Jamaica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world thanks to the beautiful beaches and the warm weather. There are a number of great places to visit when you are on vacation. You can learn more about the White Witch of Rose Hall, Dunn’s River Falls, and the Blue Mountains. Visit the Bob Marley Museum, as well as James Bond Beach, and National Heroes Park. There is something for everyone.
Renting a vehicle in Jamaica
Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, and when you have a rental vehicle to get around, you will find that seeing all of the interesting spots is much easier. Drivers will need to have a valid driver’s license from their country of origin and an international driving permit. Those who are coming from North America are allowed to use their domestic license to drive for up to three months, which should be plenty of time for your vacation.
If you rent a vehicle, you have to be at least 25 years old, and you need to have held your license for at least a year. The minimum driving age is 18 years old. Upon renting the vehicle, make sure you get the rental agency’s contact numbers.
Road conditions and safety
You will find that many of the roads in Jamaica are very narrow, and many of them are in poor condition and are bumpy. This is especially true with the roads that do not have any pavement. Many of the roads do not have adequate signage either. Drivers need to be very cautious about looking out for other vehicles and drivers, as well as pedestrians and vehicles driving down the middle of the road. When it rains, many of the roads become impassable.
You will drive on the left side of the road, and you are only allowed to overtake on the right. You are not allowed to use the shoulder to overtake other vehicles. The driver and all of the passengers in the vehicle, front and rear, need to wear their seatbelts. Children who are 12 and under are required to sit in the back of the vehicle, and those who are under 4 years old need to use car seats.
Drivers are not allowed to back out of a driveway or side road onto a main road. In addition, you are not allowed to stop on a main road, within 50 feet of an intersection, or 40 feet from traffic lights. You can’t park in front of pedestrian crossings, fire hydrants, or bus stops either. You should avoid driving at night. Highway 2000 is the only toll road, which you can pay with cash or a TAG card. The rates go up occasionally, so you should check the latest information on the toll roads.
The speed limits
Always follow the speed limits in Jamaica. They are as follows.
- In town – 50 km/h
- Open roads – 80 km/h
- Highway – 110 km/h
Having a rental car will make it easier to see all of the great things that Jamaica has to offer, and you can do it without relying on public transportation.
