No, Chile’s Traffic Law (Decreto Supremo N° 170/2016) prohibits consuming food or beverages while driving unless the vehicle is stationary. Violations risk fines up to 1.5 UTM (≈$120 USD) and potential license demerit points under the 2026 compliance framework. Local municipalities enforce stricter local ordinances in urban areas like Santiago.
Key Regulations for Eating While Driving in Chile
- Primary Prohibition: Article 111 of the Traffic Law explicitly bans eating or drinking behind the wheel, classifying it as a distraction under Article 200.
- Stationary Vehicle Exception: Consumption is permitted only when the vehicle is parked in a designated area, not at red lights or traffic jams.
- Local Enforcement: Municipalities like Providencia and Las Condes impose additional fines (up to 3 UTM) for repeat offenders, aligning with 2026 road safety reforms.
Penalties escalate for repeat violations, with potential license suspension under the 2026 Plan Nacional de Seguridad Vial. Police may cite drivers based on observable distraction, not just direct evidence of eating.