Driving in Puerto Rico - What You Need to Know Before You Go

So you've decided to venture down south to the beautiful Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. I must say, you have made a good choice. The enchanted island of Puerto Rico has miles and miles of beautiful beaches and so many fascinating places to visit it's no surprise why so many people choose to visit the island every year. Another great reason to visit the island is that U.S. citizens do not need a passport, which makes travel much easier.

Once you get to the island you may choose to rent a car. I would definitely recommend renting a car in order to get a true feel for the island. Like any other place, Puerto Rico has tourist traps that are pretty Americanized. The easiest way to see the real parts of the island the way the locals do is with a car. Renting a car in Puerto Rico is just like renting a car in the states. There are a few things you need to know about driving in Puerto Rico. Here are a few things you should know before you go.

First of all, when you choose a car to rent, I would recommend getting the smallest one feasible for you and your family. Several places in San Juan and especially Old San Juan have very narrow roads, making it very difficult for larger vehicles, like sports utility vehicles, to get through.

Another important thing to know before driving around in Puerto Rico is that local drivers don't always follow the law. Speed limit signs and speedometers are pretty much always shown in miles per hour. Even though a speed limit sign may say 55 miles per hour, this is usually just a suggestion for local drivers. While you do the speed limit you may feel as though you are going to get run over. This may prompt you to speed up, but be careful. Police officers will write you a speeding ticket. Also realize that police officers in the San Juan metropolitan area will most likely be fluent in English. As you travel the island and get away form the San Juan area, police officers may not be as fluent in English.

In Puerto Rico it is legal to make right hand turns on red lights. You may be uncomfortable doing this and you don't have to. However, if you do not make a turn or take too long to turn, be prepared for honking horns from the locals. Puerto Rican drivers, unlike many American drivers, will pass on the left or right side.

A very very important thing to know about Puerto Rican drivers is that stop signs and red lights can sometimes be suggestions for local drivers. It is not uncommon for local drivers to breeze through a stop sign or red light, especially at night. Just be careful at intersections and don't get in a hurry. While these reckless driving habits seem like they would cause a high number of accidents, this isn't so. The local drivers drive the same for the most part, so they know what to expect. They drive recklessly by many American standards, but they are still careful.

Driving through the enchanted island of Puerto Rico can be an interesting experience. It allows visitors to the island to see the true local life. It can be daunting at first and the local drivers will let you know if you are going too slow or taking too long. So, take these tips and have a great trip!