Belize's Road Rules: Left Or Right?

If you're planning a trip to Belize and want to rent a car to get around, there are a few things you should know about driving in this Central American country. Firstly, Belize drives on the right-hand side of the road, so travellers from countries like the US won't have to worry about adjusting. All road signs are in English, and distances are given in miles, not kilometres.

While some highways in Belize have been repaved in recent years, city streets can be challenging to navigate due to their narrow, maze-like layout and abundance of bikers and pedestrians. It's also worth noting that police checkpoints are located throughout the country, so be prepared to show your driver's license and vehicle registration.

When it comes to renting a car, Crystal Auto Rental is the largest agency in Belize and one of the few that allow you to take your rental car into Guatemala. The cost of gas is relatively high, so expect to pay a couple of dollars more per gallon than in the US.

Driving in Belize can be safe if you follow the local traffic rules and take some basic precautions. Always wear your seatbelt, avoid driving at night, and be cautious of pedestrians and animals on the road.

Driving laws and rules in Belize

Belize is a former British colony, so it drives on the left side of the road. If you're an American, this will take some getting used to, but if you've driven in parts of Europe, Africa, Australia, or New Zealand, you'll be familiar with this rule.

The legal driving age in Belize is 18, and the minimum age to rent a car is 25. If you're under 25, rental companies may charge an extra fee as younger drivers are more likely to have accidents.

If you're visiting Belize as a tourist, you'll need a valid driver's license from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). You'll also need to carry your passport, IDP or driver's license, and car rental paperwork with you at all times.

Rules of the Road

• You can turn right at a red light, but you must be cautious.
• To turn left, you must use your turn signal and wait on the right-hand shoulder of the road until traffic going both ways is clear.
• The speed limit on highways is 55 mph, and 25-40 mph in towns and cities.
• Always wear a seatbelt if you're a driver or a front-seat passenger.
• It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless it is a hands-free device.
• The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit in Belize is 80mg/100ml or 0.08%.
• You cannot park at a curve in the road, at a taxi or bus stand, or within 30 feet of a corner.
• Keep an eye out for speed bumps, which are known as "sleeping policemen" by locals.
• If you meet another vehicle at an intersection, one of you may need to slow down to let the other vehicle pass.
• When reversing, make sure the road behind you is clear, and that you're not blocking traffic in either direction.
• When approaching a curve, dip your headlights 3-4 times to signal your presence to other drivers.
• When entering a roundabout, slow down to 12-20 mph and yield to traffic already in the roundabout.

Driving Conditions

Many roads in Belize, especially in rural areas, are unpaved and poorly maintained. The major highways are generally in good condition, but you may encounter potholes, narrow lanes, and heavy traffic. Driving at night can be dangerous, as there are often people and animals on the road, and few streetlights.

Emergencies

In case of emergency, call 911 for the police, fire department, or an ambulance.

Driving safety in Belize

Driving in Belize is on the right-hand side of the road. The country has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with about one person per 36 square miles, allowing for beautiful nature and wildlife. However, this can make navigating backcountry roads difficult for tourists. While many highways have been repaved in recent years, some city streets can be challenging to navigate due to their maze-like structure, narrow alleys, and heavy presence of bikers and pedestrians.

• Driving Requirements: Visitors must be 18 or older to rent or drive in Belize. A driver's license is required (a U.S. license is accepted). An International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary if you do not have a license. Liability insurance is also mandatory.
• Speed Limits and Traffic Rules: The speed limit on highways is typically 55 mph, dropping to 25-40 mph in towns and cities. Be cautious of pedestrians and wildlife at all times. When turning left on a highway, pull to the right side first and wait for oncoming traffic to pass before proceeding.
• Seat Belts and Child Safety: Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and front-seat passengers but not for those in the rear. Car seats are not legally required.
• Cell Phone Usage: It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless it is a hands-free device.
• Alcohol Limits: The legal blood alcohol limit in Belize is 80mg.
• Toll Roads: The only toll bridge is when accessing Orange Walk Town from Belize City, with a rate of under 38 cents.
• Fuel Availability: Unleaded gasoline is widely available, with prices around $5.06 per gallon. Premium gasoline and diesel are also available but less common.
• Police Checkpoints: Police checkpoints are common throughout the country, where officers will check your driver's license and vehicle registration.
• Fines: On-the-spot fines do not exist in Belize. Instead, police officers will issue a penalty notice with instructions for payment if you violate any traffic laws.
• Emergency Services: In case of an emergency, call 911 for police, fire, or ambulance assistance.
• Road Conditions: Many highways have been resurfaced recently, improving driving conditions. However, some roads, especially those leading to tourist attractions, may be unpaved and in varying conditions. Always check road conditions before embarking on your journey.
• Navigation: Highways in Belize are typically one lane, so passing is limited. Villages and towns have speed bumps and lower speed limits for safety. GPS navigation may not always be accurate due to unmarked roads and addresses, so allow for extra time when travelling.
• Signage: Road signs are in English. However, street signs may be scarce, especially in cities like Belize City.
• Night Driving: Driving at night is not recommended due to low visibility, wildlife, and pedestrians. Highways and streets may not be well-lit, making it difficult to spot potholes and speed bumps.
• Vehicle Type: While a 4WD vehicle is not necessary for all areas, it is recommended for certain unpaved roads and during the rainy season.
• Border Crossing: If you plan to drive across borders to neighbouring countries, inform your rental company, as additional fees and approvals may be required.
• Local Driving Culture: Belizeans generally respect traffic rules, but they may drive slightly above the speed limit. Be cautious of aggressive drivers in cities like Belize City and San Ignacio.

Driving tips for Belize

Rules of the Road

Belize drives on the right, just like the US. The speed limit on highways is 55 mph, and 25-40 mph in towns and cities. You can turn right at a red light, but be cautious. To turn left on a highway, use your indicator and wait on the right-hand shoulder until the road is clear.

Driving Conditions

Many roads in Belize have been resurfaced in recent years, but some city streets can be difficult to navigate. Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in towns and cities. There are also lots of speed bumps, often with no warning, so keep your speed down.

Paperwork

You need a valid driver's license, registration, and insurance to drive in Belize. An International Driving Permit is required if you don't have a license. If you're renting a car, make sure it has up-to-date registration and insurance. You'll need to show these documents at the frequent police checkpoints.

Driving at Night

It's not recommended to drive at night in Belize. It can be hard to see potholes, topes (speed bumps), cyclists without lights, and people on the road. There are also more animals, like jaguars, tapirs, and snakes, crossing roads at night.

Local Driving Practices

Some local drivers signal right and pull to the right when turning left across traffic, then wait for cars behind them to pass. Keep an eye out for this, as it can be confusing.

Car Choice

A four-wheel-drive vehicle is a good choice for Belize, especially if you're planning on driving in the rain or on back roads. But be aware that rental rates for these vehicles are high, and they use a lot of gas.

Gas Stations

Gas is relatively expensive and not always easy to find outside of cities. Expect to pay a couple of dollars more per gallon than in the US. All gas stations accept US dollars, and some take credit cards. At night, you'll have to get out of the car, pay at a window, and pump the gas yourself.

Driving in Belize's cities

It is important to note that driving on the left side of the road is uncommon in Belize, as they follow the same driving rules as the United States and most other countries in the Western Hemisphere. This means that in Belize, you drive on the right-hand side of the road.

When driving in Belize's cities, it is crucial to follow the local traffic laws and be mindful of pedestrians and other vehicles. Here are some essential things to keep in mind:

• Speed limits in towns and cities are typically between 25 and 40 mph, and drivers should be cautious of pedestrians in both rural and populated areas.
• It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless it is a hands-free device.
• The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit in Belize is 80mg, and driving under the influence of alcohol is not recommended.
• Car seats are not required by law in Belize, but it is essential to ensure the safety of children.
• Keep an eye out for police checkpoints, where you may be asked to show your driver's license and vehicle registration.
• Be prepared for unexpected speed bumps, especially when entering residential areas or towns.
• When turning left at a junction or onto a highway, drivers usually need to signal right, pull to the right, and wait on the right-hand shoulder until traffic going both ways is clear.
• It is recommended to rent a car with a GPS navigation system, as roads in Belize may not be clearly marked.
• Be cautious when passing stopped buses, as people may suddenly dart out from behind them to cross the road.
• In areas with high crime rates, such as Belize City, it is advisable to avoid driving at night and to park in a secured lot or a well-lit area.

Driving in Belize's countryside

• When driving in Belize, always keep to the right side of the road. This may be familiar to travellers from the US, as Belize follows the same driving rules as most other countries in the Western Hemisphere.
• Be prepared for gravel or dirt roads when driving through forest reserves or more remote areas. These roads can be bumpy and challenging to navigate, so a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.
• Gas stations can be scarce in the countryside, so fill up your tank whenever you get the chance. Gas is relatively expensive in Belize, costing around $5-7 per gallon for unleaded fuel.
• Keep an eye out for speed bumps, also known locally as "sleeping policemen". They are commonly used to slow down traffic in residential areas, and you may encounter them without warning.
• Be cautious when passing stopped buses, as people may suddenly dart out from behind them to cross the road.
• It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless it is a hands-free device.
• Watch out for animals and pedestrians on the road, especially when driving through rural areas. This includes wildlife such as jaguars, tapirs, snakes, and stray dogs, as well as locals who may cross the road without warning.
• Driving at night is not recommended, as visibility can be low and it can be difficult to spot potholes, speed bumps, and obstacles.
• If you plan to cross the border into Guatemala, make sure to declare your intention to your rental car company at least 48 hours in advance to obtain the necessary permit papers.
• Always carry your driver's license, passport, and vehicle registration documents with you when driving. Police checkpoints are common throughout the country, and officers will ask to see these documents.
• When making a left turn on a highway, use your turn signal and wait on the right-hand shoulder until traffic in both directions is clear before proceeding.
• If you encounter a police checkpoint and are asked to show your documents, remain calm and answer any questions honestly. There have been reports of shakedowns and extortion by police officers, but as long as you comply with their requests, you should have no issues.

Frequently asked questions