Drivers Tip - Drivers Guide from Drive Barbados: Barbados car rentals

Drive Barbados …….
to your safety whilst driving in Barbados.

Some information below maybe obvious but worth the read.
Drive Barbados wants to make sure your vacation or business is a happy and enjoyable one in Barbados as much as possible.

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Driving is on the left side of the road. British style

Vehicle will be only driven by the “Authorized person”

Petrol stations can been found in and around Bridgetown, on the main highways along the west and south coasts, and in most inland parishes. Gasoline is approx. BDS$ 2.67 per litre

The speed limit:

60 kmph - rural areas outside the city, in the country
40 kmph – city
80 kmph - ABC highways

Buckle Up - Seat belts are compulsory by law. Also children are to wear seat belts even in the back seats.

A honk of a horn is usually a warning, or “I am coming through ", but is frequently a "hello" to a passing friend.

To rent a car in Barbados, a local visitors drivers permit are issued for a nominal fee of BDS$ 10 (US$ 5) on presentation of a valid driver's license from your own country. Drive Barbados can issue these driving permits to save you from having to go to a police station or MTW (Licensing Authority) and are valid for two (2) months from the date of issue.

Rush hours is:-

Mornings 7:00am – 9:00am
Afternoon 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Information on weather forecast, Call 976-2376 or current weather & forecast

Use your road lanes correctly - practice defensive driving - keep a fair distance between you and the vehicle in front – slow down when road is wet/ approaching corners – DO NOT overtake – when approaching road junctions, stop and wait for safe gap in the traffic before you move off ( this is where most of the accident happens)

Park ONLY where there is a P (parking) sign or in any of the car parks in Bridgetown. If you park elsewhere you may get a parking ticket. Fee for parking is B$1.00 - B$1.50 per hour. Airport parking fee is B$ 1.00 per ½ hour Locals are usually accommodating of your confusion and make allowances with parking also. Do not park where they have instructed you, as you will park in illegal areas in town and liable for a ticket

Vehicles are easily identified by the “H” number plates on the vehicle, and can be easy targets for pick pockets and harassing vagrants.

In event of an accident – phone the hire car company and the police first (This is a must) – DO NOT admit liability before so doing – write down the attending police officers name, number and station

Emergency telephone numbers are:

Police 211
Ambulance 511
Fire Service 311

Local people are helpful if you get lost. They will be more than happy to lend a hand.

Do not stop for flashing white lights. Lights on emergency vehicles in Barbados are red and blue. When someone flashes headlights at you at an intersection, it means "after you."

The roundabout system of lanes is: Always give way to your right at the roundabout. If you are taking the first left exit off the roundabout you stay in the left lane, for all other exits off the roundabout you should remain in the right lane.

Please be careful with your possessions and place them in the boot / trunk or glove compartment where ever possible. Always ensure vehicle is locked when unattended. Keep doors and windows locked. Park in well-lighted areas. Do not pick up hitchhikers.