the approximately 25,000 km long Panamericana, as the longest expressway in the world, also runs through Panama and Colombia, this expressway is interrupted right there. Namely through the so-called Darién Gap - a dangerous jungle area. An area that many guerrillas also call home. There is only a possible connection between the two countries by plane or by ship, the steel rat, which can help to ship the motorcycle to Panama.

In any case, it is important, when crossing the border to neighboring countries, to ensure that all necessary documents, such as the rental companie's declaration of approval, insurance confirmation and so on, are handed over after the rental company has given his approval for crossing the border. Crossing the border with a rental motorcycle or rental car is not always possible. For example, crossing the border from Panama to Costa Rica with a rental motorcycle is impossible. That means riding the rental motorcycle in Panama, for example, to the border to Costa Rica, handing it in there, crossing the border on foot and continuing on the Costa Rican side with a new rental motorcycle (licensed in Costa Rica). All of this can only be accomplished if your rental company has drop-off points at the border.
You have to clarify those kind of questions with your motorcycle rental company.

Fines and peculiarities in Colombian road traffic:
There are also traffic laws in Colombia, which for the most part conform to international standards, however, as in many other parts of the world, these are not always fully adhered to. Or rather, actually not adhered to at all. Not even the police have any real interest in sanctioning traffic offences, such as running red lights.

However, the roads are mostly well paved. Also in the mountain regions. In these regions you just have to enjoy the view and not forget the traffic hustle and bustle. In order to increase the riding pleasure, there are potholes and unpaved roads from time to time. The road surfaces in the small towns are often only made of ancient pavement, which makes it particularly exciting in the rain.

To put it bluntly, nobody really obeys any traffic rules, except for the pico y placa regulation or maybe drinking alcohol and riding. But even this regulation is completely irrelevant to many Colombians, especially when it comes to rural areas.

There may be an obligation to drive on the right, also in Colombia, but everyone drives how and where they want on the street. Be it a bicycle, a moped, a motorcycle, a car, a small or large bus, a small truck or a large articulated lorry. Does not matter! Colombians ride left and right on 2-lane roads, sometimes just in the middle. So it can happen that an elderly woman with the shopping bag is waiting on the green strip between 2 2-lane streets and waves to the passing bus to stop. So this bus stops on the left 2-lane expressway and on the right-hand side a semi-trailer truck is overtaking with all the speed it can drive. It gets interesting when, at this very moment, one or two two-wheelers push their way in between.

The flow of traffic in Colombia is pure chaos. Pedestrians and motocyclists play the weak and subordinate role. Do not expect that someone will stop his car at the designated pedestrian crossing to let you cross the street. He will only stop if you bravely step onto the street, almost forcing him to stop. But that can be dangerous. These are the rules!

Colombians do not use an indicator, and if someone does use the indicator, then you are well advised to simply NOT pay attention to this cardriver. Because this turn signal may have been on for hours, probably from yesterday, because the driver just did not feel like switching the turn signal off again. If someone indicates left and is currently on the right side of a 2-lane road, he do not necessarily has to turn left. In these case there are many options for this driver, for example he could stop on the right, or he can continue straight, or he can now see you in the rear-view mirror overtaking in the fast lane. And what is he doing, he turns left, blocks you, like there was not a single car in front of him that he could have overtaken at that moment. That is because most Colombian drivers drive around like daydreamers, focused on texting with their cell phones and assuming that there are no other road users around. Or, he simply does not think about it. He is probably not going to switch from the right side to the left side maliciously, he is just doing it right now because he feels like it. Most road users are not interested in what happens afterwards. It is how it is.

Two-wheelers are omnipresent in their hundreds. They are the real acrobats, acrobats as they weave their way between the cars in the traffic jam. This happens when driving slowly, as well as when driving fast. This happens on 2-lane roads as well as on 3 or 4-lane roads. It does not matter whether you are riding by motorbike or car yourself. The two-wheelers simply use any gap to go faster, no matter how big that gap is. Now do not uselessly ask for a safe distance, because what is that?
Basically, it does not matter whether the rider is alone on his motorcycle or whether he has a passenger with him. To expand further, the motorcycle is often just a pack donkey for him as the rider, his wife, his kid, a dog and the newborn baby. But to be clear, all on the motorcycle at the same time. You can also call it a family trip. This type of two-wheeler enthusiast somehow squeezes through the flowing traffic like all the others.

Also interesting are always those who have the wife or girlfriend with them as a passenger, who then has the responsible task of holding the 65 inch television that has just been bought between him as the rider and her as a passenger so that it cannot fly away because of the wind.
Right, this is NOT a joke! Because you do not joke about something like that! That is reality!

You imagine you are out and about in the Colombian mountains on a beautiful day. You have fantastic views, the cornering is just awesome and breathtaking and you are happy. You ride up the mountain, in front of you a truck climbs the heights with difficulty, no problem overtaking this "junk car". Others do and can do it too.
But the others know what to expect. You can NOT imagine it based on your culture and previous experiences. Because you do not know anything like that yet.
So, you are about to overtake, just at that moment another truck (one of the big American MACK trucks, if you know what it means) comes down the hill in the oncoming lane. Of course, since it is going downhill, as always with excessive speed. You are, as you realize what is coming your way, right in the middle of the truck to be overtaken. Normal road users try to prevent each other from this pre-programmed traffic accident, which is likely to result in death. NOT so in Colombia. It is like a game, neither the truck to be overtaken will adjust its speed in such a way that you have a chance to get in line either in front of it or behind it. The big truck will continue to drive unabated. Like already said, it is like a game sometimes. You take a chance, because neither the truck driver nor the MACK driver is to blame if an accident occurs. YOU were the one who overtook.
Motorcyclists die like this every day in the mountainous regions.

In summary, the following should actually be expressed. Colombia is an interesting country and absolutely worth getting to know. In all its facets. The positive as well as the negative.

BUT:
Any motorcyclist with little experience of handling a motorcycle is advised not to go on a motorcycle tour, whether alone or in a guided group, whether it is your own motorcycle or a rented motorcycle.
If you do not have absolute self-confidence IN your own riding technique, in the motorcycle and above all in yourself, then you should only treat yourself to this adventure when you have gained enough experience and have matured your skills. Without intending to judge other motorcyclists, it is just good advice.
You have to be aware of what you are getting yourself into, when it comes to ride a motorcycle in Colombia, and what you are doing. And if you are aware of that, then you can make the right decision for you.
Safety comes always first!

The question that still needs to be answered is how do you pay for a traffic violation in Colombia?
There is a Transito website on the Internet where the authority explains the payment procedure as follows.
How can I pay a traffic ticket online in Colombia?
ANSWER:
Enter the page Transito. In the SIMIT Services menu, select Violation Consultation. On the screen, select the type of document with which you want to make the query, and provide the number of that document. Click on the Consult button.
Unfortunately, you cannot access this website if you are outside of Colombia. This problem or phenomenon also exists in many other areas.

The amount of the minimum fine to be paid is based on 15 times the minimum monthly income in Colombia.
The minimum amount of these fines is therefore currently as follows in 2023:

Fine for riding a motorcycle without a license:
COP 309,339, which is approx. USD 74

Fine for parking a vehicle in unauthorized places:
COP 580,000, which is approx. USD 138

Fine for riding a motorcycle at a higher speed than allowed:
COP 580,000, which is approx. USD 138

Fine for not carrying out the techn.-mech. check of the vehicle:
COP 580,000, which is approx. USD 138

Fine for not wearing a helmet: 
COP 580,000, which is approx. USD 138

Fine for lack of motorcycle insurance (SOAT):    
COP 1,160,000, which is approx. USD 277

Fine for using mobile systems or telephones while riding:
COP 580,000, which is approx. USD 138

Fine for traveling against the road:  
COP 1,160,000, which is approx. USD 277

Fine for not stopping at a red light or stop sign:  
COP 1,160,000, which is approx. USD 277

Fine for driving under the influence of alcohol:
COP 3,480,000 to 55,680,480, wh. is approx. USD 830 to 13.269

(All USD figures, as of 07/08/2023)

Emergency numbers in Colombia:
The emergency numbers are:
Police 123,
Accident Rescue 132 and
Fire department 119

At MotoGS WorldTours, we do not want our words to be misconstrued. We just want to draw attention to the circumstances. Because we think knowing all this is important to know when visiting Colombia for the first time.
Colombia is very important to us, which is also due to the fact that my wife is Colombian and I lived in Colombia for several years.

As of 07/08/2023