St. Croix Driving Rules
In St. Croix, a car is a necessity to see everything the island has to offer. Due to the large size of St. Croix, it’s the only way to truly experience the island. Driving in St. Croix may seem intimidating at first, but learning the basics is a breeze. Pretty soon, you’ll be cruisin’ like a true Crucian!
Driving in St. Croix Rule #1
The Need for a Car
I do believe that renting a car will give you the best experience possible in St. Croix! Public transportation is unfortunately not very reliable. Also, taxis can get expensive. Here is a link for taxi prices around the island, and you’ll see the costs start to add up. Besides, all of the populars towns lie in opposite quadrants, and you’ll want to be able to travel to all of them! All in all, I highly recommend renting a car to maximize your vacation.
Driving in St. Croix Rule #2
KEEP LEFT!!
Perhaps one of the biggest culture shocks of St. Croix is driving on the left! The Virgin Islands is the ONLY place under United States jurisdiction where the rule of the road is to drive to the left. Lucky for US visitors, the majority of cars are U.S. imports and have left side steering columns. So it feels like a normal vehicle, aside from switching sides.
Why do they drive on the left side of the road? According to research, when donkeys were the original transportation method, they were taught to veer to the left. Rather than retraining the donkeys when cars became more plentiful, drivers just adapted to the route and kept left. Most rental cars will have stickers to remind you. Also keep an eye on road signs as a reminder. Remember to keep “shoulder-to-shoulder” and stay near the white line.
Driving in St. Croix Rule #3
Obstacles Ahead!
Changing Road Conditions
One negative side to driving in St. Croix is the lack of road maintenance. Potholes are a common occurrence, and one needs to stay alert while traveling. Also, you will also encounter narrow roads, lack of street signs and markings, and pedestrians in the road due to no sidewalks. Some travelers have a rough time remembering to keep left, so keep an eye out for them as well! Don’t be the tourist that gets distracted. It seems intimidating, but staying alert and paying attention is imperative.
Did A Chicken Just Cross the Road?
Another common occurrence is animals crossing the road, and they won’t stop for you! Keep an eye out for chickens, iguanas, deer, and maybe a cow or donkey. To avoid any collision, keep your eyes and ears alert and keep your speed low!
Driving in St. Croix Rule #4
Go Slow on the Road!
With such narrow, curvy roads, the speed limit rarely exceeds 35mph. In tight corners, it is recommended to slow down to 10mph to be safe. Driving in USVI requires drivers to be very alert, so stay focused. Aside from the obstacles mentioned above, there are other reasons to slow down in St. Croix.
Social Time While Driving
Don’t be surprised if drivers are pulled off on the side of the road. Often, other drivers in St. Croix will pull over to say hi to friends or stop off at produce stands. Don’t be afraid of these cars, just pass by and drivers in the other lane will veer with you.
Yielding to Traffic
Perhaps the best reason to slow down in St. Croix is yielding to other vehicles, and pedestrians. Anytime I’ve tried to cross a road here in St. Croix, drivers will immediately slow down to allow me to cross. The hospitality shown by Crucian drivers is one of their best qualities. They often will yield to allow another car into traffic, even if they don’t have the right away.
As a tourist, I think it’s your responsibility to uphold the standards here set on the island. Sometimes, it can be hard for a pedestrian to remember to look the correct way for traffic, as traffic comes in opposite directions. I often find myself doing the “left, right, left” move to cross because I still haven’t got it down. Make sure to relax and slow down to prepare for these mistakes.
Driving in St. Croix Rule #5
Beep Beep!
Given the kindness of other drivers island, how do you show your gratitude on the road? To give a light honk or two! As someone from the US who NEVER uses a horn, it’s often see as a negative gesture. I normally hate being honked at. However, in St. Croix, it’s how they show their appreciation. Most of the roads are two lane, and there aren’t many lights here, so pay attention to the signals. If someone honks, waves, or flashes their lights, it’s not out of anger. That’s how they show their hospitality! Pay it forward by giving a soft honk back. It’s a form of communication and they appreciate the kindness.
St. Croix Driving Rule #6
General Rules
After polling the locals. there are some basic (and unique) rules to the island in terms of driving. I’ve collected some interesting pieces of information so you’re not surprised when driving down here.
- Wear your seatbelt. Like most places, this is a very important rule and they’re not lenient about it. Expect a ticket if your seatbelt isn’t fastened.
- No texting or taking phone calls, pay attention! There are way too many obstacles being thrown your way to be occupied by your phone. Use your common sense and handsfree components.
- A valid US drivers license will get you behind the wheel of a car, but you must be 21 to rent. International visitors will need an International Driver’s Permit to drive here.
- Make sure you have a spare tire in your rental, or splurge on 4 wheel drive. You won’t regret it.
- Did anyone say “take away drinks?” Don’t be surprised if you see an open container in a car, they are very lenient. You too can have a road beer. The only real stance is don’t exceed a .08 BAC. There’s a chance you may see marijuana in the vehicles as well, it comes with the territory…
- Keep your shirt on. Local custom and lawn require that cover-ups are required to worn over bathing suits (or bare chests) everywhere except the beach. You can drive with a beer in one hand and a joint in the other, but you may get a fine for not wearing a shirt in the car!