A Red Light Costs Six Demerit Points in Jamaica 2026

Running a red light in Jamaica costs JMD 10,000 and adds six demerit points under the Road Traffic Act’s offence schedule. The island drives on the left, and the minimum driving age is 16, younger than in most of the Caribbean. Blood alcohol is capped at 0.08%, and speeding starts at JMD 6,000 plus two points.

Speed limits are 40 km/h in urban areas, 60 km/h on rural roads, and 80 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08% BAC. You must be at least 16 to drive.

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Unlike neighboring Cuba, Jamaica drives on the left — take extra care if crossing the border.

Emergency Numbers in Jamaica

General Emergency: 911 | Police: 911

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Jamaica, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Jamaica

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Jamaica are 40 km/h in built-up areas, 60 km/h on rural roads, and 80 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 40 km/h urban, 50 km/h rural, and 60 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Cuba (100 km/h).

Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.

Speeding Fines and Penalties

Speeding fines in Jamaica escalate based on how far you exceed the limit. Exceeding by up to 10 km/h: JMD 3,000-6,000 (approx. EUR 18-36). Exceeding by 11-20 km/h: JMD 6,000-12,000 (approx. EUR 36-72). Over 20 km/h: JMD 12,000+ (approx. EUR 72+) + court appearance or more.

Other common fines:

• Mobile phone use while driving: JMD 3,000-6,000 (approx. EUR 18-36)
• Running a red light: JMD 5,000-10,000 (approx. EUR 30-60)
• Seatbelt violation: JMD 2,000-4,000 (approx. EUR 12-24)

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the left side of the road. Overtake on the right. At roundabouts, traffic flows clockwise — give way to vehicles already in the roundabout.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is JMD 3,000-6,000 (approx. EUR 18-36). Use hands-free devices only.

Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.

At unmarked intersections, traffic from the right generally has priority unless signs indicate otherwise.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

The legal blood alcohol limit in Jamaica is 0.08% BAC. This is higher than Cuba (0.00% (zero tolerance) BAC). Exceeding this limit results in fines, licence suspension, and possible criminal charges. For novice drivers and professional drivers, stricter limits may apply.

The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.

Tyre Requirements and Regulations

Due to Jamaica’s tropical climate, winter tyres are not required. Standard tyres suitable for wet and dry conditions are appropriate year-round.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres: restricted.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Jamaica guide.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Jamaica must carry the following:

Recommended:

• Warning triangle
• First aid kit

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted.

The minimum driving age is 16 years.

Parking and Fuel

Parking rules vary by city. Look for designated parking areas and always check signs for time limits and payment requirements.

Current fuel prices in Jamaica: petrol approximately $1.25/litre, diesel $1.18/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.

Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.

Seasonal Driving Conditions

Jamaica has a tropical maritime climate. The main driving hazard is heavy rainfall — roads can flood quickly and visibility drops sharply during downpours. Reduce speed in rain and avoid crossing flooded sections. Road surfaces may deteriorate during the wet season.

Practical Driving Tips for Jamaica

• If switching from right-hand traffic, concentrate on turns and roundabouts — these are where most mistakes happen.
• Download offline maps of Jamaica before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
• Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
• Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.