Driving advice - No risk no fun
- The only law, which is enforced is, you must wear your seat-belt.
If you don't, you have to pay a fine of 500 Peso. There was a great
seat-belt-campaign in 2002, which succeeded in 90% of the dominicans
now wear seat-belts.
- The right of way is given to the vehicle which is on the bigger
street.
- A truck has priority before cars.
- Green light indicates, that you can go, still
be cautious, it's possible, other cars could cross.
- Red light shows you: Please stop and check the traffic. If you cannot
see anybody, you can drive.
- You can pass a car on the right or left side. It doesn't matter.
- Driving with alcohol or other drugs isn't allowed, but there is no
control.
- If you are involved in an accident and somebody is injured, a blood
check in hospital may be required.
- Speed limits do exist, but there is no control until
now. But you shoudn't drive more than 120 kilometer on highways and
80 kilometer on other roads. Inside villages reduce to 40 kilometer,
because children play on the streets.
- Don't change direction too quickly. The Dominicans don't live in
stressed situations. Here time is not money. It's hot and life is slow.
So, if you want to change direction, please show it very clearly.
If Dominicans lower their speed, they show it to you by waving a hand
out of a window.
- If you want to make a left turn, it's possible that other cars will
still pass on the left hand side, even if they can see in the darkness
your indication.
- Parking is free until now. On all places, that are not private
you won't pay any fees.
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