Puerto Rico is a United States territory. Foreign visitors may drive in Puerto Rico with their International driving permits and valid National driver licenses for 120 days after arrival. After that term, a locally issued driver license is required to operate a motor vehicle.

The main road traffic rules:

  • Traffic moves on the right side of the road.
  • The minimum driving age is 16 years.
  • The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.08%.
  • It is permitted to make the right hand turn on the red light.
  • Seat belts must be worn by drivers and all passengers.
  • Speed limit in urban and school zones 40 km/h (25 mph), in rural areas – 72 km/h (45 mph), on freeways – 104 km/h (65 mph).
  • It is not permitted to park on sidewalks and pedestrian walkways, on curbs and green areas, in front of a fire hydrant and fire station, at a bus stop.
  • The police phone number is 911.

Additional information:

  • Road traffic rules in Puerto Rico are mainly the same as in the United States, but road traffic signs are in Spanish.
  • There are number of toll roads in Puerto Rico.
  • Speed limits are in miles per hour; distances on signs are in kilometers.
  • Rush hours are 8:00 - 10:00 (8 a.m. – 10 a.m.) and 16:00 – 18:00 (4 p.m. – 6 p.m.)
  • In Puerto Rico, roads quickly become narrow and twisty, especially in the mountains.
  • In case of an accident, drivers are required to give their names and addresses, and to show their driver licenses, to people affected by the accident. Drivers should also notify the police within four hours if the accident caused any damages.


 Driving Overseas - Short Information