Driving in Dominican Republic: licence, roads and tolls
Part of the Dominican Republic arrival guide.
This information may change. Always check the official source.Last verified: August 2026 by Ondřej Kadlec
Driving in Dominican Republic: the three basics
Drives on the
right
The driver sits on the left and overtakes on the left. Roundabouts turn anticlockwise.
Your licence
Licence plus an IDP
Your own licence works with an International Driving Permit beside it. Get the permit at home before you fly - no country issues one for another country's licence.
Motorways
Tolls by distance
Motorways charge for the distance driven, at barriers or by camera. Budget for it on a long drive; it is rarely trivial.
Dominican toll roads are fast and worth paying for, and the motoconchos are the thing to watch.
Tolled highways that are worth the money, and mopeds coming from every direction.
The Autopista del Coral and the Santo Domingo-Santiago highway are tolled and are far safer than the parallel local roads.
Motoconchos - moped taxis - ride against the traffic, at night without lights, and are the most common cause of accidents involving visitors.
The alcohol limit is 0.05 %.
Do not drive at night between towns. Unlit vehicles and animals on unlit roads make it the standard local advice.
Fuel is served by attendants and cash is useful outside the cities.
Toll payment is by cash or the Paso Rapido tag, which most hire cars carry.
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