Driving Tips for Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico's 3,500 square miles are a lot of land to explore. Although you can get from town to town via público, it's not the best way to travel unless your Spanish is good and you know exactly where you're going.

In spite of traffic signs in Spanish and aggressive fellow drivers, a rental car may be best for exploring outside the old city.

Roads in Puerto Rico are well marked with distances posted in kilometers and speed limits in miles per hour. Be aware that many of Puerto Rico's newer roads are toll roads, so keep change handy.

Roads in the interior of the island can be narrow and steep. Chickens and dogs share the road with vehicles. You may find that local drivers travel at high speeds regardless of road conditions or narrowness of the roads. Drive defensively and make sure to buy a good road map.

Tips:

1. In Puerto Rico people drive the right hand lane.
2. The road signs are in Spanish and all international signs are applicable in Puerto Rico.
3. You must have an authorized driver’s license. Foreign or United States licenses will only be valid for the first 120 days since your arrival to Puerto Rico. Save your plane ticket, it is your best evidence.
4. The use of safety belts is mandatory. Buckle up or pay USD55 per passenger.
5. Children 4 to 12 years of age are required to be seated in the back. Children under 4 years of age are required to be placed in a safety seat. Car rentals rent the child seat and are limited in supply.
6. The speed on highways is between 55-65 MPH; pay close attention to road signs as this will change according to the area in which you are driving.
7. The roads are measure in Kilometers.
8. The speed limits are in miles per hour.
9. Alcohol limit for drivers is .08%. The breath test is mandatory.
10. School Zone speed limit is 10 MPH, Urban Zone is 25 MPH, except for public zones with 4 lanes or more where the maximum speed is 35 MPH.
11. It is extremely importance to obey the traffic and precaution signs!!!
    

Enjoy the ride on the right lane when traveling on the Expressway to avoid to be honk by the local drivers.

For more information please contact the Traffic Safety Commission at: 787-721-4142.

Car Rentals in Puerto Rico

There are approximately 10 rental car companies. Renting a car outside the airport will avoid paying a 10% airport tax, but you need to pay a taxi. Remember to ask your rental car company for a map and to mark the places you wish to visit. It is very difficult to rent a car last minute in December and January; therefore, make reservations.

Car Rentals Tips:

1. Bring a copy of your personal car insurance and consult with your broker if it covers accidents in Puerto Rico. This option could be convenient if you are renting a car for a week or more. Remember that you would have to pay your insurance deductible in case of an accident while driving the rented vehicle.
2. It is more convenient to purchase the full insurance at the rental company for a day or two.
3. All children 4 years of age and younger must travel on a car seat. When making reservations, inform the company to include a car seat in the rental. The cost is approximately USD3.00 per day.