Guide to Driving In Jamaica - Drive Safe in Jamaica

With our Drive Smart guide you're fully prepared to hire a car in Jamaica and stay safe on unfamiliar roads.

URBAN SPEED LIMIT

50 kph

urban
More info  

RURAL SPEED LIMIT

80 kph

rural
More info  

motorway speed limit

110 kph

speed limit
More info  

Drink Drive Limit

 35mg

drink and drive limit
More info  
urban
You drive in Jamaica on the Left side  
urban
The currency in Jamaica is JMD
urban
To rent a car is  21 years and to drive is 18 years of age
urban
Current fuel price in Jamaica 1.18 €/Ltr

Driving Laws in Jamaica

Driving in Jamaica
Pocket guide to driving in Jamaica
Profile:
Jamaica
Kingston
JMD
Driving in Jamaica
SPEED: (kph)
50
80
110
Speed limit in Jamaica
Holiday:
Rush hour in Jamaica
Cameras:
NO
YES
Speed cameras in Jamaica
FUEL:
1.18
1.12
EUR/Litre
Fuel prices in Jamaica
See World Fuel Prices for full statistics
MIN AGE:
18
21
Min driving age in Jamaica
DRINK:
35mg
Blood alcohol content
Drink driving in Jamaica
EMERGENCY:
119
Emergency phone number in Jamaica
DOCUMENT:
Driving documents in Jamaica
PHONES:
No
Hands free only
Mobile phone driving in Jamaica
SEATBELTS:
Yes
Yes
Seat belt in Jamaica
See here for current child seats law in Jamaica

Are there any special requirements for driving or hiring a car in Jamaica?

There is a good system of more than 8,000 miles of paved roads but they are populated by often reckless drivers so care is required. Driving in rural areas or in the mountains can be quite dangerous, especially in rainy weather. Watch out for potholes and take special care when driving at night as there can often be pedestrians or animals in the road which are difficult to see due to a lack of lighting. If you're going to explore, it's worth considering renting a jeep in Jamaica.

In the Blue Mountains there are a number of narrow and windy roads which you may have to take if you plan on travelling from the south to the north. Local drivers are unlikely to slow down on these twisty roads. Watch out if you're prone to travel sickness too.

Jamaica Blue Mountains

There are few traffic lights in Kingston, Montego Bay, Spanish Town and Ocho Rios. In these cities it can get very congested so you should try to avoid rush hour. Driving is on the left with overtaking on the right as in the UK. You should take extra care when turning and consider who has the right of way. Also be aware that it is quite normal for cars to stop suddenly and without warning or indication, particularly taxis. Drivers use their horns liberally. Although it sounds like a minefield, drive defensively and be courteous to other drivers and you will be fine.

Rules of the road

Send to friend
Click here to enter an extra message...
 
Emergency Services Numbers

Police Police: 119

Police Fire: 110

Police Ambulance: 110

Notes:

DieselUnleaded
Nov , 2024

€ 1.12

€ 1.18

Oct , 2024

€ 1.12

€ 1.21

Sep , 2024

€ 1.15

€ 1.23

Aug , 2024

€ 1.19

€ 1.28

Parking Information

Parking regulations

Parking regulations
 
Most parking in Jamaica is unregulated so you can simply find a space and park there. In the cities it can be very difficult to do this so finding a municipal garage is a better idea. You can often find that you are boxed in by other drivers but they usually leave their handbrakes off so you can move them enough to get out.
 
Paid parking
 
Paid parking is reasonably priced but is more expensive the closer you get to a city centre. It's safer to pay for parking as you usually have some monitoring of the car – important as crime is so high.
 
Enforcement
 
The little amount of enforcement of parking is done by the police and if you have outstayed your welcome or are parked inconsiderately, you'll get a ticket to be paid at the local police station or bank. If you're causing an obstruction, your car is likely to be towed.
 
Disabled parking
 
Jamaica doesn't recognise international disability schemes but if you show the parking attendant your card, they will usually find you a more accessible spot in exchange for a few dollars.

Emergency Information

Emergency Information

Police Police: 119

Police Fire: 110

Police Ambulance: 110

The emergency services number is 119 and you can call for an ambulance or the fire department directly on 110.

The British High Commission is located at 28 Trafalgar Road in Kingston 10 and can be contacted on (001) (876) 936 0700. Their website is http://ukinjamaica.fco.gov.uk/en/

The American Embassy is located at 142, Old Hope Road in Kingston 6 and can be contacted on (001) (876) 702 6000. Their website is http://kingston.usembassy.gov/

What to do in an emergency

If you are involved in an accident a collision on a motorway, get to a safe place and call for help on 119. If you are on the motorway you can use the roadside emergency phone. You should try not to move the vehicles unless they are causing a danger to others. Whilst waiting for the police to arrive, take photographs of the scene and details from any witnesses. 

Handy Guides

World Driving Guides

Road Signs

Handy Phrases

Jamaicans speak a Patois dialect of English but it's generally easy to understand, likewise, you should have no trouble getting yourself to be understood.

Jamaica Fuel Price History

DieselUnleaded
Nov , 2024

€ 1.12

€ 1.18

Oct , 2024

€ 1.12

€ 1.21

Sep , 2024

€ 1.15

€ 1.23

Aug , 2024

€ 1.19

€ 1.28

Jul , 2024

€ 1.25

€ 1.30

Jun , 2024

€ 1.24

€ 1.30

May , 2024

€ 1.38

€ 1.31

Apr , 2024

€ 1.27

€ 1.26

Mar , 2024

€ 1.24

€ 1.24

Feb , 2024

€ 1.25

€ 1.24

Jan , 2024

€ 1.18

€ 1.21

Dec , 2023

€ 1.21

€ 1.24

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Nov , 2024 1.12 1.18
Oct , 2024 1.12 1.21
Sep , 2024 1.15 1.23
Aug , 2024 1.19 1.28
Jul , 2024 1.25 1.30
Jun , 2024 1.24 1.30
May , 2024 1.38 1.31
Apr , 2024 1.27 1.26
Mar , 2024 1.24 1.24
Feb , 2024 1.25 1.24
Jan , 2024 1.18 1.21
Dec , 2023 1.21 1.24

Hiring a Car

With our Drive Smart guide you're fully prepared to hire a car in Jamaica and stay safe on unfamiliar roads.
Chloe Demaret
Posted by Chloe Demaret
About the Author -

Travel writer, social media guru, Chloe keeps our readers and customers up to speed with all the car rental and travel trends on our blog. Favourite destination: Dubai.

Visitor Comments

  • 17/05/2019

    Andres Jaramillo

    Hi, I have my driver license from Colombia 4 years ago I have my Canadian driver license as well just 20 days ago. My Colombian driver license is just in Spanish. My question is if I can rent a car with any of both licenses.. Thank you very much Andres
  • 29/10/2018

    shaneke

    At what age must you stop driving in Jamaica? My dad has jus turned 80 and has been told he can no longer in Jamaica. Is this correct?