Driving in Ecuador — License, Insurance, Roads, and What to Know

Driving in Ecuador is not like driving in the US, Canada, or Europe. The rules exist on paper but are loosely enforced. Other drivers treat lanes as suggestions. Motorcycles appear from nowhere. Pedestrians cross six-lane highways on foot. And yet, thousands of expats drive here every day and manage just fine — once they understand how it actually works.

This guide covers everything: getting your license, insuring your vehicle, navigating the roads, and deciding whether owning a car in Ecuador makes sense for you.

Can You Drive on a US or Foreign License?

Yes, temporarily. Ecuador allows you to drive on a valid foreign driver's license for up to 90 days from your entry date (matching the tourist visa window). After that — or once you become a resident — you are technically required to obtain an Ecuadorian driver's license.

In practice, many expats drive on their US license for months without issue. Traffic stops rarely result in a license check beyond seeing that you have one. But if you are in an accident, not having the correct license gives the insurance company a reason to deny your claim and gives the other party's attorney leverage against you.

Bottom line: Get the Ecuadorian license. It is not difficult, and it protects you.

Getting an Ecuadorian Driver's License

Requirements

• Valid Ecuador visa and cedula (national ID card)
• Your foreign driver's license (original)
• Apostilled and translated copy of your foreign license (some ANT offices accept the original without translation — this varies by city)
• Medical and psychometric evaluation certificate from an ANT-authorized testing center
• Blood type certificate (you can get this at most labs for $5–$10)
• Payment of the license fee (~$42–$62 depending on license type)

The Process

1. Get your medical/psychometric evaluation. These are done at authorized centers (centros de evaluacion) near ANT offices. The test includes a basic vision check, hearing test, color blindness test, reaction time assessment, and a brief psychological evaluation. It costs about $50–$60 and takes 1–2 hours. You do not need to speak fluent Spanish — the evaluators are accustomed to working with foreigners.

2. Gather your documents. Cedula, foreign license, medical certificate, blood type certificate, and passport. Make copies of everything.

3. Visit your local ANT office (Agencia Nacional de Transito). In Cuenca, the main office is on Avenida Espana. In Quito, there are multiple locations. Bring all originals and copies. Take a number and wait.

4. Pay the fee and receive your license. If your documents are in order, you can receive your Ecuadorian license the same day. The license is a credit-card-sized plastic card valid for 5 years.

License Types

• Type B: Standard passenger vehicles up to 3,500 kg. This is what you want.
• Type A: Motorcycles.
• Type C, D, E: Commercial vehicles, buses, heavy equipment.

A US license typically converts directly to a Type B without a driving test. Some ANT offices may require a brief written exam on Ecuadorian traffic laws — study the basic rules (speed limits, right-of-way, traffic signals) beforehand.

Car Insurance in Ecuador

Car insurance is not mandatory in Ecuador. Read that again. There is no legal requirement to carry liability insurance. As a result, the majority of Ecuadorian drivers are uninsured.

This means you need to be insured, because if someone hits you and they have no insurance (likely), you are covering your own damages.

Insurance Options

Seguros Equinoccial, Seguros Oriente, Liberty Seguros, and AIG Ecuador are the major providers. Premiums for comprehensive coverage on a mid-range vehicle (say, a 2020 Kia Sportage worth $22,000) run approximately $800–$1,400 per year.

Comprehensive policies typically cover:

• Collision damage
• Theft (a real concern — Ecuador has high vehicle theft rates)
• Third-party liability
• Natural disasters (relevant given earthquakes and landslides)
• Roadside assistance (grua service)

Tips

• Get theft coverage. Vehicle theft is one of the top property crimes in Ecuador. Comprehensive coverage with theft is non-negotiable if you own a car worth more than a few thousand dollars.
• Take photos and video immediately if you are in an accident, before anyone moves the vehicles. Ecuadorian insurance claims require documentation of the scene.
• SOAT (Seguro Obligatorio de Accidentes de Transito) is a separate, mandatory accident insurance that covers medical costs for anyone injured in a traffic accident. It costs about $40–$70 per year and is required for vehicle registration renewal. It does not replace real insurance.

Road Conditions

Highways

Ecuador's major highways are generally in good condition. The Panamericana (E35) runs north-south through the highlands and is a well-maintained two-to-four-lane highway. The coastal highway (Ruta del Spondylus / E15) is scenic but has stretches of poor maintenance.

The Cuenca-to-Guayaquil highway via Cajas National Park is one of the most dramatic drives in the country — and one of the most dangerous. Thick fog, steep dropoffs, no guardrails, and altitude changes from 4,100 meters to sea level in under two hours.

City Streets

Urban roads range from smooth to catastrophic. Cuenca's historic center has cobblestone streets that flood during heavy rain. Quito's northern modern districts have good roads; southern neighborhoods less so. Guayaquil is generally flat and paved but chaotic.

Potholes are everywhere. They appear overnight after rain and can be deep enough to damage a rim or blow a tire. Drive defensively and watch the road surface, not just other vehicles.

Rural Roads

Once you leave the main highways, expect unpaved roads, single-lane bridges, livestock in the road, and no signage. A higher-clearance vehicle (SUV or truck) is strongly recommended if you plan to explore beyond cities.

Fotomultas (Speed Cameras)

Ecuador has an extensive network of speed cameras, and they work. Fotomultas are automated speed enforcement cameras installed on highways and major urban roads throughout the country. They photograph your license plate and mail the fine to the vehicle's registered owner.

Speed Limits

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Perimeter roads: 90 km/h (56 mph)
• Highways: 100–120 km/h (62–75 mph), depending on the segment
• School zones: 20 km/h (12 mph)

Fines

Speeding fines are calculated based on the SBU (Salario Basico Unificado), Ecuador's minimum wage (currently $460/month in 2026):

• Exceeding the limit by up to 25%: 10% of SBU (~$46)
• Exceeding by 25–50%: 25% of SBU (~$115)
• Exceeding by more than 50%: 50% of SBU (~$230), plus potential license suspension

Fotomulta fines accumulate on the vehicle's registration. You cannot renew your matricula (vehicle registration) until all outstanding fines are paid. Check your fines at the ANT website or at any ANT office.

Where to Watch Out

Camera locations include the Cuenca-Azogues highway, the Panamericana near Ambato and Riobamba, the Quito-bound approach from the airport, and many urban avenues. Locals sometimes flash headlights to warn of cameras ahead — a universal custom in Ecuador.

Pico y Placa Restrictions

Pico y placa is a traffic restriction system in Quito and Guayaquil that prohibits certain vehicles from driving during peak hours based on the last digit of their license plate.

Quito

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00–9:30 AM and 4:00–7:30 PM
• Schedule: Varies by last digit. For example, plates ending in 1 and 2 are restricted on Monday; 3 and 4 on Tuesday; and so on.
• Fine: Approximately $86 (20% of SBU)

Guayaquil

Similar system with slightly different hours and schedules.

Cuenca, Manta, Loja

No pico y placa restrictions as of 2026.

Check the current schedule before driving in Quito or Guayaquil — the city government posts updates on quito.gob.ec.

Gas Prices

Ecuador has some of the cheapest gasoline in the Americas thanks to government subsidies, though prices have risen in recent years.

• Extra (regular, 85 octane): ~$2.72/gallon
• Super (premium, 92 octane): ~$3.80–$4.10/gallon
• Diesel (Eco Pais): ~$1.85/gallon

Most passenger cars run fine on Extra. Higher-end vehicles and turbocharged engines may require Super. Gas stations are plentiful in cities; in rural areas, fill up whenever you see a station.

Cash is common at gas stations, though most now accept debit cards. Credit card acceptance is inconsistent.

Buying vs. Renting a Car

Buying

Used cars in Ecuador are expensive relative to their condition. A 10-year-old Toyota Hilux with 150,000 km might cost $18,000–$22,000. Ecuadorian import duties on new vehicles are steep (35–45%), which inflates both new and used prices.

Where to buy:

• OLX Ecuador and Patio Tuerca are the main online classifieds
• Dealerships in major cities (not always cheaper but offer some buyer protection)
• Private sales through expat Facebook groups

What to check:

• Verify the vehicle has no outstanding fines (check at ANT)
• Confirm the matricula is current
• Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
• Verify the seller is the registered owner (check the matricula and cedula)

Registration transfer requires a visit to the ANT with both buyer and seller present, plus payment of transfer taxes (approximately 1% of the assessed vehicle value).

Renting

Short-term rentals are available through Budget, Avis, Hertz, and local companies in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. Expect $35–$60/day for a basic sedan, $50–$90/day for an SUV. Long-term rentals (monthly) can run $500–$800.

International rental companies sometimes offer better insurance coverage and roadside assistance. Local companies are often cheaper but read the contract carefully.

The Verdict

If you live in Cuenca, Quito's historic center, or a beach town, you can probably manage without a car using taxis, buses, and ride-hailing apps. Taxis in Cuenca rarely cost more than $3–$4 within the city. If you live in a rural area, a suburb, or you plan to travel frequently, owning a car makes life significantly easier.

Road Trip Safety

Ecuador is a phenomenal road trip country — you can drive from the Andes to the coast in three hours, from cloud forest to desert in a day. But take precautions.

Before You Go

• Check road conditions on social media and local news. Landslides frequently close mountain roads during rainy season (January–May on the coast, October–May in the Sierra).
• Carry cash for tolls. Toll roads (peajes) cost $0.50–$2.00 per toll and are cash-only.
• Fill up your tank. Gas stations can be sparse on rural routes.

On the Road

• Drive during daylight. Ecuadorian roads are poorly lit. Livestock, pedestrians, and broken-down vehicles without reflectors create invisible hazards at night.
• Watch for buses. Intercity buses drive aggressively, pass on blind curves, and expect you to yield. Let them pass. It is not worth the argument.
• Altitude matters. If driving through the highlands, passes above 4,000 meters can have ice, fog, and sudden weather changes. The Cajas pass west of Cuenca and the Papallacta pass east of Quito are notorious.
• Lock valuables out of sight. Do not leave bags, electronics, or anything visible in a parked car, especially at trailheads and tourist stops.

If You Are in an Accident

1. Do not move the vehicles unless they are blocking all traffic and creating a safety hazard. Ecuadorian law generally requires vehicles to stay in position until a traffic officer (agente de transito) arrives.
2. Call 911 if there are injuries.
3. Take photos and video of everything — damage, license plates, the scene, skid marks.
4. Exchange cedula numbers and insurance information (if the other driver has insurance).
5. File a police report (denuncia) at the nearest police station or ANT office.
6. Contact your insurance company within 24 hours.

Final Thoughts

Driving in Ecuador is manageable once you adjust your expectations. It requires more attention, more patience, and more defensive awareness than driving in North America. The rewards are access to some of the most stunning and varied landscapes on the continent, on your own schedule.

Get the license. Get the insurance. Keep your head on a swivel. And do not take the bus drivers personally.

For more on daily life logistics, check out our guide on Ecuadorian culture shocks and safety in Ecuador. And if you are still working on your residency visa, EcuaPass can walk you through the entire process.