Driving in Barbados is on the left. This can take some getting used to for American drivers. That means that you give way to your right on roundabouts. Most of the roads are very good but watch out for potholes when you get out into the countryside. The most pressing danger to watch out for is when driving at night. Many roads do not have pavements (sidewalks) and so pedestrians will walk on the side of the road where they may be difficult to see.
Roads are generally quite cramped apart from the ABC highway. Also watch out for the buses and vans, they go much faster than larger vehicles should. Having a map or a GPS is invaluable. Although Barbados is very small it is very easy to get lost especially if you follow local instructions! If a driver flashes his headlights at you at an intersection this means that you can go ahead. You should never leave valuables in an unattended vehicle and always park in well lit areas. Don't pick up hitchhikers.
First of all do not admit liability even if it was your fault. Then phone the police and your car hire company and the police. You should try to take pictures and write down the number, name and station of the attending police officers.
It is illegal not to have a seatbelt on and children who are under five years of age need to have a proper child seat.
The main highway is the ABC highway. It is well signposted.
It costs about 3 US dollars per gallon. Prices for renting a car are also quite expensive and you do so through local companies as there are no major car hire companies on the island.
There is no drink driving limit in Barbados.
Your car hire company will give you a Barbados driving permit. They can also be obtained from police stations in Hastings, Worthing, and Holetown, the Ministry of Transport (which is open from Monday – Friday, 8.30am to 2.30pm) or the airport (every day, 8am to 10pm.) You will have to pay a registration fee of $10 Barbados Dollars.
No you need a temporary permit or an international driving permit.
Get out de road man! / Go lon'
Barbadian – Bajan
Mini moke – Small vehicle which does not have doors.
Horns are often used to greet passing friends.
No
20 miles per hour in the city
37 miles per hour on country roads
45 miles per hour on highways
The conversion from kilometres to miles per hour is one kilometre = 0.62 miles per hour. Therefore 45 miles per hour is 72 kilometres.
To drive in Barbados you need to be at least 21 years old.
The emergency services number is 211 for the Police, 511 for the Ambulance and 311 for the Fire Service. For driving advice contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 212-986-6516
Only park where there is a P sign or in the Bridgetown car parks, because if you park somewhere else you might get a parking ticket. To park it costs about one Barbados dollar per hour, and twice as much to park at the airport. Bajans often give you advice on where to park but don't necessarily take it.