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local Friday 13 december 2024

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Basic driving rules on Aruba (part 1)

(Oranjestad)—Have you ever felt
confused when you’re driving on
the highways or backstreets of
Aruba? Then we present a simple
guide to some of the basic rules of
Aruban traffic, along with some tips
for things to look out for.

Speed limit
Legally, the speed limit on the
four-lane highways is 80 km/h. This
speed limit also counts for the main
roads that are connected to the
highways. The minimum speed is
50 km/h. Most people drive around
60 km/h on the main roads and
about 70 km/h on the highways.
There are also areas that indicate rule of thumb is to count the exits It’s also important to know that airport reaching the roundabout,
a speed limit on a sign; these are starting from your right side. So, vehicles about to enter the round- you’ll be faced with three lanes.
usually around populated and exit 1 would be on your right; exit about must yield to those already The far right lane is to take the exit
school areas. 2 would be straight ahead; exit 3 on it. A good rule of thumb is to 1 out heading east (right lane of
would be on your far left and exit 4 look out if someone is coming from highway). The middle exit is used
The four-lane highways contain the would lead to the road paralleled your left side. for exit 1 (left lane of highway), 2
left-lane, also known as the “fast” to the one you’re on, heading in and 3. The far left exit is used to
lane for each direction. Here is the other direction. However, other roundabouts can only exit on exit 3 (left lane of high-
where vehicles can drive up to the be quite tricky to navigate… way) and 4.
maximum speed. However, legally Most roundabouts have these 4
it is not permitted to drive for long exits, so they are relatively simple. Watty Vos Boulevard (the “Las Americas” roundabout
periods of time on the left lane. This When you’re driving on the four- “paperclip” roundabout) The Las Americas roundabout is
lane is primarily designed for driv- lane highway, it is important to Probably the biggest roundabout located near the Talk of the Town
ers to switch lanes before a round- know when to switch to the left on the island, the “paperclip” hotel, west from the airport round-
about, for example, if your exit lane to make your exit: if your exit roundabout on the Watty Vos about. This roundabout may look
on the roundabout is on your far is on your far left (exit 3), then you Boulevard is one of the trickier like a regular roundabout—and for
left. The general lane to drive in— need to switch to the left lane on roundabouts that could—and the most part, it is. However, when
both at maximum and minimum the high way before nearing the has—caused confused among you are driving from the east go-
speed—is on the right lane. roundabout so you can take the both tourists and locals. However, ing in the direction of town, please
path that leads you directly to your once you take a good look at it, take note that there are two exits
Roundabouts exit. If your exit is on your right or if it’s fairly simple. The basis is just the on your right.
Speaking of roundabouts, it is im- you’re going straight ahead, you same as a regular roundabout (left
portant to know where you have can keep driving in the right lane exit? left lane! etc.), but instead of When you’re driving towards this
to enter and drive on the round- of the highway. having four different exits like on a roundabout, you’ll notice that the
about to make your exit. A good regular roundabout, now you have road becomes wider, splitting into
two extra; one on the right and the two lanes. The right lane is used to
other on the left side of the round- take the first and second exit on
about. The rules don’t change at the right. If you want to exit straight
all, you just have to keep an extra ahead, you must drive on the left
eye open. lane!

Airport roundabout It’s always scary to drive in new
Ah, yes. The infamous airport places where the traffic may look
roundabout. The favorite round- and work differently, but once
about amongst local, because you get it right once, you’ll get the
of its easy (hard) lanes that never hang of it in no time. Additionally,
(always) cause confusion among all roundabouts and roads on Aru-
drivers. Sarcasm aside, this round- ba have signs and arrows painted
about can be tricky to enter, espe- on the road to help guide you. So
cially when you’re driving from the take your time, keep your eyes
direction of the airport heading. open and don’t forget to wear a
When you’re driving away from the seat belt!q