Dominican Republic Driving Rules for Americans (2026 Guide)
Right-side driving, speed limits of 40–100 km/h, AMET and DIGESETT police running roadside stops, a BAC limit of 0.05%, and small tolls on the Autopista del Coral and Autopista las Américas. US license + IDP required.
Governed by Law 63-17 (Ley de Movilidad), enforced by INTRANT, AMET, and DIGESETT.
The Basics for US Drivers
- Drive on the right, pass on the left — same as the US.
- Foreign drivers must carry a valid national license plus an IDP.
- Minimum driving age is 18; rentals usually start at 21–25.
- Distances and speed limits are in kilometers per hour, not mph.
- Fuel is sold in US gallons at the pump (a holdover from US influence), but distances on signs are metric.
- Right-on-red is not legal unless explicitly signed — different from the US default.
- Roundabouts ("rotondas") are common in Santo Domingo; traffic already in the circle has priority.
Speed Limits
Speed limits are posted in km/h. Locals routinely exceed them, but tourists in rental cars are visibly different and get pulled over more often.
| Road Type | Limit (km/h) | Approx. mph |
|---|---|---|
| Urban (city streets) | 40–60 | 25–37 |
| School zones | 30 | 19 |
| Rural / secondary roads | 80 | 50 |
| Autopista del Coral | 120 (max) | 75 |
| Other expressways | 100 | 62 |
Source: INTRANT, Dominican Ministry of Public Works (MOPC).
AMET vs. DIGESETT — Who's Pulling You Over
There are two traffic-enforcement bodies you'll encounter. Recognizing them helps you understand what they can and can't do.
- AMET (Autoridad Metropolitana de Transporte): Operates inside Santo Domingo only. Tan/khaki uniforms. Handles urban traffic, parking, and city-center checkpoints. Most "informal fine" stories tourists tell come from AMET.
- DIGESETT (Dirección General de Seguridad de Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre): National highway police. Olive-green uniforms. Operates on the Autopistas and major intercity routes. More professional, more likely to write you an official ticket.
- Local Policía Nacional: Can also conduct traffic stops in smaller towns where AMET doesn't operate.
At any stop: Keep your US license, IDP, passport (or a copy), and rental contract together in the glovebox. Hand them over politely. If you're asked to pay cash on the spot, politely insist on an official ticket ("una boleta oficial, por favor"). Most officers will then write one.
Seat Belts & Mobile Phones
- Seat belts: Mandatory for driver and all passengers. Fine of about RD$500 per unbelted person.
- Child seats: Required for children under 5. Reservation in advance with your rental agency — they don't always have spare seats on hand.
- Handheld phones: Prohibited while driving. Hands-free / Bluetooth is allowed.
- Headphones / earbuds: Technically prohibited; rarely enforced but a documented offense.
- Turning headlights on: Required in tunnels, heavy rain, and any time visibility drops.
Drinking & Driving
The legal BAC limit in the Dominican Republic is 0.05% — lower than the US 0.08%. Practically that means roughly one beer for most adults before you're at the limit.
- 0.05%–0.08%: Fine starting around RD$5,000 ($85), possible vehicle impoundment, and a record on your tourist file.
- Above 0.08%: Higher fines, license confiscation, and the possibility of arrest.
- Checkpoints: Common Friday/Saturday nights in Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, and Puerto Plata. If you've had even one drink at the resort, take a taxi.
Source: INTRANT, Law 63-17.
Road Signs
Most road signs follow international (Vienna Convention) shapes and colors with Spanish text. Common signs you'll see:
- Pare = Stop (red octagon)
- Ceda el paso = Yield (red triangle)
- Velocidad máxima = Maximum speed
- No estacionar = No parking
- Sólo = Only (e.g., bus or taxi lanes)
- Desvío = Detour
- Salida = Exit
- Peaje = Toll
- Reductor de velocidad = Speed bump (these are everywhere and rarely painted — watch for them at every village)
Toll Roads (Autopistas)
Toll roads are operated by the MOPC and a few private concessionaires. Most accept Dominican pesos or US dollars in cash; some lanes accept the Paso Rápido transponder (rentals sometimes include one).
| Road | Approx. Total Toll | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Autopista del Coral | ~$10 USD each way | Punta Cana ↔ Santo Domingo |
| Autopista las Américas | RD$60–RD$100 | Santo Domingo ↔ SDQ airport / east |
| Autopista Juan Pablo II (Samaná) | ~RD$415 (~$7 USD) | Santo Domingo ↔ Samaná Peninsula |
| Autopista Duarte | RD$60–RD$100 | Santo Domingo ↔ Santiago |
Tip: Keep US dollar bills (singles, fives, tens) and small peso change handy. Larger bills (RD$2,000 / $50 USD) can be hard to break in cash lanes.
Motoconchos — The Unwritten Rules
Motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) are the single biggest difference between driving in the US and driving in the DR. Locals expect you to know how to share the road with them.
- They legally must wear helmets. They very often don't.
- They pass on both sides — left and right — at any speed.
- They run red lights at small intersections. Look both ways even on a green.
- Two or three passengers on one bike is normal, including kids.
- If you hit one, you are immediately presumed at fault — even if you aren't. Stop, call your rental company, and wait for DIGESETT.
- Use your mirrors constantly. Signal lane changes early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Your IDP Before Your DR Trip
An IDP is required to drive legally in the Dominican Republic. $20 and 1–2 weeks by mail is the entire process.
Apply for Your IDP Today