Driving in Jamaica vs. Jordan: Key Safety Differences
Embarking on an adventure in Jamaica or Jordan? Understanding the road regulations is vital for your safety. From driving on opposite sides to varying speed limits and unique traffic rules, this comparison reveals crucial distinctions. Whether navigating roundabouts or interpreting traffic signals, grasping these nuances ensures a smooth journey in either country.
Lanes
| Jamaica | Jordan | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the center of the road on two-way streets. | Marks the edge of the roadway. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution. | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. |
| Overtaking: On Left | No | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear | Allowed only on multi-lane urban roads. |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4] | Bridge crossings | Railroad crossings |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Limited | No specific bus lanes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Primarily for buses in certain urban areas | Buses share lanes with other vehicles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Marked with signs indicating bus lane | N/A |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Limited; primarily in urban areas. |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left | Shared with vehicular traffic. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Occasional with bicycle symbols | Cycle symbols where applicable. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Not applicable | N/A |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings | N/A |
Driving Side
jamaica:
Left
jordan:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
jamaica:
Marks the center of the road on two-way streets.
jordan:
Marks the edge of the roadway.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
jamaica:
Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution.
jordan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
jamaica:
No
jordan:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
jamaica:
Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear
jordan:
Allowed only on multi-lane urban roads.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
jamaica:
Bridge crossings
jordan:
Railroad crossings
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
jamaica:
Use leftmost lane.
jordan:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
jamaica:
Limited
jordan:
No specific bus lanes
Bus Lanes: Usage
jamaica:
Primarily for buses in certain urban areas
jordan:
Buses share lanes with other vehicles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
jamaica:
Marked with signs indicating bus lane
jordan:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
jamaica:
Limited
jordan:
Limited; primarily in urban areas.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
jamaica:
Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left
jordan:
Shared with vehicular traffic.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
jamaica:
Occasional with bicycle symbols
jordan:
Cycle symbols where applicable.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
jamaica:
Not applicable
jordan:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings
jordan:
N/A
Speeds Limits
| Jamaica | Jordan | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 30-50 km/h | 50-60 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 40 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 80-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 100-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 80-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 80-100 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Fixed speed limits via signs | N/A |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common for immediate traffic violations | Yes; common. |
Urban Areas: Standard
jamaica:
30-50 km/h
jordan:
50-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
jamaica:
30 km/h
jordan:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
jamaica:
80 km/h
jordan:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
jamaica:
80 km/h
jordan:
70-90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
jamaica:
70 km/h
jordan:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
jamaica:
100 km/h
jordan:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
jamaica:
100 km/h
jordan:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
jamaica:
80 km/h
jordan:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs
jordan:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
jamaica:
Common for immediate traffic violations
jordan:
Yes; common.
Signals
| Jamaica | Jordan | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution; confirm no vehicles are crossing | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Jamaica | Not typically used |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Typically allowed in situations to avert danger | To avoid accidents |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Discouraged near hospitals and schools | Unnecessary use discouraged; fines may apply for misuse |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Rarely enforced | Fines may apply for misuse |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To signal intentions, often a warning | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not widely restricted | Not to be used to signal other messages |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, especially if indicator lights fail | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | More common in older or malfunctioning vehicles | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English; symbols are standard | Arabic and English; symbols are standard |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Often triangular with red borders | Diamond-shaped with yellow background |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
jamaica:
Proceed with caution; confirm no vehicles are crossing
jordan:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
jamaica:
Not used in Jamaica
jordan:
Not typically used
Horn Usage: Allowed
jamaica:
Typically allowed in situations to avert danger
jordan:
To avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
jamaica:
Discouraged near hospitals and schools
jordan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; fines may apply for misuse
Horn Usage: Penalties
jamaica:
Rarely enforced
jordan:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
jamaica:
To signal intentions, often a warning
jordan:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
jamaica:
Not widely restricted
jordan:
Not to be used to signal other messages
Hand Signals: Permitted
jamaica:
Yes, especially if indicator lights fail
jordan:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
Hand Signals: Common Usage
jamaica:
More common in older or malfunctioning vehicles
jordan:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
jamaica:
English; symbols are standard
jordan:
Arabic and English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
jamaica:
Often triangular with red borders
jordan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
Turns
| Jamaica | Jordan | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise | Permitted unless prohibited by signs |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless signs prohibit it | Varies by location; check for signs |
Right Turn On Red
jamaica:
Prohibited
jordan:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
Left Turn: General
jamaica:
Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise
jordan:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
Left Turn: At Intersections
jamaica:
Yield to oncoming traffic
jordan:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
U- Turns Allowed
jamaica:
Allowed unless signs prohibit it
jordan:
Varies by location; check for signs
Documentation
| Jamaica | Jordan | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted with International Driving Permit | International Driving Permit recommended |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted with International Driving Permit | International Driving Permit required |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required; proof via certificate | Annual inspections required |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Not consistently used | Displayed on windshield |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
jordan:
International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
jordan:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
jamaica:
Annual inspection required; proof via certificate
jordan:
Annual inspections required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
jamaica:
Not consistently used
jordan:
Displayed on windshield
Road Etiquette
| Jamaica | Jordan | |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To signal intentions or warnings | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Informally regulated | Discouraged, fines may apply |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged | Discouraged and may be penalized |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Encouraged only to avert danger | Only in emergency situations |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Moderate use; more common than in some countries | Moderate use is common |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crossings | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over and stop if safe | Pull over and stop if necessary |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Sirens and flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights |
Flashing Lights: Usage
jamaica:
To signal intentions or warnings
jordan:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
Flashing Lights: Misuse
jamaica:
Informally regulated
jordan:
Discouraged, fines may apply
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
jamaica:
Common practice
jordan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
jamaica:
Discouraged
jordan:
Discouraged and may be penalized
Use Of Horn: Limited
jamaica:
Encouraged only to avert danger
jordan:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
jamaica:
Moderate use; more common than in some countries
jordan:
Moderate use is common
Pedestrians Priority
jamaica:
Pedestrians have right of way at crossings
jordan:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
jamaica:
Pull over and stop if safe
jordan:
Pull over and stop if necessary
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
jamaica:
Sirens and flashing lights
jordan:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
Alcohol
| Jamaica | Jordan | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.05% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.03% | 0.00% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited | 0.00% |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under drug influence | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check for impairment warnings | Check if medication affects driving ability |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Occasionally conducted | Common at checkpoints |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies with severity and past offenses | Can be substantial |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe breaches | Possible for severe offenses |
| Test Refusal | Can result in fines and license suspension | Can result in license suspension |
Limits: General Drivers
jamaica:
0.08%
jordan:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
jamaica:
0.03%
jordan:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
jamaica:
Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited
jordan:
0.00%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
jamaica:
Zero tolerance for driving under drug influence
jordan:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Zero Tolerance: Medications
jamaica:
Check for impairment warnings
jordan:
Check if medication affects driving ability
Enforcement: Random Checks
jamaica:
Occasionally conducted
jordan:
Common at checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
jamaica:
Varies with severity and past offenses
jordan:
Can be substantial
Enforcement: Imprisonment
jamaica:
Possible for severe breaches
jordan:
Possible for severe offenses
Test Refusal
jamaica:
Can result in fines and license suspension
jordan:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
| Jamaica | Jordan | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to the right; vehicles in the roundabout have priority | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout |
| Priority: Inside | Keep to the left; do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if taking an immediate exit | Signal if turning immediately upon entry |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal left when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for immediate or second exit | Use for first exit or straight |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for other exits | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe |
Priority: Entering
jamaica:
Yield to the right; vehicles in the roundabout have priority
jordan:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
Priority: Inside
jamaica:
Keep to the left; do not change lanes abruptly
jordan:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
Signaling: Entering
jamaica:
Signal if taking an immediate exit
jordan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
jamaica:
Signal left when preparing to exit
jordan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
jamaica:
Use for immediate or second exit
jordan:
Use for first exit or straight
Lane Usage: Left
jamaica:
Use for other exits
jordan:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
Emergency Services
| Jamaica | Jordan | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 119 or 110 | 911 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 119 | 911 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Depends on provider; often through insurance | Check with your insurance provider or local services |
Contact: General Emergency
jamaica:
119 or 110
jordan:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
jamaica:
119
jordan:
911
Contact: Roadside Assistance
jamaica:
Depends on provider; often through insurance
jordan:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
Penalties And Fines
| Jamaica | Jordan | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; penalties increase with speed over limit | Varies; fines can be substantial |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance | Fines apply |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply | Fines apply |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Subject to fines and points | Fines apply |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible for minor fines | Yes, occasionally |
| Payment: Deadline | Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days | Typically 30 days to pay |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Must be paid promptly to avoid complications | Same as residents; must be paid |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible for unresolved fines | Possible if fines are not paid |
Common Fines: Speeding
jamaica:
Varies; penalties increase with speed over limit
jordan:
Varies; fines can be substantial
Common Fines: Alcohol
jamaica:
Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment
jordan:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
jamaica:
Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance
jordan:
Fines apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
jamaica:
Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply
jordan:
Fines apply
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
jamaica:
Subject to fines and points
jordan:
Fines apply
Payment: On The Spot
jamaica:
Possible for minor fines
jordan:
Yes, occasionally
Payment: Deadline
jamaica:
Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days
jordan:
Typically 30 days to pay
Foreign Drivers: Fines
jamaica:
Must be paid promptly to avoid complications
jordan:
Same as residents; must be paid
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
jamaica:
Possible for unresolved fines
jordan:
Possible if fines are not paid