BVI Driving Tips and Information
Traffic Laws
- Seat belts are compulsory for front seat passengers!
- Driving in the British Virgin Islands is done on the left side of the road!
- Temporary drivers license are required for all visitors renting cars without a valid British Virgin Islands Drivers license and cost $10.00 US per person. This license is issued at the office of the car rental companies.
A Government Tax of 5% is added to all car rental.
General Practices used by most BVI car rentals Companies
Gas Policy - Return with same amount of gas you check out with.
Free pickup at any accommodation.
Deposit for Cash Customers is usually around $800.00 - $1100
Free Mileage
Insurance packages available, some included in rentals prices.
Rates are in the range of $35 - $200 per day
Exercise Caution
Firstly, please note that as a British colony, driving in British Virgin Islands is based on the British system - that is to say 'PLEASE drive on the left!' The steering wheel of most vehicles is positioned on the left hand side of the vehicle. Most rentals car in the BVI has vehicles with steering wheels on the left hand side. When driving on the left side of the road and steering also on the left side of the vehicle this can make some difficulty when trying to overtake other vehicles, please exercise caution.
The British Virgin Islands is a very mountainous group of islands except for anegada. At time of heavy rain roads in the mountains may become slippery, fog may hamper visibility and fallen hillside rock may make roads difficult to drive.
Rush Hour (Tortola Only)
- BVI rush-hour is generally from 8:00-9:30am and from 4:30-5:30pm. This is usually for the Islands of Tortola only, Other Islands such as Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke are not subject to extreme traffic conditions.
Road Behaviour
- When someone flashes their lights at you when you are at a junction it usually means "after you".
- A honk of a horn is usually a warning, or an "excuse me, here I come", but is often a "hello" to a passing friend.
Understanding the roundabout system
- The roundabout system of lanes is: If you are taking the first left exit off the roundabout you stay in the left lane, for all other exits off the roundabout you should remain in the right lane. Always give way to vehicles going around the roundabout to your right. For a detailed guide of maneuvering around BVI roundabouts please view the chart below.
All traffic flows around roundabouts in a clockwise direction. Upon approaching a roundabout - SLOW DOWN! Look right and wait for a break in traffic before merging with the oncoming vehicles. Leave the circle by using your indicator and turn left onto the road of your choice.
Rental Vehicles
- Visitors to the island driving rental vehicles are easily identifiable on the road by the letters 'RT' precede the numbers on the plate. Locals are usually accommodating and forgiving of your confusion with directions, roundabouts, road signs, delays etc..., and make allowances!
Accidents
- If you have an accident you must leave your vehicle in its position and phone your car hire company immediately. Don't try to move your vehicle to accommodate other motorist no matter how ugly it may get. Wait on police assistance a short investigation and approve moving vehicles.
