Driving on Bonaire: Goats, Roundabouts and No Traffic Lights

Driving on Bonaire is relaxed. There are no traffic jams, and not a single traffic light on the whole island. Still, a few things work differently than at home. Here's what you need to know before you get behind the wheel.

The basics

• Drive on the right, just like in the US and mainland Europe.
• Speed limits: 40 km/h (25 mph) in built-up areas like Kralendijk, and 60 km/h (37 mph) outside. Most rental cars show km/h.
• Your license: a valid license from the US, the Netherlands or another EU country is enough. You don't need an international driving permit.
• Signs use international symbols, with some text in Dutch.

Right of way: the tricky part

Without traffic lights, right of way decides who goes first:

• Roundabouts: traffic already on the roundabout has priority. Yield before you enter.
• Equal intersections: traffic from the right goes first, unless signs or road markings say otherwise.
• Turning left: give way to oncoming traffic.
• Side roads: if you come from a smaller road, give way to traffic from both directions.

Our advice: watch the signs, drive defensively, and don't assume the other driver will stop.

Animals on the road

Goats, donkeys and iguanas roam freely on Bonaire, and they don't follow traffic rules. They're most active around dusk. Slow down when you see them, and be extra careful driving at night outside town.

Other tips

• One-way streets: Kralendijk has several. Follow the signs.
• Cyclists: pass them with plenty of space, especially on poorly lit roads.
• Parking: free almost everywhere, with no parking zones or time limits.
• Fuel: you pay in US dollars. There's no gas station in Washington Slagbaai or the far north, so fill up before you head out.
• Navigation: your phone's GPS works well. In the north, download an offline map.
• Take it easy: nobody's in a hurry on Bonaire. You're on island time now.

Questions? Lynden has been driving on Bonaire for years and is happy to give you a quick briefing when he hands over the keys.