Jamaica Road Code: Key Rules of the Road (2026)

Jamaica Road Code: Key Rules of the Road (2026)

The second section of the Road Code Test is about the rules of the road. This guide summarises the key rules every Jamaican driver must know — driving on the left, roundabouts, priority, speed limits, drink-driving, and safety equipment — all based on the Road Traffic Act 2018 and Road Traffic Regulations 2022, which came into force on 1 February 2023.

Key takeaways

• Jamaica drives on the left; overtake on the right, only when safe.
• At a roundabout, give way to traffic already on it and go clockwise.
• Speed limits: 80 km/h open road, 50 km/h built-up, 30 km/h school zones.
• Drink-drive limit is 0.08% (about 0.01% for learners and new drivers).
• Seatbelts, helmets, and a ban on hand-held phones are all enforced with fines.

Driving on the left and overtaking

Traffic in Jamaica keeps to the left, and vehicles are right-hand drive. You normally overtake on the right (the side nearest the centre of the road), and only when you can see far enough ahead, it is safe, and no sign or road marking prohibits it. Never overtake near junctions, bends, or crests where your view is limited.

Junctions, priority and roundabouts

At a roundabout, give way to traffic already circulating and proceed in a clockwise direction (Regulation 211). At a four-way stop, priority follows the order of arrival at the stop lines (Regulation 210). On a minor road controlled by a Stop sign, you must come to a complete stop and only enter the major road when there is a safe gap. A Give Way sign means yield, stopping only if necessary.

Speed limits

Unless a sign shows otherwise, the general limit is 80 km/h on the open road, 50 km/h in built-up areas (certain areas are 65 km/h), and 30 km/h in school zones. Toll-road (highway) limits are set by posted signs. See the Jamaica speed limits guide for detail.

Drink-driving

The general prescribed limit is 0.08% — 35 µg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath, or 80 mg per 100 ml of blood. Learner and new drivers (in their first 12 months) have a much lower limit of about 0.01%. The safest approach is not to drink at all before driving.

Seatbelts, helmets and mobile phones

• Seatbelts: required for all occupants where fitted.
• Helmets: both the motorcycle rider and pillion passenger must wear an approved helmet.
• Mobile phones: using a hand-held phone while driving is banned. Use hands-free, or stop safely and legally first.

These offences carry fines, as do driving without insurance or a valid licence, disobeying a traffic light, and failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing.

Defensive driving basics

• Keep a safe following distance — at least a two-second gap in good conditions, more in rain.
• Anticipate hazards — a ball in the road may mean a child will follow.
• Use Mirror–Signal–Manoeuvre before changing lanes or turning.
• Give way to emergency vehicles by pulling over safely when you can.

For the signs that go with these rules, see the road signs guide, and for the full licensing picture the complete Jamaica driving test guide. Test yourself free on the Road Code practice test.

Official sources

• Road Traffic Regulations 2022 (speed limits, roundabouts, priority, road markings)
• Road Traffic Act 2018 (drink-drive limit, offences)
• Transport Authority — Know the Road Code

Frequently Asked Questions

Which side of the road does Jamaica drive on?

Jamaica drives on the left, with right-hand-drive vehicles. You normally overtake on the right, only when it is safe.

What is the drink-drive limit in Jamaica?

The general limit is 0.08% (35 µg per 100 ml of breath). Learner and new drivers have a much lower limit of about 0.01%.

Who has priority at a roundabout in Jamaica?

Traffic already on the roundabout has priority. You must give way to it and proceed clockwise.

What are the speed limits in Jamaica?

Generally 80 km/h on the open road, 50 km/h in built-up areas, and 30 km/h in school zones, unless a sign shows otherwise. Toll-road limits are signposted.

Is it illegal to use a phone while driving in Jamaica?

Yes. Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is banned and carries a fine. Use a hands-free system or stop safely first.