Driving information — Timor-Leste

Reviewed summary

A visitor holding a qualifying and valid domestic driving licence issued by another ASEAN Member State may drive the authorised class of car in Timor-Leste, subject to the ASEAN driving-licence recognition framework and Timor-Leste law.

Legal basis

1985 ASEAN Agreement on the Recognition of Domestic Driving Licences Issued by ASEAN Countries; Timor-Leste Instrument of Accession; Timor-Leste Highway Code, Decree-Law No. 6/2003, particularly sections 76, 79, 117, 119 and 124; and the 1997 Protocol to Amend ASEAN Agreements.

Licence conditions

The domestic driving licence must be valid and unexpired. Temporary, provisional and learner licences are excluded under the ASEAN Agreement. The licence must authorise the relevant car class or type. If the licence is not in English, ASEAN Agreement Article 3 requires a certified English translation. The driver must carry the driving licence and applicable documents required by Timor-Leste law.

Other destination-country information

The driver may drive only the vehicle class or type authorised by the recognised licence. Under section 117, category B covers light motorcars within the stated weight and seating limits. Under section 76, the driver and passengers of a motorcar must fasten their seat belts.

The reviewed Timor-Leste Highway Code recognises foreign-State driving permits but does not state a separate fixed 30-day, 60-day, 90-day or six-month visitor limit. ASEAN recognition remains subject to the temporary-stay framework of the ASEAN Agreement and Timor-Leste law.

For an ASEAN visitor relying on a valid ASEAN domestic driving licence, do not present an International Driving Permit as a general additional requirement. If the domestic licence is not in English, the ASEAN Agreement requires a certified English translation. Vehicle-registration, insurance, import, residence, licence-conversion and domestic-licence application rules are separate matters unless specifically applicable to the visitor's circumstances.

Reviewed summary

A visitor holding a qualifying and valid domestic driving licence issued by another ASEAN Member State may ride the authorised class of motorcycle in Timor-Leste, subject to the ASEAN driving-licence recognition framework and Timor-Leste law.

Legal basis

1985 ASEAN Agreement on the Recognition of Domestic Driving Licences Issued by ASEAN Countries; Timor-Leste Instrument of Accession; Timor-Leste Highway Code, Decree-Law No. 6/2003, particularly sections 76, 79, 84–87, 117, 119 and 124; and the 1997 Protocol to Amend ASEAN Agreements.

Licence conditions

The domestic driving licence must be valid and unexpired. Temporary, provisional and learner licences are excluded under the ASEAN Agreement. The licence must authorise the relevant motorcycle class or type. If the licence is not in English, ASEAN Agreement Article 3 requires a certified English translation. The rider must carry the driving licence and applicable documents required by Timor-Leste law.

Other destination-country information

The rider may operate only the motorcycle class or type authorised by the recognised licence. Under section 117, category A covers motorcycles above 50 cubic centimetres and may be restricted to subcategory A1 for motorcycles up to 125 cubic centimetres or 11 kW. Under section 76, rider and passenger must wear an officially approved helmet that is properly adjusted and fastened. Sections 84–87 impose additional motorcycle-specific riding, passenger, goods and lighting requirements.

The reviewed Timor-Leste Highway Code recognises foreign-State driving permits but does not state a separate fixed 30-day, 60-day, 90-day or six-month visitor limit. ASEAN recognition remains subject to the temporary-stay framework of the ASEAN Agreement and Timor-Leste law.

For an ASEAN visitor relying on a valid ASEAN domestic driving licence, do not present an International Driving Permit as a general additional requirement. If the domestic licence is not in English, the ASEAN Agreement requires a certified English translation. Motorcycle riders and passengers must comply with Timor-Leste helmet and motorcycle-safety rules. Vehicle-registration, insurance, import, residence, licence-conversion and domestic-licence application rules are separate matters unless specifically applicable to the visitor's circumstances.