Jordan (JO)

60 km/h in urban areas. 90 km/h on main rural roads. 110 km/h on motorways and expressways (Desert Highway, Dead Sea Highway). Speed cameras operate on major intercity routes and around Amman. Signage is in Arabic and English on major roads.

0.08 g/100 mL blood alcohol (80 mg/100 mL) is the legal threshold under Jordanian Traffic Law. In practice, given cultural and legal context, zero tolerance is strongly advised. DUI carries criminal prosecution: fines from JD 200 plus possible imprisonment and mandatory licence suspension.

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Fine: JD 70. Hands-free devices are permitted. Enforcement is active in Amman and on intercity routes.

Seatbelts are mandatory for driver and all passengers. Fine for non-compliance: JD 35 for driver; passengers are also personally liable. Children under 10 must be seated in the rear.

Children under 10 must sit in the rear seat. Appropriate child restraints are strongly recommended for young children — bring a quality certified seat from abroad as reliable options are limited locally.

Annual vehicle registration renewal is required at the Traffic Department (Mudiriyyat al-Murur) of your governorate. The renewal includes a roadworthiness test (Fahis) at an approved inspection centre. Required at renewal: current registration document, valid insurance certificate (Masouliyya), completed Fahis, owner ID or Iqama, and applicable fees. Registration fees are based on vehicle age and engine size. Outstanding fines must be cleared before renewal is processed.

Third-party liability insurance (Ta'min Masouliyya) is mandatory for all vehicles on Jordanian roads under the Insurance Law. The Masouliyya certificate must be valid and carried in the vehicle. Annual premium: JD 80–200 depending on vehicle type and age. Comprehensive insurance (Tashil) covers own-damage, theft, and third-party property: JD 200–600/year depending on vehicle value. Available from Jordan Insurance Company, Arab Orient Insurance, Arab Life & Accidents, and other Jordan Insurance Commission (JIC)-licensed insurers.

Annual vehicle licensing fees are included in the registration renewal. Fees are calculated on engine displacement and vehicle age under the Traffic Law. Electric vehicles and hybrids receive reduced fees. The fee is payable at the Mudiriyyat al-Murur at the time of annual registration renewal.

Annual roadworthiness inspection (Fahis) is required for all vehicles more than 3 years old at Traffic Department-approved inspection centres. The Fahis checks brakes, lights, steering, tyres, emissions, and chassis. Cost: JD 15–25. A valid Fahis sticker must be displayed on the vehicle. Driving without a valid Fahis: fine JD 30–70 and the vehicle may be detained until it passes inspection.

• •Cyclists must obey all traffic laws applicable to motor vehicles — traffic signals, stop signs, and right-of-way rules.
• •Helmets are not legally mandated for adults but are strongly recommended given road conditions and traffic density.
• •Lights — front white and rear red — are required at night.
• •Do not cycle on motorways or expressways where cyclists are prohibited.
• •Cycling under the influence of alcohol is subject to the same BAC limit (0.08 g/100mL) as driving.
• •Ride on the right side of the road; dismount or walk when crossing major intersections on foot.

• •Dead Sea Highway and the road between the Dead Sea and Aqaba offer relatively flat terrain with spectacular scenery.
• •Aqaba is the best city for urban cycling — flat, warm all year, and has some dedicated promenade paths.
• •The Jordan Bike Trail runs the length of the country off-road — ideal for adventure cyclists with mountain or gravel bikes.
• •Ride early mornings (before 8am) to avoid Amman's heat and traffic; avoid cycling in the midday heat of summer (June–September).
• •Lock your bicycle with a quality lock — bicycle theft exists in urban areas, though at lower rates than in European capitals.