Driving Permits for Foreigners ~ for 90 days

Requirements

~ Passport

~ Authorization from the Direction of Migration and Naturalization

~ Blood type

~ Present a written test about the driving manual and traffic rules

~ Listen to a speech

~ The cost of this permit depends on the validity of the document, if it is for less than 3 months it is $5.50 and for more than 3 months it is $20.00

From Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. a 9:30 a.m.

OBSERVATION: If the person has a valid driver’s license from their own country they can present it to the “Autoridad del Transito” and they will obtain an equivalent Panamanian drivers license without the need to present any written or practical tests. To do so you must have some type of visa (work, pensionado, reforestation, etc.)

Since January of 2007

Article 236: The owners of vehicles are obligated to maintain a effective civil responsibility insurance policy, which includes as a minimum:

• Responsibility for damage to foreign property for the minimum amount of $5,000.00
• Responsibility for personal injuries of $5,000.00 per person and $10,000.00 per accident.

The owners of vehicles registered in other countries are forced to comply with the dispositions of this article in order to be able to drive in the Republic of Panama.

Source: Gaceta Oficial, Friday 29 of December of 2006 (nº 25,701)

A license will be suspended if a person acquires more than thirty five (35) points in a period of 12 months. Also if:

• If there are severe injuries or death caused by a traffic accident, and the police can establish negligence from part of the driver.
• For driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, which is to be determined by the proper authorities.
• For conducting race or speed competitions (”regattas”) on public roads.
• For a hit and run when a person is involved in a traffic accident.

If you commit any of these infractions a second time, your license will be canceled.

One wonders how much certain tickets cost. Well here is a list of the most common infractions. This also includes how many points you are given on your license.

~ Vehicle without title ~ 1 point ~ $25

~ Vehicle with expired tag ~ 3 points ~ $50

~ Vehicle without a tag ~ 3 points ~ $50

~ Not carrying a driver’s license ~ 2 points ~ $50

~ Allowing an unauthorized person to drive ~ 5 points ~ $150

~ Refusing to pull over the vehicle when required (fuga) ~ 6 points ~$200

~ Talking on the phone when driving ~ 3 points ~ $75

~ Not wearing a seatbelt ~ 3 points ~ $75

~ Spilling or throwing garbage on the road ~ 2 points ~ $75

~ This one if for TAXIS: Refusal to take a passenger ~ 1 point ~ $75

~ DUI first time depending on alcohol level ~ 5 points ~ $150

~ DUI second time or for the first time if the alcohol level is very high ~ Suspension of license, removal of vehicle, and fine.

~ Reckless driving ~ 3 points ~ $75

~ Driving on the wrong side of the road or giving a U turn where is prohibited ~ 3 points ~ $75

~ Driving on the wrong side of the lane of the road or highway ~ 2 points ~ $50

~ Driving on the shoulder of the road ~ 2 points ~ $50

~ Refusal to stop ~ 5 points ~ $100

~ Passing a red light ~ 6 points ~ $100

~ Vehicle parked where it’s not allowed ~ 1 point ~ $10

~ Parking in a handicapped spot (Law 42 of 27/August /99) ~ 3 points ~ $50 ~ Double if the person does it again.

~ Speeding ~ 5 points ~$50 ~ If the person does it again, attendance to a lecture is required.

~ Hit and run or property damage ~ Cancellation of license.

You have 30 days to pay for the ticket or you will receive a an additional fee (10% of the ticket value)

To see a complete list of all traffic infractions please access the A.T.T.T. Webpage (which is in Spanish)

Article 116. To renew a driver’s license for a person over seventy (70) years old a medical certificate is required. This certification must be from doctor who specializes in geriatrics or internal medicine and it must state that the driver is in good physical and mental conditions in order to drive a vehicle. In cases which the A.T.T.T. requires necessary a experience exam will be conducted.

Note: The driver’s license for a person over 70 will be valid for two (2) years, unless there is a violation of the traffic manual and the A.T.T.T. or a transit judge states the contrary.