The Dominican Republic is a country surrounded by the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean. With its picturesque white sand beaches, clear blue waters and bright sunny days, it is the ultimate destination for beach lovers. The country also boasts a complex landscape with the Caribbean’s tallest mountains to its lowest inland point. Boredom is rare, for the country possesses numerous water sports and land activities such as touring the jungles, forests and mountain areas, horse riding, sailing, deep sea fishing and whale watching to name but a few. The Dominican Republic is a must-see tourist destination.
If you want to make the most of the country, hiring a car is a great way to get around.
A valid driver’s licence from the UK will allow you to drive in the country for 90 days.
In the Dominican Republic, always practice safe driving. Traffic laws in this country are similar to those in the UK, but you might notice that the laws are not as stringently enforced. Undisciplined driving is very common, due to the lack of adequate traffic controls, because of this you will need to be extra careful.
Always drive at the right side of the road. Speed limits vary from 45 kilometers per hour (28 miles per hour) in the city to 77 k/ph (48 mph) on rural areas, but it is not uncommon to see cars traveling well in excess of these speeds. Keeping within the marked speed limits is always advised. Traveling at night should be avoided when possibly, due to the possibility of poorly lit or maintained roads. Other vehicles may often be seen with broken headlights or taillights, causing hazards for other drivers. Doing a right turn on a red light is permitted but should be done with great caution. Drivers here can be aggressive on the road, so always be keep your cool.
Seatbelts are required by law and those caught not wearing them will be fined. There are no child car seat laws, but you should always ensure that children are safely restrained when travelling. Penalties for those driving under the influence and those causing accidents resulting in injury or death are severe. Drivers are taken into custody if found drinking and driving. The minimum detention period is 48 hours; however, detentions frequently last until a judicial decision is reached (often weeks or months), or until a waiver is signed by the injured party (usually as a result of a cash settlement).
There is a law, which requires that all mobile phone usage be done with a hands-free device while driving. Motor scooters and motorcycles are common things on the road and can often be hazardous for other cars so caution should be exercised.
Summary:
- Seatbelts should always be worn
- Only use yor mobile phone with a hands free kit when driving
- Carry your driving licence with you
- For safety reasons, you should never drink and drive
All information on this page is provided as a guide for our customers. It is intended as an overview of different driving rules, customs and points of interest in each country. It is not a comprehensive guide. Although we try to keep information on this page as accurate and up to date as possible, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. If you find any errors or there is anything you would like us to add, please contact us.
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