Traffic regulations

A car will take you to places you can't get to with public transport. Driving a car on Curacao is a must-see experience. If you keep an eye on a few things and the traffic rules, it will all be fine!

First of all, the traffic rules. When you see some cars on the road, it seems as if there are no rules. But that is of course not the case! You will have no problem with the traffic signs: they are almost exactly the same as in the Netherlands.

The same is actually true of most traffic rules. The most important rule: Straight through traffic has priority, traffic from the right has no priority. So if you approach a T-junction, you must always give way to traffic going straight through, at a roundabout or intersection it is indicated by a traffic sign.

In cities and towns, the speed limit is 40-45 kilometers per hour. On the roads outside town you are allowed (depending on the signs) 60-80 kilometers per hour. That speed also applies to the ring road around Willemstad. This is a four-lane road, where officially you must overtake on the left. In practice, drivers often overtake both left and right, so be aware of that! ( Follow your line ).

Most Curacaoans are very relaxed with the traffic rules. Besides overtaking on the left and right, it is often a matter of taking priority instead of getting priority. But beware: this is usually very amicable. Cars that incorrectly take the right of way often get the right of way from other drivers too. Why rush? Poko poko (go slow)!

The motto is therefore: give each other space. This is certainly wise, as some cars do not have working lights or indicators. Sometimes drivers suddenly put their hands out of the window to indicate that they want to turn.

As soon as it starts raining, by the way, everyone immediately reduces speed. This is not for nothing, because the wet roads on the island can be extremely slippery. This is especially common during the rainy season on Curacao (October to January). Sometimes it even happens that huge puddles form on the road surface, because the sewage system cannot handle all the water. It goes without saying that you better not go through them at full speed and around Willemstad it is usually quite busy. You can even find yourself in a traffic jam in the morning. But usually it drives along nicely and the roads are neat. Outside the city, traffic jams are rare and you can drive through quite a bit. But always keep your eyes on the road! Out of nowhere there can be gaping holes that can damage your rental car.

Outside the city, there are often goats on the road, which farmers just let run free. Once they are in front of your car, they rarely give you the right of way. And another tip from someone who has lived in Curacao for years: never brake for lizards, because they are always faster.

Curacao's road network (especially in Willemstad) is quite dense. Therefore, you absolutely must have a good road map. Many travel guides include a road map with only the main roads, but this is not always sufficient. To be on the safe side, it's better to spend a few guilders on a good map. Alternatively, of course, you can put a navigation app on your smartphone

Once you reach your destination, parking is usually not a problem. Outside the city you can park almost anywhere and in Willemstad there is a large, free parking lot just outside the center (at the Waaigat). However, your car is not guarded there and Curacao is relatively often broken into. It is better to park in Punda itself at a paid parking lot.

Parking in the city's roadside parking bays (which are usually numbered) is often not free. You must then pass by a parking meter. Don't be too lax about this, because Willemstad is controlled quite well! Before you know it, you'll have a wheel clamp on your rental car.

Whether you are guarded or not, it is always important to remove all valuables from the car. Or rather, all your things. Of course, you should not leave anything on the dashboard. But that also applies in the Netherlands.

Do you need to refuel? Please note that at most filling stations on Curacao it is customary to pay in advance.

Curacao Road Service

In case you get into an accident on Curacao, it is good to know what the procedure is. Traffic accidents usually do not involve the police, but the Curacao Road Service. They can be reached 24 hours a day at ( Tel: 9233 ). They will send someone to make a damage report as soon as possible. Also call Lowbudget Car Rental, our phone numbers are listed here.

If you need an ambulance, you can call 912. The general emergency number on Curacao is 911.

But hopefully you will never have to use those numbers and you will soon be driving around beautiful Curacao carefree!