Saint Martin is a gorgeous and shared island of the French & Dutch that tourists visit every year for its great beaches as well as vibrant culture with amazing landscapes. You can hire ample vehicles to discover Caribbean Gem at your own pace. Saint Martin, on the other hand, presents its challenges for driving. Here are some must-know driving tips to ensure your time on the island is as enjoyable with a safe end.

Know the Rules of the Road and Signs

Saint Martin is easy to drive around, but brush up on the road rules there. Just like the United States, it typically follows with most European countries driving on the right. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h), with typical limits being 50 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on highways.

Road signs are in French on the French side and in Dutch or English on the Dutch side. Take note of signs indicating pedestrian crossings, roundabouts, and other important instructions. Always obey traffic signals and give way to vehicles already in a roundabout.

Get Ready for Narrow And Twisty Roads

Saint Martin is famed for its thin, tight mountain streets. Although most of the main roads are clean, some secondary streets could be tough as they can become narrow and steep with poor surfaces. Keep to the pavement in these regions if you are not familiar with off-road driving.

When renting a car in St. Maarten or Sint Martin, think about getting a smaller car that’s easier to navigate on those narrow roadways.

Beware Pedestrians and Motorbikes

Saint Martin has pedestrians and motorcycles all over the roads, especially in busy areas such as Marigot or Philipsburg. As mentioned, there are a lot of pedestrian crossings, so you need to always give way as pedestrians cross the road (even if they are not at a crossing). 

In addition, always look out for motorcyclists who weave between cars or wagons on the highway when you are turning and if you need to change lanes.

Parking Can Be Challenging

Parking in Marigot and Philipsburg can be difficult. Parking areas are all but disappearing, with one usually needing to drive around a bit in order to find an open spot. There are some places that have pay-to-park; you just grab a ticket from the nearest machine on either side of available parking and put your display in your dashboard. Take care to adhere to the parking rules so you do not get ticketed or your car towed.

Fuel Stations and Refueling

There are gas pumps throughout the island, but they may not be as frequent as you’re used to in larger cities. If you are going to the farther spots of Bartolome, it is a good idea to fuel up when you can. While most fuel stations will accept cash and credit cards, you may also wish to carry a bit of cash even as a backup.

This is similar to the rule in all car rental in Sint Maarten – when you return your hire vehicle, it must have a full tank.

Conclusion

Saint Martin is quite easy to explore by car, making a self-drive option the perfect way to explore all there is on offer, from hidden gems to popular tourist attractions. Follow these tips, and the road will be your oyster–experiencing beautiful sites with peace of mind regarding safety. If you visit, on-road or off-road, Explorer Car Rentals can improve your experience across the beautiful Caribbean destination.