Driving in the Dominican Republic vs. United Kingdom
When navigating the roads of the Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom, drivers encounter distinctly different regulations and practices. Key contrasts include driving on opposite sides, speed limits that vary significantly, and unique lane markings. Understanding these variations is essential for ensuring a safe and compliant journey in each country.
Lanes
| Dominican republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left |
| Markings: Solid White Line | No crossing or lane changes allowed. | Do not cross unless it is safe and necessary (e.g., overtaking a stationary vehicle). |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | Not commonly used in the UK, yellow lines usually indicate parking restrictions. |
| Markings: Double Solid White Line | No crossing in either direction. | Do not cross or straddle in either direction. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks. |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4] | Railroad crossings | Near schools |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use rightmost lane. | Use leftmost lane. |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Yes, mostly in the capital Santo Domingo | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses; some taxis may also use them. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with motorized two-wheelers in some areas. | Mostly exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Often not marked. | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | No | No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Driving Side
dominican republic:
Right
united kingdom:
Left
Markings: Solid White Line
dominican republic:
No crossing or lane changes allowed.
united kingdom:
Do not cross unless it is safe and necessary (e.g., overtaking a stationary vehicle).
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
dominican republic:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used in the UK, yellow lines usually indicate parking restrictions.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
dominican republic:
No crossing in either direction.
united kingdom:
Do not cross or straddle in either direction.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
dominican republic:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK.
Overtaking: On Right
dominican republic:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
united kingdom:
Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
dominican republic:
Railroad crossings
united kingdom:
Near schools
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
dominican republic:
Use rightmost lane.
united kingdom:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
dominican republic:
Yes, mostly in the capital Santo Domingo
united kingdom:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
dominican republic:
Reserved for buses; some taxis may also use them.
united kingdom:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
dominican republic:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
united kingdom:
Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
dominican republic:
Limited
united kingdom:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
dominican republic:
Shared with motorized two-wheelers in some areas.
united kingdom:
Mostly exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
dominican republic:
Often not marked.
united kingdom:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
dominican republic:
No
united kingdom:
No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
dominican republic:
N/A
united kingdom:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
dominican republic:
No
united kingdom:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
dominican republic:
N/A
united kingdom:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Dominican republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40 km/h | 30 mph |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 25 km/h | 20 mph in some areas |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 60 mph |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70 km/h | 50 mph |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | 50 mph |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 70 mph |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 90 km/h | 60 mph |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 60 mph |
| Speed Units | km/h | mph |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | No; speed checks are done by police radar | Yes |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Possible for traffic infractions | Not typically used; fines are usually mailed |
Urban Areas: Standard
dominican republic:
40 km/h
united kingdom:
30 mph
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
dominican republic:
25 km/h
united kingdom:
20 mph in some areas
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
dominican republic:
80 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
dominican republic:
70 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
dominican republic:
70 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
dominican republic:
100 km/h
united kingdom:
70 mph
Highways: Buses And Vans
dominican republic:
90 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
dominican republic:
80 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Speed Units
dominican republic:
km/h
united kingdom:
mph
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
dominican republic:
No
united kingdom:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
dominican republic:
N/A
united kingdom:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
dominican republic:
No; speed checks are done by police radar
united kingdom:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
dominican republic:
Possible for traffic infractions
united kingdom:
Not typically used; fines are usually mailed
Signals
| Dominican republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Dominican Republic | Prepare to go, not used in the USA |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when entering and exiting |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Commonly used in many situations | Only in cases to avoid accidents |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Spanish; symbols are standard | English; symbols are standard |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Diamond-shaped with yellow background | Triangular-shaped with a red border |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
dominican republic:
Not used in Dominican Republic
united kingdom:
Prepare to go, not used in the USA
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
dominican republic:
Signal when exiting
united kingdom:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Allowed
dominican republic:
Commonly used in many situations
united kingdom:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Traffic Signs: Language
dominican republic:
Spanish; symbols are standard
united kingdom:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
dominican republic:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
united kingdom:
Triangular-shaped with a red border
Turns
| Dominican republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not generally allowed unless indicated by a sign | Not permitted in the UK |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Left turns permitted; use caution |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Priority must be given to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. |
| U- Turns Allowed | Prohibited on major roads; check for signs | Allowed except where prohibited by signage |
Right Turn On Red
dominican republic:
Not generally allowed unless indicated by a sign
united kingdom:
Not permitted in the UK
Left Turn: General
dominican republic:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
united kingdom:
Left turns permitted; use caution
Left Turn: At Intersections
dominican republic:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
united kingdom:
Priority must be given to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
U- Turns Allowed
dominican republic:
Prohibited on major roads; check for signs
united kingdom:
Allowed except where prohibited by signage
Documentation
| Dominican republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit often required alongside national license |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Yes, annual inspection required | MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Not displayed; records are electronic |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Required | Not mandatory |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
dominican republic:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
united kingdom:
Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
dominican republic:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
united kingdom:
International Driving Permit often required alongside national license
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
dominican republic:
Yes, annual inspection required
united kingdom:
MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
dominican republic:
Displayed on the windshield
united kingdom:
Not displayed; records are electronic
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
dominican republic:
Required
united kingdom:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
dominican republic:
Recommended
united kingdom:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
| Dominican republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Commonly used more frequently than in some countries | Only in emergency situations |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Frequent use in traffic | Less frequent use compared to some countries |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | Pull over to the side and stop if necessary |
Use Of Horn: Limited
dominican republic:
Commonly used more frequently than in some countries
united kingdom:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
dominican republic:
Frequent use in traffic
united kingdom:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
dominican republic:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
united kingdom:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
Alcohol
| Dominican republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.08% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance | 0.02% |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Less common; some checkpoints used in urban areas | Common; checkpoints used in some areas |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial; can lead to license suspension | Substantial fines apply |
| Test Refusal | Results in arrest and license suspension | Can result in license suspension |
Limits: General Drivers
dominican republic:
0.05%
united kingdom:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
dominican republic:
0.00%
united kingdom:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
dominican republic:
0.00%; zero tolerance
united kingdom:
0.02%
Enforcement: Random Checks
dominican republic:
Less common; some checkpoints used in urban areas
united kingdom:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
dominican republic:
Substantial; can lead to license suspension
united kingdom:
Substantial fines apply
Test Refusal
dominican republic:
Results in arrest and license suspension
united kingdom:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
| Dominican republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit |
Signaling: Entering
dominican republic:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
united kingdom:
Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight
Lane Usage: Right
dominican republic:
Use for first exit or straight
united kingdom:
Use for first exit
Emergency Services
| Dominican republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 911 | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 911 or designated local numbers | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or local services | Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Required and recommended as a safety measure | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended for safety | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
dominican republic:
911
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Traffic Police
dominican republic:
911 or designated local numbers
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
dominican republic:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
united kingdom:
Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
dominican republic:
Required and recommended as a safety measure
united kingdom:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
dominican republic:
Recommended for safety
united kingdom:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
| Dominican republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; fines can be steep depending on the violation | Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Mandatory use; fines for non-compliance | £100 fine |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines for using a phone while driving without hands-free devices | £200 and 6 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines for non-compliance with signals | £100 fine and 3 penalty points |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible for common violations | Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; often within 15-30 days | Varies; typically 28 days to pay |
Common Fines: Speeding
dominican republic:
Varies; fines can be steep depending on the violation
united kingdom:
Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points
Common Fines: Seat Belts
dominican republic:
Mandatory use; fines for non-compliance
united kingdom:
£100 fine
Common Fines: Phone Use
dominican republic:
Fines for using a phone while driving without hands-free devices
united kingdom:
£200 and 6 penalty points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
dominican republic:
Fines for non-compliance with signals
united kingdom:
£100 fine and 3 penalty points
Payment: On The Spot
dominican republic:
Possible for common violations
united kingdom:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
dominican republic:
Varies; often within 15-30 days
united kingdom:
Varies; typically 28 days to pay