Belize Roadway Guidance
Barefoot Rentals and Services has a modern fleet of vehicles, dirt bikes, and golf carts so that visitors can enjoy exploring the beauty and wonder of Belize at their own pace.
In order to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time while driving in Belize, we have prepared this handy guide.
- If you have a valid driver’s license in your home country, you can rent and operate a motor vehicle in Belize.
- Belize is easy to navigate for American drivers as all distances are listed in miles, gas is sold by the gallon ($5-6/gallon), drivers drive on the right-hand side of the road, and all signs are written in English.
- Unless posted otherwise, the speed limit on highways is 55 mph and 25 mph on smaller roads.
- Belize has four paved highways that connect all major urban areas in the country. Smaller roads in more rural regions, however, may be gravel or packed dirt and difficult to navigate during or following bouts of rain.
- Belize is small enough that just about any destination can be reached in 3-4 hours or less.
- There are no stoplights in the country, even in Belize City. Instead, Belize relies on large speed bumps warmly referred to as “sleeping policemen.” Not all speed bumps are well-marked, so always be attentive when entering or leaving a town or village.
- The Belizean police operate regular checkpoints, however there is no risk of being shaken down for bribes. Simply present your documents and you’ll soon be on your way.
- There is no national towing service like “AAA.” Each rental company is responsible for responding to breakdowns.
- Many Belizean drivers follow a peculiar custom of moving over to the right-hand side of the roadway in order to execute a left turn. To make a left turn, pull over to the right and wait for any vehicles behind you to clear the roadway before you turn left.
- It is highly inadvisable to drive at nighttime in Belize as the roads may be unlit or poorly illuminated with pedestrians and/or animals in the roadway.
- During the day, pull into gas stations and wait for the attendant to come out and pump your gas (no tips are necessary). At nighttime, you’ll need to prepay and pump your own gas. Both Belizean and American dollars are accepted, but preferably in cash as few gas stations accept credit cards.
Safe driving!