Bahamas (BS)
An English-speaking Caribbean archipelago close to Florida, known for high-end tourism, no personal income tax, strong financial services, second-home communities, turquoise water and very high island living costs.
Driving in Bahamas
Licence exchange, road rules, fines, buying a car, and cycling.
Driving in the Bahamas is governed by the Road Traffic Act (Chapter 220). The Bahamas drives on the left and uses mph (miles per hour). A car is practical on most islands — Nassau (New Providence) has traffic congestion, roundabouts, narrow roads and pothole hazards; Family Islands (Out Islands) have quieter roads. Golf carts are common on smaller cays. Tourist traffic, hurricane debris and seasonal flooding add hazards. The Bahamian Dollar (BSD) is pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar.
Driving Licence Exchange
Bona fide visitors (tourist/business) may drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 3 months. After 3 months, residents and work-permit holders must transfer to a Bahamian driving licence through the Road Traffic Department (RTD). EU licences carry no special status — treated as any foreign licence.
USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, CARICOM member states, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados
Visitors may drive on their valid home-country licence for up to 3 months without obtaining an additional permit. For long-term residents or work-permit holders: present your foreign licence, Immigration status/permit, valid passport, proof of Bahamian address and applicable fee to the Road Traffic Department. A transfer of licence (rather than a full test) may be granted if your licence is from a recognised country.
If your foreign licence is not in English, carry a certified translation or valid IDP. Confirm current transfer requirements at RTD (roadtraffic.gov.bs) before attending. Rental car companies may arrange short-term permits for tourists.
EU licence holders are treated as foreign nationals with no special status. Use your EU licence for up to 3 months as a visitor. For longer stays: apply to RTD for a Bahamian licence transfer. Bring your EU licence, valid passport, residency/work permit, proof of address and fee.
EU free movement rules do not apply in the Bahamas. Carry your EU licence and passport at all times when driving.
Non-Commonwealth foreign nationals may use their valid foreign licence for 3 months as a visitor. For long-term residence: apply to RTD with your foreign licence, IDP/translation, valid passport, work or residency permit and fee. A theory or practical test may be required depending on your home country's licence standards.
Contact RTD (roadtraffic.gov.bs) in advance to confirm whether a test is required for your specific nationality.
Road Rules
Urban areas: 25 mph (approximately 40 km/h). Main roads and suburban areas: 45 mph (approximately 72 km/h). Posted signs always take precedence. School zones and market areas may have lower posted limits. Speeding on New Providence (Nassau) is enforced by police patrols; radar-based enforcement is used on major routes.
80 mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood (0.08% BAC) — the legal limit under the Road Traffic Act. DUI penalty (first offence): BSD $3,000 fine or imprisonment, plus licence suspension for up to 1 year. The Royal Bahamas Police Force conducts breathalyser checks, particularly on weekends and public holidays.
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Fine: BSD $100–300. Hands-free devices are permitted. Road conditions in Nassau require full attention.
Mandatory for driver and all front-seat passengers. Fine for non-compliance: BSD $100–200. Rear seatbelts should be worn where fitted.
Children must use appropriate child restraint systems for their age, height and weight. Children should not sit unrestrained in the front seat. Bring ECE-certified child seats from home — locally available options are limited.
Traffic Fines (Bußgeldkatalog)
Traffic fines in the Bahamas are administered by the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Road Traffic Department under the Road Traffic Act (Chapter 220). Fines are in Bahamian Dollars (BSD; BSD 1 = USD 1, fixed peg). Fixed-penalty notices may be issued for minor offences; serious offences proceed to Magistrates Court. Always request an official receipt for any fine paid.
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (first offence) | BSD $250–500 | — |
| Speeding (second offence) | BSD $500–1,000 | — |
| Speeding (third offence) | BSD $1,000+ + possible licence disqualification up to 12 months | — |
| Drink driving (above 80mg/100mL BAC) | BSD $3,000 or imprisonment + 1-year licence suspension | — |
| Using handheld mobile phone while driving | BSD $100–300 | — |
| Not wearing seatbelt | BSD $100–200 | — |
| Driving after visitor licence period (3 months) without transfer | Fine + licence and immigration consequences | — |
| Driving without valid insurance | BSD $500+ + civil liability risk | — |
| Driving an unlicensed vehicle | BSD $200–500 + registration consequences | — |
| Dangerous driving | BSD $500–2,000 + court process + possible licence disqualification | — |
Buying a Car
Cars in the Bahamas are expensive due to import duties (typically 25–100%+ depending on vehicle age and type) and limited choice. Used vehicles from the USA and Japan are most common. Hurricane damage, salt corrosion, AC condition and parts availability are key inspection priorities. Facebook Marketplace (Bahamas groups) and local dealerships are the main sales channels — there is no major dedicated car platform.
- 1.Search Facebook Marketplace (Bahamas groups) or ask expat and employer networks — these are the main channels for private sales.
- 2.Verify ownership: check the vehicle registration certificate (Road Traffic registration) and confirm chassis/VIN number matches.
- 3.Commission an independent mechanic inspection — check for hurricane/flood damage, salt corrosion, tyre condition and AC function.
- 4.Check for outstanding Road Traffic fines linked to the vehicle's licence plate.
- 5.Agree on price and prepare a written bill of sale.
- 6.Transfer ownership at the Road Traffic Department: submit bill of sale, both parties' IDs, vehicle registration certificate and transfer fee.
- 7.Arrange mandatory insurance before driving.
- •Road Traffic registration certificate — confirm seller is registered owner and VIN matches.
- •Outstanding fines: confirm no pending fines against the vehicle.
- •Roadworthiness/annual inspection status — must be current.
- •Valid motor insurance — mandatory before driving on public roads.
- •Hurricane and flood damage inspection — essential for vehicles on the island.
- •AC system and cooling: essential in tropical climate.
Budget for: purchase price (used small car: BSD $8,000–20,000; mid-range: BSD $20,000–50,000+), RTD transfer and licensing fees (~BSD $100–300), annual vehicle licence/inspection fees (~BSD $100–400), insurance (~BSD $800–3,000+/year), and ongoing fuel and maintenance. Imported parts can be expensive and slow to arrive.
Registration, Insurance & Tax
Vehicle registration is administered by the Road Traffic Department (RTD — roadtraffic.gov.bs). On ownership transfer: submit the bill of sale, both parties' Bahamian IDs or passports, current registration certificate, valid roadworthiness inspection sticker and applicable fees. The RTD has offices in Nassau (New Providence) and Freeport (Grand Bahama). Company vehicles require evidence of Business Licence.
Valid motor insurance is required before any vehicle is driven on public roads. Minimum cover: third-party liability for bodily injury and property damage. Comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended given the high cost of parts and vehicle replacement. Available from Bahamian insurers including Bahamas First, Colina Insurance, Security and General Insurance and others. Annual premiums: approximately BSD $800–3,000+ depending on vehicle value and driver history.
Annual vehicle licensing fees are collected by the RTD and depend on vehicle class, weight and use. Non-renewal is an offence and prevents legal driving. Renewal includes a roadworthiness inspection requirement for most vehicle types. Import duty on vehicles entering the Bahamas is significant — typically 25–100%+ of vehicle value depending on age and type.
All registered vehicles must pass an annual roadworthiness inspection to maintain a valid vehicle licence. Inspection covers brakes, lights, tyres, seatbelts, mirrors and overall vehicle safety. Conducted through RTD or authorised inspection stations. Fee: included in annual vehicle licence process. Driving without a current roadworthiness sticker is an offence.
Cycling
Recreational cycling exists in the Bahamas — Cable Beach (Nassau) and Paradise Island have some recreational options, and many visitors rent bicycles or golf carts. Cycling infrastructure is minimal; roads are shared with traffic and can be narrow. The flat terrain on most islands makes cycling physically easy but traffic makes it hazardous outside early morning.
- •Cyclists must ride on the left side of the road (the Bahamas drives on the left).
- •Lights (front white, rear red) are required at night.
- •Helmet is strongly recommended — not legally mandatory for adults.
- •Cycling on New Providence (Nassau) major roads is very hazardous; use quieter residential routes where possible.
- •Cycling under the influence of alcohol: Road Traffic Act DUI provisions apply.
- •Ride early morning (6–8 am) before heat and traffic build.
- •Cable Beach coastal path and Paradise Island bridge cycle paths are the safest Nassau routes.
- •Out Islands (Exuma, Elbow Cay, Harbour Island): cycling is excellent and the main local transport on smaller cays.
- •Carry water and sunscreen — heat and humidity are intense year-round.
- •Lock your bicycle securely in Nassau; bicycle theft occurs.
- •Golf carts are a popular alternative to bicycles on smaller cays — rental is widely available.