Recommendations for Driving in Barbados

If you’re planning to rent a car during your vacation in Barbados, here are some techniques for getting around this tropical island safely and securely.

• The minimum age for tourists renting a car in Barbados is 21 years.
• Car rental services ordinarily require between 2 and 5 years of experience driving a motor vehicle.
• Automobile drivers over 70 years of age are required to have a medical certificate in Barbados today.
• Always take your home country driver’s license with you. In Barbados, this will be the basis for issuing you a local driving permit. If you have an existing license from elsewhere, you won’t have to take any sort of driving test.
• Most rental cars can be easily identified by the ‘H’ for “Hired” on the license plate.
• In Barbados, driving is on the left side of the road. Almost all vehicles are right-hand drive.
• Outside of the highway system, most of the roads in Barbados may be smaller than what you’re accustomed to in the larger countries, so be observant, and drive with care.
• In Barbados, locals may sometimes tend to assume that drivers operating vehicles designated with an “H” license plate for HIRE or rental car are less familiar with the roads, and, consequently, drive slower. Don’t try to compete with aggressive local drivers.
• Wearing of seatbelts is mandatory in Barbados for both drivers and other passengers.
• Kids under 5 years of age must use an appropriate child seat, which can be rented from local car rental companies.
• Speed limits are published in kilometers/hr rather than miles/hr. 1 kilometre = 0.62 miles. Typical Barbados speedometer limits are: city areas – 40 km/h, rural areas – 60 km/h, major highways – 80 km/h. As you would do in your home country, regularly check the street signs to make certain you’re not exceeding the limit.
• Observe some of the same safety rules in Barbados that you would observe elsewhere. Always park your car in well-lit areas and don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.
• In Barbados, the honk of an automobile horn is often used as ‘hello’ to a pal or ‘thanks a lot’ for yielding, or giving way o the road. Usually, when a driver flashes his headlights at you, it generally means he is yielding to you or giving the right of way to you.
• In Barbados, rush hours are 7:00 – 8:30am & 4:30 – 5:30pm. To avoid excessive time on the roads, keep this in mind and plan your travel times appropriately.
• In Barbados, there plenty of available nightlife and great places to socialize and dine. Keep in mind that there is absolutely no Blood Alcohol limit in Barbados. However, use your common sense. Like elsewhere, certainly excessive drinking while driving is not sensible or advisable! If you anticipate a night out drinking, take a taxi or bring along a designated driver.
• Roundabouts can be a little confusing initially. Approach them with caution, and follow the street markings and signs carefully. At roundabouts, at all times yield to motor vehicles on your right. And once you’re into the roundabout, then you have the right of way.
• Check if your local Barbados car rental company has or offers GPS systems in their vehicles. Barbados has a great system set up which will be very useful particularly if it’s your first trip to the island. Maps can be found at local car rental companies, hotels, and many establishments over the island.
• In the unlucky event of a major accident, call your vehicle local rental service provider as soon as possible. Usually, do not admit any culpability.
• The emergency services numbers in Barbados are Police 211, Ambulance 511, Fire Service 311.