Driving in Puerto Rico (A Local’s Guide, for First Timers)

👉 Jump to: Driving Laws & Rules | License Requirements | Where to Rent a Car | Car Insurance Rules | Driving In The Rain | Nighttime Driving | Mountain Driving | Tips | FAQ

If you’ve heard horror stories about driving in Puerto Rico and are having second thoughts, then I’m here to clear the air.

As a Puerto Rico local, I can tell you that Puerto Rico is safe for driving if you take sensible precautions and learn some basic tips I’ll cover in this article.

Honestly, a Puerto Rico road trip is one of the best ways to experience the archipelago.

So don’t give up on driving yet! In this article, I’ll go over the basics of driving in Puerto Rico – including some “do’s and don’ts”.

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Driving Laws and Rules in Puerto Rico

Overall, Puerto Rico’s roads follow a system quite similar to the continental United States. If you’re used to driving in the mainland USA, you’ll find that Puerto Rico’s driving signals are mostly those universal ones you are already used to, just with words in Spanish. 

But, there are still a few things you should know about driving in Puerto Rico:

• In Puerto Rico, you drive on the right side of the street.
• The right lane is for heavy vehicles or drivers under the speed limit and the left lane is the fast lane, although in Puerto Rico people drive wherever they feel like, honestly.
• The roads in Puerto Rico are mostly wide and paved, but you will find narrow streets in some neighborhoods and in the mountains in Puerto Rico.
• Puerto Rican drivers are aggressive on the street. They change lanes without blinkers, honk at you, and cut in front of you if you’re slow. Drive cautiously but defensively!
• Seatbelts are mandatory for everyone in the car including those in the back. Infants and children under 12 must ride in the back.
• Driving while talking or texting on the phone is illegal in Puerto Rico.
• Puerto Rico’s standard speed limits are 25 in urban areas, 15 in school zones, 45 in rural areas, and 65 on the highway, unless otherwise specified. See other speed limit variations here.
• Alcohol blood levels must be below 0.08 for small vehicles and 0.02 for heavy vehicles.
• Drivers can turn to the right with a red light unless otherwise instructed.
• Streets sometimes have multiple names.
• Police cars almost always have their lights on, it doesn’t mean they’re stopping you.
• The main highways have tolls so you need to get an Autoexpreso stamp from your rental agency.
• Distances get measured in kilometers but cars speeds are in miles per hour.
• Gas stations display prices of gas per liter.

👉 Not sure where to go in Puerto Rico? Check out some of my top places to explore in Puerto Rico for ideas!

License Requirements

Visitors from the United States can use their driver’s license to drive in Puerto Rico since the archipelago is a territory of the United States. International visitors will need an International Driving Permit along with their country’s driving license. 

Even if some car rentals don’t ask for a license, it’s safer to have it in case you get pulled over by the local police.

Where to Rent a Car in Puerto Rico

Renting a car in Puerto Rico is the best way to get around and enjoy flexibility while exploring. You’ll find plenty of rental car companies right at the airport, but there are also more companies scattered through Carolina, San Juan, and Bayamón.

Many of these companies are internationally known like Avis and Enterprise, but you’ll also find local companies that often offer lower rental rates.

If you don’t have experience with any of them, then you can use Discover Cars Puerto Rico to compare prices and get the best deal on your rental.

🚗 Rental Car Warning: It’s not unusual to see travelers renting a car online just to find out there are plenty of hidden fees when arriving to the rental car company. Make sure to read the small print and ask directly the company if all fees are included, like insurance and autoexpreso.

Car Insurance Rules

Overall, renting a car in Puerto Rico is easy if you have a major credit card and a driver’s license.

But, there are two types of insurance you’ll need to pay for: Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), and the CDW/LDW (Collision Damage Waiver and Loss Damage Waiver). 

The SLI is mandatory and it covers the costs of an accident that affects a third party.

The CDW/LDW insurance is optional if you already have coverage, but this insurance covers any damage to your vehicle, robbery, or an accident so you don’t have to pay for it yourself.

If you’re under 25 years old or you want to include a second driver in your contract, you may need to pay an extra fee for renting a car. If an accident occurs while someone else besides the person in the contract is driving, insurance will not cover you.

Keep in mind you need to be over 21 to rent a car from most rental companies in Puerto Rico.

🚗 Pro Tip: Check if your credit card offers rental car insurance as a benefit, and bring the proof of coverage to your rental company. If not, you can add insurance when renting your car through Discover Cars Puerto Rico.

Driving in the Rain in Puerto Rico

It’s not uncommon to find yourself driving under a pouring sky in Puerto Rico.

If you’re driving while it’s raining, reduce your speed and use your intermittent lights if the visibility is poor.

Know that, in Puerto Rico, when it rains too much in a short time some streets and neighborhoods get flooded. Needless to say, never try to cross flooded areas.

Nighttime Driving in Puerto Rico

If you drive during the night in Puerto Rico, you’ll find some poorly lit areas while driving, especially in the countryside.

Always keep your eyes on the road and take common safety measures when driving around, like keeping your doors locked. 

After midnight, you can drive past the red lights with caution if there is no traffic. That way you don’t have to stay alone at the intersection. But, you’ll often see locals doing it even before midnight. 

As a local myself, I recommend doing so (at the legal time, of course) and it’s one of my tips to stay safe in Puerto Rico.

Mountain Driving in Puerto Rico

While the mountainous region has breathtaking landscapes and some of the best activities in Puerto Rico, the main island’s mountain roads aren’t for the weak-hearted.

Many rural neighborhoods have very narrow roads, sometimes wide enough to fit one car, with little lightning and signs. Just know that, in narrow roads, the car going up has the right to transit first by law.

Always double-check your destinations with local guides, and know some Spanish phrases in case you need to ask for directions.

Even as a local, I still find myself asking for directions when I visit Puerto Rico’s mountains, since GPS often suggests hard-to-follow routes. I’ve had my fair share of scares driving through barely transitable roads. So, as a general driving safety rule, avoid taking sudden shortcuts suggested by GPS, and if a route seems sketchy, just ask for directions. 

Don’t venture into too steep roads if you aren’t in a 4×4 vehicle and check the reviews of destinations you’re visiting to see recommendations from the other travelers who have been to the area.

If you’re driving in the mountainous region during the winter you’ll have limited visibility due to the fog, especially in higher towns like Cayey.

And if it’s been raining a lot recently, you might encounter landslides at the sideroad.

Always drive slowly and keep your eyes open for upcoming cars (and potentially some cattle on the road in certain areas). By the way, I go over this tip and so much more in my Puerto Rico ebook, it’s great reading if you’re planning a trip!

🚗 Pro Tip: You may lose your phone signal in some areas of Puerto Rico, so make sure to download your GPS map to access it offline.

Tips for Driving in Puerto Rico

Tip #1 – Keep Your Eyes on the Road

Driving in Puerto Rico is usually safe, but it’s true you will find some crazy drivers, changing lanes without blinkers, speeding, and crossing red lights.

You should be fine as long as you practice awareness and ALWAYS drive safely. If you aren’t confident about your driving skills, consider other ways to get around Puerto Rico.

Tip #2 – Watch Out for Potholes and Speed Bumps

Some streets in Puerto Rico are in bad condition. Watch out for potholes on the street, as they’re often the cause of flat tires, especially in industrial zones and some rural neighborhoods.

You’ll also find multiple speed bumps in urbanizations so that drivers keep the speed limit.

Tip #3 – Check the Traffic Direction

Some Puerto Rico neighborhoods and sub-barrios like Old San Juan, Hato Rey, and mostly the cities’ old town centers have a one-way driving system.

This means parallel streets allow traffic in opposite directions. In other words, one street goes in one direction and the next street goes in the other.

If you’re in doubt, check for do not enter signs, the direction cars park, or imitate what local drivers do.

Tip #4 – Avoid Peak Hours

Peak hours in Puerto Rico are a nightmare, especially if you’re staying in San Juan.

Traffic jams can triple the time to get to a destination plus you’ll see more cases of road rage, people turning without blinkers, and drivers ignoring traffic lights.

If you’re driving during the rush hour, just make sure to leave your hotel with enough time to arrive at your destination and be patient on the road.

Tip #5 – Prepare for Toll Roads

If you’re going outside Old San Juan, you will find multiple toll roads on your way.

Tolls in Puerto Rico work with an electronic stamp your car rental company can provide to you.

Although you can pay some tolls in cash, most are already changeless, so it’s easier to ask for your rental car with an Autoexpreso stamp.

Some rental car companies will ask for a fixed fee for the stamp, others will make you responsible for recharging in each station.

👉 Read Next: How to Drive in the US Virgin Islands

Tip #6 – People Will Approach Your Car at Intersections

Very few guides mention the fact that you will commonly find people asking for money at intersections, especially in San Juan, and the surrounding cities.

You might feel intimidated, but I assure you they’re usually harmless.

If you don’t feel like giving them money, you can just keep your window up and say no with your head when they approach your car.

👉 Be sure to bookmark my full list of my best travel tips for Puerto Rico here!

Tip #7 – You Might Get Caught Up in “Corridas”

During the weekends and special holidays, it’s usual to find groups of motorcycles, in what is known as corridas, invading the main streets.

If you find yourself surrounded by a large group of motorcycles and ATVs that aren’t respecting traffic rules, don’t panic.

Just patiently wait until they are gone, or continue moving with them cautiously in the same direction. Although annoying, the local authorities don’t do much to stop them.

Tip #8- Watch Out for Pedestrians

Although legally pedestrians should use the pedestrian crossing, in reality, you’ll face a different scenario in Puerto Rico.

Many pedestrians cross wherever they can whether it be urban streets, avenues, highways, or rural areas. Sometimes you could even find pedestrians crossing the street with your traffic light green.

Always stay alert on the road and watch out for pedestrians, especially when driving at night.

FAQs About Driving in Puerto Rico

Is driving in Puerto Rico difficult?

Overall, driving in Puerto Rico is easy. The main streets are in good condition and the sign system is the same as in most countries in the world. Although some drivers in Puerto Rico drive recklessly, visitors who take normal precautions and keep their eyes on the road should be safe.

Are taxis expensive in Puerto Rico?

Taking taxis in Puerto Rico can be expensive if visitors are going to travel frequently within San Juan, or if they’re planning to ride longer distances. Some additional charges for luggage or additional passengers can make fares pricey.

Can you drive in Puerto Rico with a US license?

Visitors from the United States mainland can use their driving license from the state they come from to rent a car and drive in Puerto Rico without any additional permit.

Is it better to rent a car in Puerto Rico?

Travelers planning to move around Puerto Rico should rent a car. Renting a car is the easiest way to move around since public transportation and bus routes don’t cover the entire island.

Is it safe to rent a car in San Juan Puerto Rico?

It’s completely safe to rent a car in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has well-known car rental companies like Avis, Enterprise, and Target. Visitors can also research and choose a local company to rent a car by taking common-sense precautions.

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You’ve reached the end of the driving guide for Puerto Rico! If you aren’t confident about driving, just stay in the capital city, where you can enjoy great things to do in San Juan without the need for a car.