Marshall Islands (MH)
A remote Micronesian atoll nation using USD, with English as an official language, a Compact of Free Association relationship with the United States, high imported-goods costs, limited medical capacity, and relocation risks centred on immigration status, housing supply, land tenure, health evacuation, and outer-island logistics.
Driving in Marshall Islands
Licence exchange, road rules, fines, buying a car, and cycling.
Driving in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is governed by local traffic laws influenced by the Compact of Free Association with the United States. The RMI drives on the right. Road infrastructure is minimal — Majuro Atoll, where most expats live, has essentially one main road (the Delap-Uliga-Djarrit corridor). There are no traffic lights in Majuro and few traffic signs. Roads are low-lying, narrow, subject to flooding from king tides and tropical rainfall, and shared with pedestrians, dogs and motorbikes. Salt air accelerates vehicle corrosion. A car is useful for families and professionals but taxis cover many basic needs. Currency is the US Dollar (USD).
Driving Licence Exchange
Foreign nationals may drive in the Marshall Islands using a valid foreign licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). Long-term residents should apply to the local transport or police authority for a Marshall Islands driving licence. The US Compact of Free Association means US citizens have significant administrative familiarity, but all residents are subject to local licensing requirements.
USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Philippines
Use your valid home-country licence plus an International Driving Permit for short-term driving. For long-term residents from these countries, apply to the local transport authority or police office in Majuro with your foreign licence, passport, residence/work permit, photos and the applicable fee. A theory or practical test may be required at the discretion of the licensing office.
The RMI licensing system is informal by international standards. Confirm current requirements with the Majuro Marshall Islands Police Department or the relevant government office before attending.
EU licences carry no special status in the Marshall Islands — treat as a foreign licence. Carry your EU licence plus a valid IDP for short-term stays. For long-term residence, apply to the local licensing authority in Majuro.
EU free movement rules do not apply in the Marshall Islands. Confirm the current process locally.
Carry your valid foreign licence plus an IDP for short-term driving. For long-term residents: apply at the police department or transport office in Majuro with your foreign licence, passport, residency permit and fee. Requirements may include a written test and/or practical test. Contact the office in advance to confirm current procedures.
Processes and requirements can change; verify in Majuro before assuming your home licence is sufficient for long-term driving. Employer fleets (NGOs, government contractors) may impose additional documentation requirements.
Road Rules
Urban areas (Majuro, Ebeye): 25 mph (approximately 40 km/h). Rural and outer sections: 40 mph (approximately 65 km/h) unless signed lower. In practice, road conditions often dictate lower safe speeds. There are no traffic lights in Majuro. Caution is required at all intersections, near churches and schools, and during flooding.
0.08% BAC (80mg per 100mL blood) — the US-standard legal limit. Zero tolerance applies to underage drivers. Penalties for DUI include fines, licence suspension and possible imprisonment. Police conduct checks, especially on weekends and after community events. Alcohol-related consequences can affect work permits and employment.
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited; hands-free is permitted. Road conditions in Majuro require full attention — narrow road with pedestrians, dogs, and cyclists at all times.
Mandatory for the driver and front-seat passengers. Children under 12 are not permitted to sit in the front passenger seat. Enforcement is by police patrol.
Children under 12 must not travel in the front seat. Use appropriate child restraint systems for children in the rear — bring ECE-certified child seats from home as local supply is extremely limited.
Traffic Fines (Bußgeldkatalog)
Traffic fines in the Marshall Islands are administered by the Marshall Islands Police Department and are based on local traffic ordinances. Enforcement is less automated than in larger countries — police patrols are the main enforcement mechanism. Fines are in US Dollars (USD). Serious violations (DUI, dangerous driving) can carry criminal charges. Consequences for expats can extend to work permit and immigration status.
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Driving under the influence (DUI, above 0.08% BAC) | USD $200–1,000+ + possible imprisonment + licence suspension | — |
| Speeding (exceeding posted limit) | USD $25–150 | — |
| Driving without a valid licence or permit | USD $50–200 + possible vehicle impoundment | — |
| Driving without valid vehicle registration | USD $50–150 | — |
| Driving without mandatory insurance | USD $50–200 + personal liability risk | — |
| Not wearing seatbelt (driver or front passenger) | USD $25–75 | — |
| Child under 12 in front seat | USD $25–100 | — |
| Using handheld mobile phone while driving | USD $25–75 | — |
| Dangerous or reckless driving | USD $100–500 + criminal prosecution risk | — |
| Blocking road or unsafe parking | USD $25–75; possible tow | — |
Buying a Car
Cars in the Marshall Islands are expensive for their condition — everything is imported by container ship and salt air accelerates corrosion dramatically. Japanese used vehicles and US-spec vehicles are most common. There is no dedicated car marketplace; sales occur through word of mouth, Facebook Marketplace (Marshall Islands groups) and employer networks. AC functionality, rust condition and tyre state are the most critical inspection points.
- 1.Ask among expat and employer networks — Facebook groups for Majuro expats are the primary source of for-sale listings.
- 2.Inspect body and undercarriage thoroughly for rust, especially wheel arches and underframe — salt damage is the primary risk.
- 3.Test all critical systems: AC (essential in tropical heat), brakes, lights, cooling system, battery and tyres.
- 4.Check the vehicle title (registration document) and confirm seller is the registered owner.
- 5.Confirm parts availability — some vehicle makes have no local workshop support; check before buying.
- 6.Agree on price and prepare a written bill of sale.
- 7.Register the transfer at the relevant transport office with the bill of sale, both parties' IDs, vehicle registration and fee.
- 8.Arrange mandatory insurance before driving.
- •Vehicle title/registration — confirm seller is registered owner.
- •Rust and undercarriage condition — salt exposure is severe.
- •Flood damage: Majuro flooding from king tides and storms is a real risk.
- •Outstanding finance or ownership dispute — confirm before purchase.
- •Valid motor insurance — arrange before driving on public roads.
- •Spare key and parts availability — assess before committing to an unusual make.
Budget for: purchase price (used small car: USD $4,000–12,000; newer: USD $12,000–25,000+), registration transfer fee (~USD $20–50), mandatory insurance (~USD $500–2,000/year), and ongoing maintenance. Imported replacement parts can take weeks to arrive and shipping adds significant cost. Budget for frequent rust repairs.
Registration, Insurance & Tax
Vehicle registration and ownership transfer are handled through the relevant government authority in Majuro (contact the Marshall Islands Police Department or the transport/vehicle office). Required documents: bill of sale, both parties' identification (passport for foreign nationals), current vehicle registration document, valid insurance certificate and registration fee. Registration must be renewed annually.
At minimum, third-party liability insurance is required before any vehicle is driven on public roads. Comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended given the high cost of imported replacement parts and the limited availability of vehicle repair services. Contact local insurers operating in Majuro for current premium rates (USD $500–2,000+/year for private cars depending on vehicle value).
Annual vehicle registration fees are levied when registering or renewing vehicle registration. Fees are in US Dollars and depend on vehicle type and size. Confirm current fee schedule with the local transport authority when registering.
Vehicle inspection requirements may apply at registration and renewal. Even when not legally required, commissioning an independent mechanic inspection before purchase or registration renewal is strongly recommended given the rapid deterioration of vehicles in Majuro's humid salt-air environment. Brakes, tyres, lights and the cooling system are the priority items to check.
Cycling
Cycling is possible in Majuro for short trips but requires significant caution. The single main road on the atoll is narrow and shared with vehicles, pedestrians, dogs and motorbikes. Night cycling is very hazardous due to poor road lighting and the absence of dedicated cycle lanes. The flat terrain makes cycling physically easy when conditions allow.
- •Lights (front white, rear red) are essential at night — road lighting is absent on most of the atoll.
- •Helmet is strongly recommended — not legally required but essential given road conditions.
- •Ride on the right side of the road.
- •Watch for dogs at the road edge at all times — dog encounters are common and can cause falls.
- •Cycling under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.
- •Ride early morning (6–7 am) before heat and traffic build.
- •Carry water and electrolytes — heat and humidity are intense year-round.
- •Wear high-visibility clothing — many vehicles have no functioning lights at night.
- •Lock your bicycle whenever unattended — bicycle theft occurs.
- •Avoid cycling during or immediately after heavy rainfall — flooding can make the road impassable in sections.