Driving Tips in the Dominican Republic

01 What's the road like?

Overall, road conditions in the Dominican Republic are good, yet chaotic. If you plan on staying in the main cities, such as Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, the roadways are usually paved. As you move outside the metropolitan areas to rural areas and smaller towns, the traffic may not be as congested, but you'll start to see more potholes and unmarked speed bumps. Regardless of where you're at, staying alert is key if you want to avoid any problems.

02 Choosing the right rental car for your journey

To rent a car in the Dominican Republic, you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license from your home country and have a major credit card in your name. In some cases, you may need to show your passport.

You can avoid many hassles by renting online using a reputable rental agency, such as Avis, before you start your trip. If you plan on staying in the most popular tourist spots, a compact is ideal for a single person or couple. Families may opt for a minivan or standard vehicle. If you want to explore the mountains or plan to visit less developed areas, choose a sport utility vehicle that can handle rougher terrain.

Make sure you ask about full insurance coverage because road conditions and the driving styles of other drivers can be unpredictable.

03 Traffic rules and regulations you need to know

The rules for driving in the Dominican Republic aren't much different than those in the United States and other countries, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you don't want to get a ticket.

• Drive on the right-hand side of the road
• Drivers and passengers are required to wear a seatbelt
• Always carry a valid driver's license and your passport Never use your cell phone to text or make calls while driving
• The minimum age to drive is 16
• The speed limit for urban areas is 25 mph, in rural areas it's 50 and on highways it's 75. Sometimes, you won't see it posted.
• Right-hand turns on red are permitted, provided you come to a full stop and look before turning
• Dealing with Police Checkpoints and Road Stops
• Police checkpoints are often used along roadways and near city exits to help fight crime and keep residents and tourists safe

If you're driving and pull up to a checkpoint, roll down your window, stay calm and be courteous. Answer any questions the police ask and have your driver's license, passport and rental agreement ready to give to them if they ask for it.

In spite of advice from locals, never use bribery to help get through the checkpoint faster. It's illegal and could get you into major trouble. Instead, remain respectful and follow instructions.

04 Night driving: it's best to avoid it

Driving during the day has its challenges, but driving at night can be even worse and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Poor road conditions, missing manhole covers, potholes, animals on the road, poor lighting, and unmarked speed bumps can make night driving treacherous. You may also encounter drivers with malfunctioning head and tail lights and drunk drivers. Roadside services and reliable service centers may also be unavailable at nighttime, which can also be a problem if you run into trouble after dark.

If possible, plan to drive during the day to avoid driving at night. If you must travel after the sun goes down, make sure your headlights are in good working order, drive slowly and pay attention to the road.

05 Getting around with Waze and offline maps

It's not difficult to get around major cities in the Dominican Republic, but you can get some extra help by downloading Waze. Waze is one of the most popular navigation apps among locals. It can help you avoid traffic, police checkpoints and any other roadside hazards. It also provides turn-by-turn directions to destinations once you program at a point of interest before you start driving.

06 Tools and payment tips for major highways

The Dominican Republic has several toll highways connecting major cities, such as the Carretera de Samana, the Autopista de las Americas and the Autopista Juan Pablo Duarte. If you plan on driving long distances, you'll likely pass through these toll areas, which typically cost between $1 to $2.

To get through these tolls, always carry cash with you, especially the local currency of the Dominican pesos. However, most booths will take the American dollar. You can also check with your rental car agency because some companies include an electronic car pass in the rentals, allowing you to drive through the prepaid lane.

07 Avoiding traffic violations and traffic traps

To avoid fines or legal action while driving in the Dominican Republic, pay close attention to where you park and watch for no-parking zones. You should also be wary of traffic traps where local authorities stop tourists for even small violations. If you do get stopped, have your ID ready and always be courteous. Also, never drink and drive. If you and your friends have a night in the town, call a cab to get back to your hotel.

08 Navigating motorcycles, pedestrians, and animals

Motorists in the Dominican Republic share the road with pedestrians, motorcycles and sometimes animals. It's not enough to focus on your driving. Pay close attention to those around you, especially jaywalkers, motorcycles that zip in and out without signaling and stray livestock and dogs roaming the roadways.

09 Planning fuel stops

Gas stations, also called Bombas, tend to be spread out in rural areas, so it's important to always keep an eye on how much gas you have in your tank. When you fill-up, stick to well-known companies, such as Shell and Total, which are trustworthy and only use quality fuel. In addition, most stores take credit cards, but it's good to always keep cash on hand.

Driving on vacation in the Dominican Republic can be an adventure all on its own, but with the right amount of preparation and research, you'll be able to navigate through cities and landscapes easily. Remember to stay alert, plan out your stops and enjoy the scenery.