Andorra – Driving

Is Andorra safe to drive in?

Andorra maintains a well-developed road network with modern infrastructure and a low rate of road fatalities, making it a relatively safe place to drive. For those arriving from larger Western European nations accustomed to sprawling urban motorway systems, Andorra’s modest road layout presents far fewer of those pressures — though the mountain environment introduces its own distinct hazards that deserve serious respect.

The principal routes through the countryside and within the capital, Andorra la Vella, are in good condition. That said, a number of mountain roads are both steep and narrow, demanding extra caution from drivers — particularly when snow or ice is present — along with additional journey time. Residents in the higher-altitude parishes of Canillo and Encamp will find that passes can become particularly hazardous from late autumn onward.

Andorra’s total road network stretches 269 km, of which 198 km are paved and 71 km are unpaved. There are no motorways. The two primary arterial routes leaving Andorra la Vella are the CG-1 toward the Spanish border and the CG-2 toward France via the Envalira Tunnel. Drivers used to high-speed autoroutes in France or Spain will find all travel within Andorra takes place on lower-category roads at more moderate speeds.

Road users in Andorra are generally considerate and law-abiding, though occasional instances of aggressive driving have been reported, particularly during the busy tourist season. The ski season brings a significant increase in rental vehicles and inexperienced mountain drivers, making heightened awareness especially important. It is advisable to avoid driving after dark where possible, as both farm animals and wildlife frequently wander onto rural roads.

What side of the road do you drive on in Andorra?

Traffic in Andorra flows on the right-hand side of the road, with vehicles having the steering wheel on the left. This aligns with both France and Spain, as well as the majority of continental Europe, making the adjustment straightforward for those already familiar with right-hand traffic systems.

Drivers arriving from countries where traffic moves on the left — such as Australia, Japan, or the United Kingdom — should exercise particular care at intersections, roundabouts, and when pulling out to overtake. The risk of instinctively reverting to left-side habits is at its highest when leaving car parks, navigating quiet mountain stretches, or making turns at junctions. Several days of deliberate concentration are typically needed before the adjustment feels natural.

In Andorra, overtaking is done on the left. Vehicles approaching from the right and emergency vehicles take priority. Drivers crossing in from France or Spain will notice no disruption to their usual habits at the border, since all three countries operate under the same right-hand traffic conventions.

What are the main driving rules in Andorra?

Andorra’s traffic regulations broadly mirror those of its neighbours, France and Spain. The general open-road speed limit is 90 km/h, dropping to 50 km/h in built-up areas and 30 km/h in residential zones. Lower limits apply where signposted — particularly on mountain passes, near schools, and in construction zones. Speed limits are clearly posted throughout the country, and speed cameras are deployed along main routes, so compliance is important.

At junctions governed by signs, those signs dictate priority. Where no signs exist, the rule of priority to the right applies — traffic approaching from the right has right of way. At roundabouts, vehicles travel counter-clockwise and must yield to traffic already on the roundabout. This differs from systems where roundabout traffic does not automatically have priority, so drivers from such countries should pay close attention at unmarked junctions.

Seatbelts must be worn by all vehicle occupants, both front and rear. Children under 10 are not permitted to sit in the front seat. An exception applies in a two-seat vehicle, where a child may ride in the front provided an appropriate restraint or child seat is used. Any child measuring less than 135 cm must be secured in a suitable booster or child seat.

Using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel is prohibited, and officers may issue on-the-spot fines to offenders. Hands-free systems are permitted, but Andorra’s enforcement culture is firm — drivers should not assume leniency. Unlike some jurisdictions where holding a phone on speaker in a cradle is tolerated, the rules here are applied strictly.

The legal blood alcohol content limit is 0.05%. Random breath testing is not unusual, and officers may stop drivers they believe have been drinking — whether on the same day or the night before. Any driver who refuses a roadside breathalyser test faces an €800 fine and a six-month licence suspension. Driving while impaired by drugs is punishable by a €600 fine and a three-month suspension.

Daytime running lights are required in most driving situations. Dipped headlights must be used whenever entering a tunnel, driving in rain, or when visibility is reduced for any other reason. Between 1 November and 15 May, winter tyres or snow chains are a legal requirement. The Departament de Mobilitat website is the authoritative source for current regulations, and drivers should consult it before any winter journey.

What equipment are you legally required to carry in your car in Andorra?

All drivers in Andorra are expected to carry certain documentation at all times: a valid driving licence (and an IDP where applicable), the vehicle registration document, a valid insurance certificate (a Green Card for vehicles registered in European countries), and a passport or national identity card. Those driving rental vehicles should also carry the rental agreement. Police may request any or all of these during routine stops.

Beyond paperwork, Andorran law stipulates that specific safety items must be kept in the vehicle at all times. These include:

• At least one warning triangle (two are recommended for additional safety)
• A high-visibility reflective vest, which must be worn before exiting the vehicle on any road
• A first aid kit (recommended as good practice, though not strictly mandated)
• A fire extinguisher (recommended)
• A spare tyre or a tyre repair kit

Driving without the required accessories may result in a €120 fine. Carrying a fire extinguisher and first aid kit is strongly advised even where not obligatory. Notably, unlike France — where carrying a personal breathalyser is a legal requirement — Andorra imposes no such obligation, though keeping one on hand is prudent given the active roadside testing culture.

Between 1 November and 15 May, winter tyres rated M+S or snow chains must be available in or fitted to your vehicle. Failing to comply can result in an on-the-spot €180 fine, and access to certain roads may be denied. This obligation extends to all vehicles regardless of where they are registered, so foreign-plated vehicles enjoy no exemption.

A country-of-registration sticker must be displayed on the rear of any vehicle. If you are driving a car registered outside Andorra, confirm your home country’s requirements for the appropriate country-code sticker before crossing the border.

What are the most important road signs in Andorra?

Andorra is a signatory to the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, and its road signage follows international conventions in line with the rest of Europe. The familiar categories are all present: red circular signs denote prohibitions such as speed limits and no-entry restrictions, blue circular signs indicate mandatory requirements, triangles warn of hazards ahead, and rectangular or square signs deliver informational messages. Any driver with experience of European roads will find Andorra’s signage immediately familiar.

Signs are primarily written in Catalan, the official language of Andorra, with French also appearing on routes approaching the French border. Key terms worth learning include “Peatge” (toll), “Desviament” (diversion), “Obres” (roadworks), and “Zona residencial” (residential zone). Drivers should not assume that signage will appear in their own language — while French is present on relevant routes, English or Spanish equivalents are not guaranteed.

Traffic lights operate on the standard international three-colour system: red signals a stop, amber indicates prepare to move, and green permits progress. There is no general provision for turning right on a red light unless a dedicated green filter arrow is displayed. Pedestrian crossing phases operate separately in urban areas, and in the busy shopping districts of Andorra la Vella — where foot traffic is heavy — drivers should give pedestrian signals careful attention.

Mountain-specific signage demands particular awareness. Signs indicating compulsory chain use, weight restrictions on passes, and seasonal road closures due to snow appear regularly in winter months and carry legal force. Before departing — especially for ski resorts or high-altitude routes — consult the official road authority site at mobilitat.ad for the latest closure and restriction information.

What must you do if you have a road accident in Andorra?

If any person is injured as a result of a collision, emergency services must be summoned immediately by calling 112. In accidents where no one is hurt, vehicles should be moved to a safe location and the drivers involved should exchange contact and insurance details. Every driver involved in an accident is legally obliged to remain at the scene. Fleeing after a crash — particularly one involving injuries — can lead to serious criminal consequences.

The key emergency contact numbers in Andorra are:

The dedicated police emergency line is 110 / (+376) 872 000. The Andorran Fire Brigade coordinates mountain rescue operations and responds to road incidents on remote or steep routes — a service that is called upon with some frequency during winter months when conditions deteriorate rapidly.

Following any accident, you should contact both the police and your insurance provider (or car rental company) for guidance. Depending on the severity, police may attend and produce an official accident report, which you will need to retain for insurance or rental purposes. Using a European Accident Statement form — typically included with insurance documents — is highly recommended for recording scene details, as it streamlines cross-border claims. Where it is safe to do so, photograph all vehicle damage, the scene layout, and any visible injuries before vehicles are moved.

Police in Andorra are authorised to collect fines on the spot and will provide a payment receipt. You should also notify your insurer promptly after any incident, as delayed reporting can complicate or invalidate a claim. Residents with Andorra-registered vehicles must hold a local insurance policy; current requirements are available from the Government of Andorra or directly through your insurer.

Where can you find up-to-date road traffic information for Andorra?

Staying informed about current road conditions is essential for anyone driving in Andorra, and the primary official source is the Andorran Traffic Department’s website at mobilitat.ad. The site publishes information on road closures, incidents, and other significant updates. This should be your first port of call before any journey, and particularly before heading out in winter or during unsettled weather when mountain passes may be restricted or closed entirely.

The Departament de Mobilitat provides real-time data on road conditions, scheduled roadworks, and zones where snow chains are obligatory. Always verify that any web address you rely on is current, as official government URLs occasionally change.

For navigation purposes, widely used apps including Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps offer reliable coverage of Andorra’s road network and incorporate live traffic feeds. Waze in particular has a strong user community throughout the Pyrenees region, capable of flagging real-time incidents, speed camera locations, and police activity. French and Spanish radio stations covering border regions occasionally broadcast Andorran road condition updates, especially during the ski season when demand is highest.

The Visit Andorra portal offers useful seasonal travel guidance, including updates on mountain pass accessibility. For those driving to ski resorts, the Grandvalira and Vallnord websites publish live road condition reports for their access routes — an invaluable resource for residents in the higher parishes.

How does parking work in Andorra?

Finding a parking space in Andorra — particularly in its urban centres — can be challenging. The country has limited availability of spaces, and parking enforcement is taken seriously. Because Andorra depends heavily on its road infrastructure rather than rail transport, car ownership rates are high, and the pressure on parking in the capital is acute — especially during peak shopping periods and the ski season.

All parking in Andorra la Vella is subject to payment, with the sole exception of Sundays and public holidays when street parking is free. The capital operates a two-zone system: Zone 1 is marked in blue and intended for shorter stays, while Zone 2 is marked in green and permits longer parking periods. Most parking in the city is provided by underground or multi-storey car parks, with limited street spaces using pay-and-display meters.

Parking penalties are actively enforced. As of 2024, a violation in a blue or green zone carries a €12 fine. More serious offences — such as parking at a bus stop, on a pedestrian crossing, on the pavement, or in a designated disabled space without the appropriate permit — attract a €120 fine. Vehicles committing serious violations are subject to towing, and given the country’s small size, recovery trucks are rarely far away. Individual parishes (comuns) manage their own parking arrangements and resident permit schemes, so those seeking a resident permit should contact their local comú for current rates and procedures.

Disabled parking bays are reserved for vehicles displaying a valid disabled parking permit. Recognition of foreign disabled badges is not automatic, and drivers should verify with their local comú whether their permit will be accepted before relying on it. Each comú administers its own scheme, and residents should apply directly to their parish authority. Contact information for all comuns is listed on the Government of Andorra website.

Major ski resorts such as Grandvalira and Vallnord provide large parking areas that are often free for day visitors during the ski season, though policies vary and can change from year to year. Outside the capital, parking is generally more plentiful, though resort villages experience significant congestion during busy ski weekends.

Can you drive in Andorra on a foreign or international licence?

Foreign licences are valid for driving in Andorra, but only for non-resident visitors to the Principality. Those who intend to take up residence are subject to a separate and more formal process. For short-stay visitors, licences issued by European Union member states and by EFTA countries — Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein — are accepted as valid in Andorra.

Holders of EU or EEA licences do not generally require an International Driving Permit for brief visits to Andorra. Drivers arriving from outside the EU or EEA should carry a valid IDP alongside their national licence. Andorra is not party to the 1968 Vienna Convention but accepts IDPs issued under both the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention formats — travellers should check which format their country issues before departing.

For residents, the requirements are considerably more specific. Anyone holding an Andorran residence authorisation must replace their foreign licence with an Andorran one within one year of the residence permit being granted. Once that year has elapsed, the original licence ceases to be valid for driving within the Principality, and penalties apply.

The licence exchange — known as the “canje” — follows different procedures depending on the issuing country. Licences from the following countries are eligible for direct exchange: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Cyprus, the United Kingdom and the United States. This list should always be verified with the Government of Andorra before beginning the process, as bilateral agreements may be updated.

For those whose licence qualifies for direct exchange, the procedure is as follows:

1. Register with the Immigration Service and obtain your Andorran residency permit.
2. Register with your local comú (parish authority) to confirm your address.
3. Obtain an official medical certificate from a registered doctor in Andorra (as of 2025, this certificate is valid for 3 months and costs around €30–€40).
4. Gather your documents: the application form, your original driver’s licence, your residency certificate, a recent passport photo, and a sworn statement that your licence is valid.
5. Submit your application at the Department of Procedures (Tràmit) of the Government of Andorra, or via the Automòbil Club d’Andorra (ACA).
6. Pay the applicable fee. As of 2024, the fee for the procedure is currently around €70.
7. The authorities will verify the authenticity of your licence with the authorities in your home country. Once the process is complete — usually a few weeks — you will be notified to collect your new Andorran driver’s licence.

Drivers from countries without an exchange agreement with Andorra are required to sit a driving test in order to obtain an Andorran licence. During the first year of residency, foreign nationals may take the theory test in English for any licence category. One noteworthy feature of the Andorran licence system is that it does not use a points-based penalty structure — a significant difference from the systems in place in neighbouring France and Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving in Andorra

Are there toll roads in Andorra?

Andorra has no toll roads as such. The one exception is the Envalira Tunnel, which connects Pas de la Casa near the French border with the Grau Roig ski resort. Electric vehicle drivers pass through the tunnel at no charge. As of 2024, residents and workers based in Pas de la Casa are entitled to a 50% reduction on the standard toll rate. It is advisable to check current rates before travelling, as fees are subject to periodic revision.

Do I need special insurance to drive in Andorra?

A minimum of third-party insurance is required to drive legally in Andorra. Anyone using a rental car should confirm that the rental agreement explicitly covers driving in Andorra. EU and EEA rental policies often include Andorra automatically, but this should be verified in advance rather than assumed. Residents registering a vehicle in Andorra must hold a policy issued by an Andorran insurance company.

What are the winter driving requirements in Andorra?

Between 1 November and 15 May, all vehicles must either be fitted with winter tyres bearing the snowflake marking on the tyre wall or carry snow chains. Being caught without compliant tyres or chains can result in an immediate €180 fine. Winter tyres become a legal necessity whenever snow or ice covers the road surface in whole or in part, and officers have the authority to prevent non-compliant vehicles from proceeding.

What are the penalties for drink-driving in Andorra?

Andorra enforces stricter drink-driving rules than many comparable countries. Penalties can reach a €600 fine and a two-month driving prohibition, and authorities retain the right to impound the offending vehicle. Refusing to submit to a breathalyser test attracts an €800 fine and a six-month licence suspension. The safest course for anyone planning to drive is to abstain entirely from alcohol.

Is it safe to drive in Andorra during winter?

Mountain weather can shift without warning — fog, rain, or snowfall can all dramatically reduce visibility and road grip. Adopt a defensive driving style, anticipate tight blind bends, and engage a lower gear on extended descents to harness engine braking and protect your brakes from overheating. Before any winter journey, particularly if it involves the Envalira Pass or routes to the higher ski areas, check live road conditions at mobilitat.ad.

Can I drive a rental car into Andorra?

You must advise your rental company at the time of booking that you plan to enter Andorra. Not every company authorises cross-border travel, and those that do may apply a supplementary charge. Since Andorra sits outside the European Union, standard EU-territory rental insurance policies do not always extend to it automatically. Always obtain written confirmation of coverage for Andorra before you collect the vehicle.

Are children required to use car seats in Andorra?

Children under 135 cm in height must travel in an appropriate child seat or booster. Children younger than 10 may not occupy the front seat of a car. In a two-seat vehicle, a child under 10 may sit in the front provided a suitable restraint is in use. These requirements closely mirror the rules applied in France and Spain, so parents familiar with those countries will find the system in Andorra broadly consistent.

Are there any unique driving rules in Andorra I should know about?

One rule that catches some drivers by surprise is the prohibition on transporting petrol in cans inside a vehicle — this is not commonly enforced in many other countries. Additionally, daytime running lights are obligatory in most driving conditions, and dipped headlights must be used whenever passing through a tunnel, driving in rain, or operating in reduced visibility. Officers can issue on-the-spot fines across a broad range of offences. Before setting out, the most reliable sources for current rules are the Government of Andorra and the Departament de Mobilitat.