Car rental in Belize

Traffic in Belize is right-hand, as in the USA. Although the country has signed the Geneva Convention, tourists still need an International Driving Permit. If you are bringing your national licence, it is only accepted if you also have an International Driving Permit with you.

Roads in Belize are still in very poor condition. In the entire country there are only four main highways, each of them with two lanes, one in each direction. Often, to pass, cars are forced to move onto the verge to let another vehicle through. On the older roads dating back to colonial times, things are even worse.

The main rules of the road that you should keep in mind:

• it is forbidden to use a mobile phone while driving;
• every passenger in the car has to wear a seat belt - there can be no exceptions;
• you may only overtake on the left-hand side;
• because of the narrowness of the roads there may be sudden emergencies, so carefully observe the traffic around you and use your indicators;
• be sure to switch on your headlights when it starts to get dark or visibility even slightly decreases: animals and children often run out onto the carriageway;
• watch out for cyclists: as there are no pavements or dedicated cycle lanes, they ride on the carriageway, often appearing from nowhere.

The network of filling stations in Belize is well developed only in the cities. You can also find regular filling stations near the highways, but less frequently. If you are going to rent a car to drive through the jungle from one city in Belize to another, make sure you fill up well in advance. The cost of a litre of petrol today is 1.13 US dollars (or 2.26 Belizean). Diesel is slightly cheaper - 1.01 (2.02) dollars.

The average speed in populated areas is limited to 20-25 miles per hour (40-50 km/h). On highways it is permitted to drive at a speed of 55-60 miles per hour (80-90 km/h). Many drivers violate this rule, which, together with the poor road surface, makes travelling around Belize by rental car very dangerous. Road traffic accident statistics are among the highest in terms of fatalities.

Fines are high, and are mainly imposed through the courts. The police stop motorists rarely, but that is no reason to break the law. There are no extreme roads in Belize. In addition, in connection with a rented car in Belize, the following situation may occur: your offence is recorded and the case is passed to the court. When returning the rental car, a fine may already have been issued against it. The hire company will then simply charge the money to your credit card.