Driving Rules in Aruba

Driving in Aruba is easy and relaxed, but a few local rules surprise most visitors. Aruba drives on the right, uses kilometers per hour, has roundabouts everywhere and has no traffic lights. Here is everything you need to know before you get behind the wheel of your Island Wheels rental.

Driver’s License & Documents

You need a valid physical driver’s license from your home country to drive in Aruba. Carrying an International Driving Permit alongside it is not necessary, but it is recommended specially if your license is not in English, Spanish or Dutch.

• Always carry your physical driver’s license and rental agreement while driving.
• To rent a scooter or motorcycle, you must hold a valid motorcycle license. A car license alone is not enough.

Basic Road Rules

• Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers.
• No phone in hand. Using a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited. Use hands-free or pull over.
• Don’t drink and drive. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, lower than in the US. Driving under the influence can lead to fines and loss of your license. The safest rule: no alcohol before driving.

Speed Limits

All speed limits and speedometers in Aruba are in kilometers per hour. Unless a sign says otherwise, these are the limits:

School zones and residential areas may post lower limits. Speed limits are enforced, so always follow the posted signs.

Roundabouts & Right of Way

Most major intersections in Aruba are roundabouts, and some have two lanes.

• Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Wait for a safe gap before entering.
• Unmarked intersections: traffic coming from your right has priority.
• Turning left: oncoming traffic has the right of way.
• Motorized vehicles have priority over non-motorized ones, but always watch for cyclists and pedestrians on crosswalks.

Riding a Scooter or Motorcycle

• Helmets are required by law for motorcycle and scooter riders.
• You need a valid motorcycle license to ride.
• Keep to the right, stay visible and take extra care in roundabouts and on wet roads.
• When you rent a scooter with Island Wheels, it stays with you for the entire rental period.

Parking

Downtown Oranjestad uses parking meters. When you pay, you will need to enter your vehicle’s license plate number, so take a photo of it before you leave the car. Outside the capital, parking is generally easy at beaches, shopping areas and attractions. Never leave valuables visible inside the vehicle.

Beaches, Dunes & Arikok National Park

• No driving on beaches or sand dunes. It is strictly prohibited, including the dunes near the California Lighthouse.
• ATVs and UTVs are banned from Arikok National Park since November 2020.
• Tracks inside Arikok and along the north coast are rough and unpaved, best suited for 4×4 vehicles. Please note: Island Wheels does not offer vehicles suitable for Arikok National Park, so our cars and scooters may not be driven there.

Safety Tips & Emergencies

• Watch for animals. Goats and donkeys may cross the road unexpectedly, especially in the countryside.
• Expect friendly stops. Local drivers sometimes stop to greet someone or let another car pass. Keep a safe distance.
• Slow down in the rain. Roads get slippery when wet.
• Rush hour around Oranjestad is roughly 6–8 am and 4–7 pm.
• Fuel: all our vehicles run on gasoline. Gas prices are regulated by the government, so they are the same at every station.
• Emergencies: dial 911 for police or ambulance. For any issue with your rental, contact us right away.

Explore Aruba with Island Wheels

We deliver your car or scooter for free to the airport, your hotel, your Airbnb or anywhere on the island, every day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Questions on the road? Message us on WhatsApp or call +297 743 1839. We’re here to help throughout your rental.