Skip Navigation
Building in Old San Juan

Driving in Puerto Rico

Driving in Puerto Rico is similar to the United States, but there are a few important differences to understand before hitting the road.

Driving in Puerto Rico is very similar to driving in the United States, making it easy for visitors to feel comfortable behind the wheel. You'll drive on the right-hand side of the road, speed limits are posted in miles per hour, and most major highways are well maintained. The main difference is that road signs are in Spanish, though they are generally easy to understand.

Do You Need a Car?

If you plan to stay within San Juan, you can get by using Uber or taxis. However, if you want to explore the island—visit beaches, the rainforest, or smaller towns—renting a car is highly recommended and offers the most flexibility.

What It's Like to Drive in Puerto Rico

Driving conditions vary depending on where you are. Highways are modern and comparable to those in the mainland U.S., while roads in rural or mountainous areas may be narrower and less maintained. It's common to encounter potholes or uneven pavement in certain areas, so staying alert is important.

Navigation is simple thanks to apps like Apple Maps, Google Maps and Waze, both widely used across the island.

Driving Rules & Requirements

Puerto Rico follows U.S.style driving laws, making it easy for visitors to adapt quickly. Seat belts are required, and traffic laws are enforced for both residents and visitors.

Alcohol laws are strict, and penalties for drinking and driving are similar to those in the mainland United States.

Driver's License

Visitors can drive in Puerto Rico using a valid U.S. driver's license. International visitors may use a valid license from their home country, though an international permit is recommended for longer stays.

For new residents, Puerto Rico requires obtaining a local driver's license within a short period after establishing residency.

During the first 120 days since arrival, a non-resident may operate motor vehicles in Puerto Rico if that person possesses a valid, unexpired license issued by any state of the U.S.A. or by any foreign country that imposes requirements similar to Puerto Ricos to grant a driver's license. For longer stays, any person may obtain a Puerto Rico driver's license simply by requesting one and paying the corresponding fees. The license issued by the state or foreign country will not be withheld. A person must be at least eighteen years old to qualify for a driver's license. A person between sixteen and eighteen years old may be issued a license to drive with a legal guardian authorization.

Gas, Tolls & Costs

Gas stations are widely available throughout Puerto Rico, including in more remote areas. Some stations are open 24 hours, especially in urban zones, and nearly all supply leaded and unleaded gasoline and diesel. Don't be surprised to find a lot of fuel stations providing both full and self service.

Toll roads are common on major highways, especially around San Juan. Rental cars are often equipped to handle toll payments automatically.

Vehicle costs, including rentals and purchases, tend to be slightly higher than on the mainland due to transportation and import costs.

Speed Limits

Highways are 65mph/112kph. Two-lane roads are 55 mph/88kph. Built-up areas are 30 mph/48kph unless otherwise posted.

Drinking and Driving

The penalties for drinking alcohol and driving afterwards are severe and exactly the same for both residents and visitors (legal drinking age of 18).

Seat Belts

It is compulsory to wear seat belts, including the rear seats - if fitted. Very small children and babies must at all times be restrained in an appropriate child seat or carrier.

Vehicles/Automobiles: 3,167,862 (2000)
All vehicles available in Puerto Rico are imported, mainly from the U.S. Due to transportation costs and import taxes, prices may be higher than in the U.S. Taxes apply to both new and used vehicles.

Highways
total: 25,328 km
paved: 23,665 km
unpaved: 1,363 km (2004 est.)

Roads
Las Americas Expressway has reduced travel time from San Juan, in the North, to Ponce, in the South, to approximately ninety (90) minutes.

Roadways

total: 26,862 km (includes 454 km of expressways) (2012)

Vehicle Registration & Insurance

All vehicles in Puerto Rico must be properly registered, and insurance is required. Visitors renting a car will typically have insurance options included or available through the rental agency.

Driver's License and Driver's Records

The process of obtaining a Puerto Rico driver license is easy to follow. When you apply for your license, take the following basic information: Social security card, ID with your full name, residential and postal address, date of birth and driver's license number (if applicable). To apply, visit one of the locations listed on the on the DMV website.

Learners Permit Certificate
A learner's license allows you to practice driving while accompanied by a licensed adult age 21 or older. You must be at least 16 to apply. You can study for the written permit test using the Driver's Manual (PDF) provided by the DTOP available online.

To apply you must provide the following:

  1. Application for Driver License (form DTOP-775) (PDF)
    If you are under 18 years of age, but older than 16 years of age, parent or legal guardian must present birth certificate (acceptable forms of identification) (PDF) and complete a notarized Parental affidavit Medical certificate (form DTOP-260)
  2. Social Security number (present Social Security card, W-2 form, SSA-1099, US Military card, or copy State or Federal Tax returns)
  3. Provide proof of residence and birth date (birth cerificate or passport - acceptable documents) (PDF)
  4. Three 2x2" photographs
  5. Internal Revenue Seal of $11.00
  6. Pass the written exam

Driver's License

If you wish to retake the exam you should present an Internal Revenue Seal of $5.00.

Renew of Driver's License

If your license has been expired for more than 2 years and 30 days, you must take the written exam applicable for your license type.

Driver's License for New Residents

New residents must obtain a valid Puerto Rico driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency and may register to vote after 30 days. If you are a U.S. Citizen and you have a valid out-of-state license you must provide the following:

In most instances eye and written exam is not required when presenting a a valid driver's license from another state.

Duplicate of Driver's License

How to obtain a driver's record?
You may request a driver record by mail by providing the following information:

Mail to:
Secretario de Hacienda
DivisiApartado 41243
San Juan, PR 00940-1240

Requests usually take 2 to 3 business days and mailed out via first class US Mail.

Vehicle Registration and Insurance Information

To register your car you must present vehicle's current registration certificate, title (unless held by lien holder), and your out-of-state license plates.

Puerto Rico law does not require drivers to carry vehicle insurance.


If you can't find the information you are looking for, feel free to send me a note.



Did You Know?

There are more Puerto Ricans living in the rest of the United States than in the island of Puerto Rico itself.