Car rental in Reunion

You can refuel your car on the island with different types of fuel. Petrol stations offer unleaded petrol and diesel. There are also stations selling gas for cars. The cost of fuel is almost the same all over the island; the figures can be seen in the following table:

Parking your rental car in Reunion is simple; the main thing is to choose the nearest car park or street parking in a marked area. Parking on the island is paid; however, it is free of charge between 12:00 and 14:00. Leaving the car in the same place for more than a day is prohibited, except in long-term car parks, where the car can stay indefinitely.

Payment rules and the parking schedule are written on a sign. If there is a parking meter, all the terms of use are indicated directly on the machine. The standard cost of street parking is about 0,65-1 €. If the car is not parked correctly, you will have to pay a fine, which under local law is 40 €.

Roads on the island are narrow and winding, because around 60% of the area is rock, volcanoes and lava landslides. There are road signs, but not enough of them, so it is advisable to have a GPS navigator in the car. Speed limits in Reunion are similar to those in the rest of France.

On motorways the minimum speed is 80 km/h. If visibility is very limited, you are allowed to drive no faster than 50 km/h. Compliance with traffic rules is monitored by cameras, and the Highway Patrol also supervises the roads.

Before getting behind the wheel, the driver should be familiar with the rules of conduct on the road. Failure to do so may result in penalties. The main provisions of the law are as follows:

• When renting a car the driver must be at least 20 years old and must have at least 1 year of driving experience.
• When driving a car the driver must have an international standard driving licence and an insurance policy. The car must also be equipped with a reflective vest, warning triangle, fire extinguisher, first aid kit and a set of spare headlight bulbs.
• The driver behind the wheel must be sober; the permitted blood alcohol level on the island is 0,2 ‰. Exceeding this limit will result in a fine of 135 €. In addition, by law the driver must carry a disposable breathalyser.
• During the day, if visibility is limited, it is necessary to switch on dipped headlights; this rule also applies when driving through tunnels. For four-wheel drive cars, it is advisable to use permanent dipped headlights. The penalty for driving at night, or when visibility is reduced, with the headlights switched off is 135 €.
• A similar amount will have to be paid if the driver, front passenger or rear passengers travel without using seat belts.

While driving, the motorist is not allowed to talk on a mobile phone. To do so, the phone must be fitted with a special hands-free headset. Failure to comply with this rule is punishable by a fine of 135 €.