Rules for Renting a Car in Puerto Rico

If you plan to be in Puerto Rico for a few days, you may want to consider renting a car so you can tour the island and explore the many sights. Puerto Rico is a United States territory, so you should feel comfortable behind the wheel as driving is on the right side of the road and signage is very similar, except in Spanish. Here are some of the rules and laws you will need to know to prepare yourself to drive in Puerto Rico.

Identification

Rental cars are very accessible and reasonable in Puerto Rico. There are rental-car agencies at the airport and at most large hotels. You must have a valid driver's license to rent a car in Puerto Rico. It must be unexpired and issued by the United States or by any foreign country that has similar requirements to those of Puerto Rico. After 120 days in Puerto Rico, a locally issued driver's license is required to operate a motor vehicle.

Each rental-car agency has their own age requirements, so check with your agency on its particular rules.

Considerations

Speed-limit signs are rarely posted in Puerto Rico, particularly in residential areas. Keep your speed in these areas under 30 mph, unless posted otherwise. In rural areas, 45 mph is the accepted speed, but in urban and school zones 25 mph is expected. Generally on highways, the left lane is reserved for buses. From midnight to 6:00am, you must come to a complete stop at a red light, but you are allowed to proceed after the stop before the light changes to green.

Puerto Rico has severe penalties for drinking and driving. The legal blood alcohol level is 0.08, so keep this in mind and drive safely and alcohol-free.

Overall, drivers may not be as reserved in Puerto Rico as they are in other countries.

Signs will show mileage in kilometers, and gasoline is sold in liters.

Geography

There is a network of free highways but there are also three toll roads on the island. Naturally, the toll roads are faster and less congested than the other highways, so it is worth paying from $.50 to $1.50 for their use. At toll gates, the left lanes are reserved for those with toll passes (Autoexpreso). If you need change, go to the lanes marked with a C, usually on the right.

Many of the rural roads are very narrow and winding. These mountainous roads can also be very dangerous, so act like a local and toot your horn when driving into blind curves to warn any oncoming vehicles of your approach. These rural roads can also be rugged and poorly paved, and landslides are not uncommon. Take your time and be cautious.

Your rental agency will offer free detailed road maps, be sure to pick one up to keep handy in your vehicle.

Warning

It is not hard to identify a police car in Puerto Rico, as they are mandated to display a blue light at all times while in motion. A speeding ticket in Puerto Rico starts at $50, with an additional $5.00 for every mile over the speed limit. In an emergency, police can be reached by dialing 911. Although you will see Puerto Ricans frequently parking on the sidewalk, there is a $125 fine for this.

Expert Insight

Traffic is very congested during rush hour, and it is possible to sit up to 45 minutes in a traffic jam. Avoid city driving from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Drivers in Puerto Rico will often drive on shoulders and in medians and usually will not come to a complete stop at a red light during the night. Be careful, and take your time while maneuvering the roads in Puerto Rico.