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local Tuesday 12 November 2024
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Basic driving rules on Aruba (part 1)

eye open.

Airport roundabout
Ah, yes. The infamous airport
roundabout. The favorite round-
about amongst local, because
of its easy (hard) lanes that never
(always) cause confusion among
drivers. Sarcasm aside, this round-
about can be tricky to enter, espe-
cially when you’re driving from the
direction of the airport heading.
When you’re driving away from the
airport reaching the roundabout,
you’ll be faced with three lanes.
The far right lane is to take the exit
1 out heading east (right lane of
highway). The middle exit is used
for exit 1 (left lane of highway), 2
and 3. The far left exit is used to
only exit on exit 3 (left lane of high-
way) and 4.

(Oranjestad)—Have you ever felt on the roundabout is on your far can keep driving in the right lane “Las Americas” roundabout
confused when you’re driving on left. The general lane to drive in— of the highway. The Las Americas roundabout is
the highways or backstreets of both at maximum and minimum located near the Talk of the Town
Aruba? Then we present a simple speed—is on the right lane. It’s also important to know that hotel, west from the airport round-
guide to some of the basic rules of vehicles about to enter the round- about. This roundabout may look
Aruban traffic, along with some tips Roundabouts about must yield to those already like a regular roundabout—and for
for things to look out for. Speaking of roundabouts, it is im- on it. A good rule of thumb is to the most part, it is. However, when
portant to know where you have look out if someone is coming from you are driving from the east go-
Speed limit to enter and drive on the round- your left side. ing in the direction of town, please
Legally, the speed limit on the about to make your exit. A good take note that there are two exits
four-lane highways is 80 km/h. This rule of thumb is to count the exits However, other roundabouts can on your right.
speed limit also counts for the main starting from your right side. So, be quite tricky to navigate…
roads that are connected to the exit 1 would be on your right; exit When you’re driving towards this
highways. The minimum speed is 2 would be straight ahead; exit 3 Watty Vos Boulevard (the “paper- roundabout, you’ll notice that the
50 km/h. Most people drive around would be on your far left and exit 4 clip” roundabout) road becomes wider, splitting into
60 km/h on the main roads and would lead to the road paralleled Probably the biggest roundabout two lanes. The right lane is used to
about 70 km/h on the highways. to the one you’re on, heading in on the island, the “paperclip” take the first and second exit on
There are also areas that indicate the other direction. roundabout on the Watty Vos the right. If you want to exit straight
a speed limit on a sign; these are Boulevard is one of the trickier ahead, you must drive on the left
usually around populated and Most roundabouts have these 4 roundabouts that could—and lane!
school areas. exits, so they are relatively simple. has—caused confused among
When you’re driving on the four- both tourists and locals. However, It’s always scary to drive in new
The four-lane highways contain the lane highway, it is important to once you take a good look at it, places where the traffic may look
left-lane, also known as the “fast” know when to switch to the left it’s fairly simple. The basis is just the and work differently, but once
lane for each direction. Here is lane to make your exit: if your exit same as a regular roundabout (left you get it right once, you’ll get the
where vehicles can drive up to the is on your far left (exit 3), then you exit? left lane! etc.), but instead of hang of it in no time. Additionally,
maximum speed. However, legally need to switch to the left lane on having four different exits like on a all roundabouts and roads on Aru-
it is not permitted to drive for long the high way before nearing the regular roundabout, now you have ba have signs and arrows painted
periods of time on the left lane. This roundabout so you can take the two extra; one on the right and the on the road to help guide you. So
lane is primarily designed for driv- path that leads you directly to your other on the left side of the round- take your time, keep your eyes
ers to switch lanes before a round- exit. If your exit is on your right or about. The rules don’t change at open and don’t forget to wear a
about, for example, if your exit if you’re going straight ahead, you all, you just have to keep an extra seat belt!q

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