Dominican Republic (DO)
The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean's most visited destination — a lively Spanish-speaking nation sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
Driving in Dominican Republic
Licence exchange, road rules, fines, buying a car, and cycling.
Driving in the Dominican Republic is challenging for newcomers — traffic is chaotic in cities, road conditions vary widely, and driving habits differ significantly from North American or European norms. Having a car greatly improves quality of life outside major tourist zones. Foreign licences are valid for 30 days from entry; after that you need a Dominican licence from INTRANT. Vehicle insurance is mandatory. Traffic fatalities are among the highest per capita in Latin America — defensive driving is essential.
Driving Licence Exchange
Foreign licences are valid for 30 days from date of entry into the DR. After this period, you must obtain a Dominican driver's licence (licencia de conducir) from INTRANT (Instituto Nacional de Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre). There is no direct exchange of foreign licences — you must complete INTRANT's process. An International Driving Permit is recognised but does not extend the 30-day window for residents.
USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Spain
Common expat nationalities typically experience a streamlined process at INTRANT: present your valid foreign licence, passport, Dominican cédula or residency permit, medical certificate (from an authorised clinic within 30 days), passport photos, and applicable fee. A full written theory test is often waived — a brief knowledge review by INTRANT staff is more typical. Licence issued within 1–5 business days.
INTRANT has offices in Santo Domingo (main: Av. John F. Kennedy), Santiago, Puerto Plata, La Romana, and other major cities. Book appointment via INTRANT portal when possible.
EU licences have no automatic reciprocity in the Dominican Republic. The process is the same as for other nationalities: valid EU licence + passport + cédula/residency permit + medical certificate + photos + fee at any INTRANT office. No full written test is typically required for EU holders with a clean licence; a knowledge review by the officer may occur.
Spanish-language EU licences (Spain) do not require translation. Other EU licences should be accompanied by a certified Spanish translation.
All other nationalities follow the standard INTRANT process: valid foreign licence, passport, Dominican residency document, RNCE (tax ID), medical certificate (issued within 30 days), and passport photos. Theory test at INTRANT discretion. Licence issued within 1–5 business days if all documents are correct.
Foreign licences are valid for 30 days from entry as a tourist. After that or upon establishing residency, you need a Dominican licence.
Road Rules
Urban areas: 40 km/h. Outside urban areas: 80 km/h. Autopistas (toll motorways): 120 km/h. Speed enforcement is inconsistent but increasing — INTRANT cameras are deployed on Autopista Duarte and access roads to major cities.
0.05 g/dL (50 mg per 100 mL blood). DUI enforcement is increasing, particularly at checkpoint operations (operativos). Zero tolerance approach at major checkpoints. DUI conviction: fine RD$5,000–10,000 + licence suspension.
Use of handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Fine: RD$2,500–4,000. Hands-free operation is permitted. Enforcement is inconsistent but increasing with traffic police operations.
Mandatory for all occupants (front and rear seats). Fine for non-compliance: RD$1,500–3,000. Motorcycle helmets are legally mandatory but enforcement is variable, particularly in rural and secondary roads.
Children should be secured in appropriate child seats. Dominican law requires child safety restraints for minors, though enforcement is inconsistent. International standards (ECE R44 or i-Size) car seats available in major Santo Domingo retailers.
Traffic Fines (Bußgeldkatalog)
Dominican traffic fines are set by INTRANT and the Ley 241-67 (modified). Fines can be paid at INTRANT offices or at checkpoints (cash accepted). For foreigners, unresolved fines can complicate departure — fines may be noted at immigration. Corruption (unofficial "multa" payments to officers) exists but is decreasing with institutional reforms.
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding 20–30 km/h over limit | RD$3,000–6,000 | — |
| Running a red light | RD$3,000–5,000 | — |
| Using handheld mobile while driving | RD$2,500–4,000 | — |
| No seatbelt | RD$1,500–3,000 | — |
| DUI (0.05–0.10 g/dL) | RD$5,000–10,000 + licence suspension | — |
| No vehicle insurance | RD$5,000+ + vehicle impoundment | — |
| Expired MARBETE (registration sticker) | RD$2,000–4,000 | — |
| No driver's licence | RD$3,000–5,000 + vehicle impoundment | — |
| Illegal parking in restricted zone | RD$1,500–3,000 | — |
Buying a Car
The DR has an active used-car market. Vehicles are expensive due to import taxes (20–65% CIF duty + 18% ITBIS). Most expats buy used vehicles imported from the US via Puerto Rico or Miami. New vehicles at local dealerships carry significant price premiums. Japanese and Korean brands (Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia) dominate the market — parts availability is best for these. Pensionado and Rentista residents can import one vehicle duty-free within their first year of residency.
- 1.Search on OLX.com.do, DR1.com classifieds, or direct from dealers.
- 2.Inspect the vehicle carefully — check the Certificado de Título del Vehículo (vehicle title) matches the seller's ID.
- 3.Verify the MARBETE (annual registration sticker) is current.
- 4.Request a mechanic inspection (revisión mecánica) at a trusted workshop — costs RD$500–1,500.
- 5.Agree price and execute a Contrato de Compraventa (purchase contract) notarised at a Notaría Pública.
- 6.Transfer vehicle title at the DGII/Registro de Títulos.
- 7.Obtain mandatory third-party insurance (seguro de terceros) before driving.
- 8.Obtain MARBETE annual registration sticker from DGII if not current.
- •RITEVE (Revisión Técnica Vehicular) — annual technical inspection certificate. Vehicles must pass RITEVE at approved stations. Driving without valid RITEVE: fines at police checkpoints.
- •MARBETE — annual registration sticker issued by DGII. Displayed on windscreen. Must be renewed each year.
- •Third-party insurance (seguro de terceros/RC) — mandatory for all vehicles.
- •Vehicle title (Certificado de Título del Vehículo) — must be in seller's name and match vehicle VIN.
Budget for: purchase price, title transfer fees (1–3% of value), notarisation (RD$2,000–5,000), insurance (RD$8,000–25,000/year), MARBETE renewal (RD$2,000–5,000/year), and RITEVE inspection (RD$2,000–3,500/year). Import duties for new vehicles: 20–65% of CIF value + 18% ITBIS — which is why second-hand vehicles are preferred.
Registration, Insurance & Tax
Vehicles are registered and titled through the DGII and Registro de Títulos. Annual renewal requires payment of the MARBETE (registro vehicular) through DGII — sticker displayed on windscreen proving payment. Online MARBETE payment at dgii.gov.do. In-person payment at DGII offices. Annual RITEVE technical inspection is also mandatory — schedule at approved RITEVE stations. Driving without a valid MARBETE results in fines at police checkpoints.
Third-party liability insurance (Responsabilidad Civil Obligatoria — RCO or seguro de terceros) is legally mandatory for all vehicles in the Dominican Republic. Without proof of insurance, police can impound your vehicle. Comprehensive insurance (todo riesgo) is strongly recommended for imported or valuable vehicles. Top providers: MAPFRE, Seguros Universal, Reservas Seguros, La Colonial. Compare quotes — premiums vary significantly. Most comprehensive policies include 24/7 roadside assistance (asistencia en carretera).
The MARBETE (sticker from DGII — Dirección General de Impuestos Internos) serves as the annual vehicle registration and road tax. Fee: RD$2,000–5,000/year depending on vehicle type, engine size, and age. Paid online at dgii.gov.do or in person at DGII offices. The MARBETE sticker must be displayed on the windscreen. Driving without a current MARBETE: fine RD$2,000–4,000 at checkpoints.
RITEVE (Revisión Técnica Vehicular) is a mandatory annual roadworthiness inspection for all vehicles. Required before MARBETE renewal. Conducted at RITEVE-approved inspection stations in Santo Domingo (multiple locations), Santiago, La Romana, and other major cities. Inspection covers brakes, lights, steering, tyres, emissions, and VIN verification. Cost: RD$2,000–3,500. Vehicles failing RITEVE must be repaired and retested before the MARBETE can be renewed.
Cycling
Cycling infrastructure in the Dominican Republic is minimal — there are no dedicated cycle lanes in Santo Domingo. Cycling on city streets is risky due to traffic density, road surface conditions, and aggressive driving culture. In Cabarete, the beach road has a flat cycling path and cycling is popular. Jarabacoa offers mountain biking in a controlled environment. Cycling is not recommended as a primary commuting mode in any Dominican city.
- •No mandatory helmet law for cyclists under Dominican traffic regulations, but helmets are strongly recommended.
- •Cyclists must follow standard traffic signals and road rules.
- •Riding on main highways at night is particularly dangerous — avoid entirely.
- •No specific mobile phone restriction for cyclists but general road safety laws apply.
- •Cycling is popular in Cabarete for recreation and as a local transport mode — rent or buy from local shops.
- •Mountain biking in Jarabacoa is world-class — trails are maintained by the local outdoor community.
- •In Santo Domingo, use rideshare (Uber/InDriver) instead of cycling for safety.
- •Lock bicycles with a quality D-lock — theft is common in all cities.
- •Join the Cabarete cycling and triathlon community (Facebook group) for group rides and route information.