Driving in Cape Verde

Driving in Cape Verde is fairly straightforward, and renting a car can be a good option for those who want more flexibility and independence during their stay in the archipelago.

Visitors with a foreign driver's license can drive in Cape Verde with the license of their country of origin for up to six monthsHowever, you should always carry your passport with you. Driving licenses issued in Portugal are valid in Cape Verde under a bilateral agreement between the two countries.

Basic traffic rules in Cape Verde

The condition of the roads and traffic regulations in Cape Verde may differ from your country of origin, so you should pay attention to a few things basic driving rules in Cape Verde:

• The minimum age for driving in Cape Verde is 18.
• In Cape Verde, you drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• The maximum speed allowed in Cape Verde is 50 Km/h in urban areas and 90 Km/h outside towns/cities. Inside towns, you should be more cautious with your speed and pay special attention to people crossing the road, as it is common for people to do so outside crosswalks, especially in places where there are few or no crosswalks.
• Seat belts are compulsory for the driver and front seat passengers in cars. Although many people tend to ignore this rule, avoid doing so both for your own safety and to avoid being fined.
• Motorcyclists and motorcycle passengers must wear safety helmets in Cape Verde. Motorcycles must always have their dipped headlights on during the day.
• At intersections or unsignalized junctions, the vehicle on the right has priority. At traffic circles, you must give way to vehicles already on the traffic circle.
• Children under the age of 12 should sit in the back seat.
• Vehicles should be parked in the direction of traffic.
• By law in Cape Verde, motor vehicles can only be driven if they have compulsory Motor Third Party Liability insurance. You should always make sure that proof of insurance is in the car (the insurance sticker is usually placed on the windshield of the car).
• The maximum permitted blood alcohol level in Cape Verde is 0.5 g/l. In addition to the safety risk, a driver with a blood alcohol level equal to or greater than 0.5 g/l and less than 1.20 g/l can be punished with a fine of between 25,000 ECV (€250) and 250,000 ECV (€2,500). When the rate is equal to or greater than 1.20 g/l, a prison sentence of 3 to 12 months or a fine of up to 100 days may be imposed. The prison sentence can be extended to 2 years if the drink-driver has caused a traffic accident. In short, if you're going to drink, take a cab!

Fuel supply in Cape Verde

Fuel pumps in Cape Verde are owned by Enacol and Shell, and often have their own convenience store. They are usually located at the entrances or exits of towns, and conveniently distributed within the larger cities. Fuel pumps are not self-service, an attendant will fill you up.

Public roads

Cape Verde has an extensive road network. Paved roads are increasingly prevalent, especially in urban areas. However, cobbled roads are still very common.

Striped crosswalks are common in urban areas and must be respected by drivers. Illuminated traffic signs in Cape Verde are very rare, but you can usually find them in the city of Praia.

In the rainy season, you have to be extra cautious both on roads that cut through mountains (mud and landslides are common) and on cobbled roads (which tend to be particularly slippery).

Tip: If you plan to rent a car during your stay in Cape Verde, consider a 4×4 car, especially if you plan to venture into the interior or on uneven paths such as the sand dunes of Cape Verde. Viana desert.

If you need more specific advice on transportation in Cape Verde, car rental or other matters, don't hesitate to contact us.