Road Rules and Traffic Regulations in Jamaica - Driving Nuances

1. Local residents are distinguished by quite dangerous driving style. They often do not follow traffic regulations, and each driver feels his undoubted superiority over others. Drivers, who are accustomed to discipline on the road, will find it not easy to travel in Jamaica in a personal car.

2. Jamaica is a country with left driving. In the city, the maximum permitted speed is 35 - 50 km/h. In the country, the maximum permitted speed is 80 km/h.

3. It is hard to characterize all motorists in Jamaica. Some of them are very emotional, and they are not used to controlling their feelings, while others are very quiet. Foreign visitors are advised not to pay much attention to locals, and just drive the way the main flow of cars does. That is the safest way of driving in the country.

4. The most dense and heaviest traffic can be found in towns, but even on country roads motorists should not relax and drive carelessly. On country roads, there are often children playing on the roadside, livestock can appear out of nowhere, and after next sharp turn you might see a company of quietly talking locals.

5. Country roads are very narrow, sometimes there is even no enough place for two vehicles. Local merchants often set up their tents near roads and offer travelers different souvenirs and handicrafts.

6. Technical condition of the majority of cars that can be seen on roads of Jamaica is truly pitiful. Many cars even do not have working lights and turn signals. That is the reason why local drivers almost never accompany their maneuvers with light signals. At best, they can put a hand out of the window to warn of the upcoming maneuver.

7. Car honk is another indispensable means of warning. It is safe to say that local drivers push it more often than brake pedal. Motorists use honking to notify others of their intention to make a maneuver, to express emotions (all kinds of emotions), and to remind other road users of their presence on the road.