Foreign drivers may drive in Guadeloupe with their valid driver licenses from their domestic countries for up to 20 days. After that period, travelers must have an International driving permit to legally drive.

The main road traffic rules:

• Driving is on the right hand side.
• The minimum driving age is 18.
• Seat belts are obligatory.
• Children under the 12 are not permitted to travel in the front seat.
• It is not permitted to cross solid white lines.
• Dashed lines indicate two-way roads.
• The allowed blood-alcohol level is 0.05%.
  
• Speed limits are indicated in kilometers per hours. In most roads, the speed limit is 70 km/h.
• Using mobile phones while driving is prohibited, with the exception of a hands-free system.
• On multi-lane roads, the left lane is for passing.
• Traffic on main roads (with the yellow diamond signs) has the right of way to incoming traffic.
• At roundabout, traffic in the circle has the right of way.

The additional information:

• To rent a car in Guadeloupe, a driver need be 21 years and has held a driving permit for at least 1 year. Some rental companies require drivers to be at least 25 years of age and have 2 years of driving experience.
• Driving in nighttime should be avoided especially in mountainous areas, as roads may not be lit or marked.
• Winding roads are common in Guadeloupe.
• Paths leading to the sea are toll roads.
• It is recommended, do not park vehicles under palm trees, as falling coconuts can damage cars.
• The signs follow the European conventions; directions and information signs are in French.

• Guadeloupe Road Vocabulary

 Driving Overseas - Short Information