Driving in Puerto Rico

If you are looking for a tropical paradise to escape, one of our absolute favorites is Puerto Rico.  With the city San Juan wrapping up it’s 500th birthday, the oldest existing city in North America, it is an excellent time to visit.  Having made the trip a few times, I have found that making a road trip around Puerto Rico is one of the two perfect ways to experience the island. To do that, you need to understand driving in Puerto Rico.  To be sure you have all the info, I have put together this Puerto Rico driving guide, with everything you need to know about driving in Puerto Rico.  Once you get out on the road, you’ll look like you belong there.

In all honesty, it is one hundred percent possible to have a fabulous vacation in Puerto Rico without a car.  The other perfect way to experience the island is to base yourself in San Juan, and arrange for a few day trips and day tours from San Juan to key attractions.  It is an amazing city, with it’s gorgeous pastel buildings, delicious food options and friendly locals, and the day trip options are varied.   If you are short on time, want to soak in the history, be abuzz with activity, or enjoy the conviviality, this is the way to go!

On the other hand, if you want to explore the back roads, enjoy the more leisurely pace of small towns, and explore all the wonders of this small island, you’ll probably prefer a road trip option.  You’ll have the run of it all, from caves to mountains, beaches to bioluminescent bays, salt flats to farmlands, tropical dry forest to tropical rainforest.  There is a pretty incredible diversity on the Puerto Rican main island.  If this is the way you want to go, reserve that car, read through our Puerto Rico driving guide, and let’s get out on the road.  

Renting a Car in Puerto Rico

To rent a car in Puerto Rico you need to be 25 years old.  While a small number of companies will rent to those 21 and over, there is an extra fee.  Also, if more than one person will be driving the vehicle, there will be an additional per driver charge.

Both Supplemental Liability Insurance and Collision Damage Waiver Insurance are mandatory for rental cars in Puerto Rico.  It is possible that your personal car insurance policy covers a portion of this when you are renting a car, and it is possible that your credit card also covers a  portion.  Either way, you will need to know for sure which, if either, are covered, and you will need to present proof upon picking up your car.  This proof could be a letter from your credit card bank, or a statement of coverage from your insurance policy.  

If you have a US driver’s license on good terms, you are good to go.  If your driving license comes from any other country, you will need an international driving permit.  Your permit will come with a document that translates your information into over 80 languages, and will be valid for 3 years, in accordance with UN standards.  It is not technically a license itself, and it must always be accompanied by your official license from your home country.  

Don’t forget that the time it takes to receive your IDP will vary, based upon your country, and where you are applying.  You can begin the application process here:  International Driving Permit

As in any major municipality, there are numerous rental car companies located at, or within close proximity to the airport.  Often those who are not immediately onsite offer free shuttle service from arrivals to their rental yard. 

Reserve your rental car at the San Juan Airport now!

Most companies already offer their rental cars with the Autoexpresso sticker, to cover the tolls.  However you will want to verify this before departing.  Most of the highways around San Juan, and crossing the island, are toll routes, and there are few cash pay islands.  While you can circumnavigate around these tollways, it will add substantial time getting to your location, so having the Autoexpresso pass is the best option.  Besides, the last thing you want is a toll ticket upon returning the vehicle!

Hitting the Road – Driving in Puerto Rico

Basics

Driving is done in the same manner as in the United States and most of Europe, on the right side of the road, with similar traffic laws. 

Seatbelts are mandatory, and children under 12 must ride in the backseat. 

Using your cell phone while driving is illegal. 

Driving under the influence is also illegal, and blood alcohol levels must be under .08.  

Speed Limits

Speed limits in Puerto Rico are a bit slower than what drivers from many countries are accustomed to.  When no sign is posted, there are standard speed limits that apply:  25MPH in the city, or urban areas, 45 in the country, or rural areas, and 65 on the Expressway.  The school zone speed limit is 15MPH.  

Be mindful of these, as a speeding ticket can mean a hefty fine.  The base rate is $100, while a school zone infraction begins at $200.  In each case, the Puerto Rico Driver’s Bureau website states it is an additional $10 for each mile in excess, and $1,000 for driving over 100MPH.

Reading the Signs

A fact often omitted in Puerto Rici driving guides is that Puerto Rico has two official languages, English and Spanish.  This can be very important! In some city areas signs will be in English, or in both languages.  However most traffic signs will be in Spanish.  The primary signs are the commonly adopted shape and color, so they are easily translated, such as the red Pare (stop sign), or the black and white Transito (one way sign), and the white rectangular speed limit signs.  

However, the yellow written signs can mean several different things.  Sometimes it is not.  On my first trip, I went the wrong way more than one time, thinking that “Calle Sin Salida” was a nice street name.  Well, it means dead end, or cul-de-sac.  Oh, the good old pre-Google days!

Other sign information that can be helpful includes the fact thay brown signs along the road are for National Parks and other popular attractions, just as in many other countries.  And, in urban areas there are usually street name signs on the corners, but they are often quite small.  You may not be able to pick them out if you are the driver.  In old or historic town neighborhoods, the street name will likely be on the corner building.

Miles and Kilometers

One more thing that may throw you off is the use of miles and kilometers.  The posted speed limit signs are in miles per hour, and the rental car you use will also have a speedometer in miles per hour.  However, distance signs along the highway will be posted in kilometers.  You can see both at once in the photo. On a positive note, if you are familiar with using miles for distance, you will always have less travel time than you expect, once you see the sign. 

But, if you really want to know how far it is in your terms, a bit of math is required.  The simplest calculation is that every 5 kilometers will be a bit over 3 miles, and the most accurate calculation is that every 8 kilometers will be just about 5 miles.  You’ll get used to it.  

What to Expect from Other Drivers in Puerto Rico

Native drivers may seem to drive as if it is not their responsibility to look out for anyone else, rather it is everyone else’s job to look out for them.  They may ignore the fast lane and slow lane on the highway, even though it is the law.  They may cut in, and they may not use their blinker when changing lanes.  AS you can see in the photo above, few of the vehicles are actually in their own lane. Fortunately, most American and western European drivers were taught to drive defensively.  Stay attentive!

It seems that Puerto Rican drivers tend to interpret traffic laws in a somewhat looser fashion than drivers from other countries.  Perhaps the most surprising example is that outside of the major cities, a stoplight will often be treated like a stop sign. The driver comes to a stop, but goes on if there is no oncoming traffic. While some locals told me this is no longer the case, and many Puerto Rico driving guides make the same claim, my most recent experiences on the road lead me to the clear conclusion that it is definitely still true, especially over night.  So, don’t be surprised if you get a honk to move on at a stop light!

Law Enforcement

As for law enforcement, you will see la policia on the highways and in the cities.  It will seem as if they always have their lights on, and in fact they do.  Depending on where you are from this can be a bit disconcertng.  If you are being pulled over they will typically sound their siren.

What to Expect of the Roads in Puerto Rico

Depending on your planned destinations, you will likely experience a variety of road types, and conditions.  Any decent Puerto Rico driving guide should make you aware of the situations you will encounter.

Expressways

The expressways and tollways are well maintained, and similar to those found in other countries.  There will be multiple lanes traveling in each direction, generally separated by a median.  They are the fastest way to move from one part of the island to the other.  

As in any other country, even the expressways become clogged with traffic during the workday commutes.  You will want to avoid traveling into any urban areas during morning rush hour, and likewise out of any urban area in the afternoon rush home.  Otherwise you will likely end up adding an hour or two to your travel time.  

Country Roads

On the opposite end of the spectrum, in more remote areas there are roads that have yet to be paved, and those with pavement so old it has began to flake away.  This is even the case in some areas of relatively popular attractions and beaches.  In most cases you will find them safe and passable with a regular vehicle, with speed adjusted accordingly, but be sure to use your good judgement.  

This will not be the case with all country roads, as some are quite well maintained, although always more narrow than you may be accustomed to. The differences come down to location, finance and sometimes politics, and there is generally no way you will know until you get there. If you are of particular concern about an area, sometimes an in depth look at Google maps can help, but not all roads in Puerto Rico have been mapped at this time.

Mountain Roads

Almost every Puerto Rico driving guide talks about the mountain roads, and for good reason. While they are generally well paved, they are often narrow and winding, with very little or no shoulder.  The lack of shoulder can leave them feeling quite treacherous, as if you are moving along an abrupt edge on the side of a mountain.  Add to this blind curves and locals who know all the twists and turns, driving down the center rather than their “lane.”  I know it sounds unnerving!

With that all said, the mountainous areas are home to some incredible island attractions, including waterfalls, caves, and El Yunque. When the forest opens up on these roads, the scenery is both quite beautiful, and quite varied from other parts of the island. If you have a serious fear of heights, you may want to avoid the midlands, or ensure that someone else does the driving. If you are driving through the mountainous areas, add plenty of travel time, and slow down. Keep your eyes on the road, and pull over if you want to get a look at the scenery. Keep your headlights on, and sound your horn as you approach twists or turns to warn on-comers of your approach. Likewise, when you hear a horn, know that someone will be coming around the curve, so slow down and ensure you are on your side.

My first time touring Puerto Rico I drove through the mountainous areas on the west of the island alone a couple of times.  I did get nervous a few times, and I had to pull off to get out and see the scenery from time to time. But I went at a pace I was comfortable with, and moved over to let others pass me when it was necessary.  I made some lifelong memories on those journeys. 

City Streets

City roads can be quite varied.  Cities that have recovered well from Maria will feature streets that are well paved, with clear cut shoulders or curbs.  In less fortunate areas, there may still be many potholes and other hazards, so be attentive.  Residential areas may also be littered with speed bumps. 

The most challenging aspect of city diving in Puerto Rico is the propensity for one way streets, and most cities have an overabundance of them. As the photo above depicts, sometimes they make no sense at all!

Old towns, or historic city centers still flaunt their ancient narrow cobblestone streets.  While this most definitely adds to the beauty and charm of the historic areas, it adds many unique challenges to driving there. Couple that with the preponderance of one way streets, and you end up with a tight maze, winding back and forth, with little parking. 

I personally recommend that you do not attempt to drive in Old San Juan, and have never attempted to do so myself.  Uber and public transportation is abundant and economical, so I feel better leaving the driving to a professional there!

Other Things You Might Need to Know to Drive in Puerto Rico

We want our Puerto Rico Driving Guide to be complete, and include every situation that may be unusual to drivers from a different country. So we decided to include these odds and ends that are not technically driving, but are essential to do so.

Getting Gas

Gasoline is sold in liters. For the rest of the world this makes perfect sense, but for Americans who still buy gas by the gallon, it can be confusing.  At first glance, the fuel price can look strangely economical, but it is not.  Filling up is time for more mathematik conversions, so multiply the price by 4 to get the rough price per gallon if you want to know what you are paying in American terms.  It will be more than travelers from many countries may expect, since absolutely all fuel is imported. 

Many gas stations will not have pay at the pump, so be prepared to go inside.  Also, always have cash on hand because in some areas they do not have a credit card capability.   Since it hasn’t already been mentioned, Puerto Rico currency is the American dollar.

Rest Areas

Rest areas are not really a thing, but roadside stands are common in many areas.  You can find cold drinks, fresh tropical fruit and street food for refreshment. A piragua is especially delicious on a hot day, which is shaved ice with flavored syrups, similar to a Hawaiian shave ice, or an American snow cone with a much smoother texture.  I have even come across roadside stands selling pina coladas in the country, but I am told this is no longer a thing.  But then again, I was told that about the stop lights too!

Unusual or Surprising Sights

If you have not spent time in a tropical area, at some point you may look around and be surprised by the bars and shutters on the local windows. You may even get the impression you are in a dangerous or crime ridden area.  I had that moment while traveling alone on my first trip, and the sudden urge to move quickly to a safer location.  Then I had my “duh moment.”  These bars and shutters are actually hurricane protection, which allow owners to avoid completely boarding their homes with every tropical storm that passes through.

You may also be surprised in some areas if you come across stray animals wandering along, even in, the roadways. They could range from chickens and dogs, which are quite common, to occasional cows or horses. Even in the cities you will likely run into some of the cats. While there is no singular reason for the very high population of stray and wild animals living in Puerto Rico, in most cases it is perpetuated by the climate, including hurricanes such as Maria.

Lastly, in some communities you may see telephone poles that are painted bright colors, and wonder what it means. These colors are emblematic of the municipalities they stand in, and generally match the colors of the city flag.  Generally speaking, the municipality spreads far beyond what appears to be the edge of the city.

Are You Ready to Hit the Road in Puerto Rico?

We have attempted to include everything you could possibly need to know in our Puerto Rico driving guide, so if we have missed something, let us know!

While it all may seem like a lot to remember, the most likely case is that you have encountered conditions similar to every Puerto Rico driving experience you will have before. If you drive cautiously, look out for the other guy, and follow the laws, you should be just fine.

Having your own car on the island will allow you to explore on your own time and get to some of those outstanding off the beaten track attractions you would otherwise miss. You can head out on your own Puerto Rico road trip, and you will be really glad you did!

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