Everything you need to drive confidently on Barbadian roads.
St. Maarten drives on the RIGHT side of the road. All rental vehicles are left-hand drive (steering wheel on the right). If you're from the UK, Japan, or other left-driving countries, take your first hour slowly — stick to the left lane, follow traffic, and you'll adjust quickly.
No. A valid driver's license from your home country is valid in St. Maarten for up to 90 consecutive days. This applies to licenses from the UK, USA, Canada, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and most Commonwealth countries. You must carry your physical license — digital copies are not accepted.
Speed cameras operate in several locations. Fines are issued by mail to the rental company, who will charge your card.
St. Maarten has some of the best roads in the Caribbean. Roads are generally good but narrow, especially in French-side villages (Grand Case, Marigot). The entire island is small — you can drive coast to coast in 30 minutes. Parking in Philipsburg and Marigot is limited. and lit. Rural roads in the Scotland District (east coast) are narrow and winding — take it slow. After heavy rain, watch for standing water on lower-lying roads.
Parking in Philipsburg is metered (Bds$1–2 per hour). Free parking is available in most hotel and mall parking lots. Street parking outside Philipsburg is generally free but watch for "No Parking" signs — they're strictly enforced.
Gas stations are plentiful on the west and south coasts, less frequent in the east. Most accept credit cards. Fuel is self-serve. As of 2026, expect ~ANG 7.80/liter (~$4.30 USD/gallon)