Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Trinidad and Tobago is provided for general reference only. It is against the law in Trinidad and Tobago to use mobile phones while driving, except in "hands-free" mode. The penalty for talking or texting while driving is USD$240 or three months imprisonment. Trinidad and Tobago police administer breathalyzer tests at unannounced checkpoints and conduct traffic stops when driving under the influence is suspected. The threshold for DUI is very low, and penalties are stiff and may include imprisonment and steep fines.

Traffic moves on the left in Trinidad and Tobago. Most vehicles are right-hand drive, but left-hand drive vehicles are permitted. Rental cars are available, and are generally right-hand drive. A U.S. driver's license and/or an International Driving Permit are valid for up to 90 days after arrival. Seatbelts are required for drivers and front seat passengers, and cars may be pulled over and drivers fined for not wearing seatbelts.

Trinidad has  good four-lane highways and one controlled-access highway. However, road quality decreases quickly on secondary roads. Rural roads are narrow and often have deep drainage ditches on either side. Many are in poor repair, and are frequently congested. Night travel should be avoided other than on major highways. Roadside assistance exists, but is limited and may be subject to lengthy delays. The Beetham Highway, a main thoroughfare in and out of the city, is dangerous if your vehicle has broken down. If your vehicle is still drivable you should get out of the area before seeking help. On the Beetham stretch, there are regular incidents of persons running out into the road or throwing debris at cars - including masonry bricks - for the purpose of causing accidents and forcing cars to stop. A group of accomplices then descends upon the accident victims, robbing them of valuables, and often violently assaulting them, even if they are compliant.

Elsewhere in Port of Spain, especially in Laventille, a growing number of "bump and rob" incidents have been reported, in which the perpetrator rear-ends the victim, often causing only minor damage. When victims emerge from their car, they are then robbed of valuables, and possibly even their cars. Some of these incidents have turned fatal, even when the victims were compliant. If you are involved in an accident in Laventille or on the Beetham Highway, and your car still drives, you should get out of the area and get to a safe location before seeking help or assistance.

Trinidadian drivers may use hand signals to indicate turning, stopping, or slowing, which do not necessarily correspond to hand signals used in the United States. Trinidadian drivers are generally courteous, but can be flexible with the rules of the road. For example, unmarked taxis and “maxi taxis” make frequent, rapid stops in the middle of the roadway or veer across several lanes of traffic to pick up or drop off passengers. It is also common for drivers to cut across oncoming traffic to park on the opposite side of the street. Visitors need to be attentive and alert. Intoxicated drivers on the road are a particular concern on the weekends, especially after dark when many people are going to or returning from social events. Drivers should take extra precaution on narrow and winding roads leading in and out of beach areas and small towns in Trinidad and Tobago. As always, defensive driving is strongly encouraged.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure is responsible for road safety in Trinidad and Tobago.  We also suggest that you visit the website of Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Tourism.

Vehicle Accident Procedures: For cases, in which there is major damage or any injuries, contact local authorities immediately. If it is safe to do so, render aid or assistance and remain on the scene until authorities arrive. 

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Trinidad and Tobago’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Trinidad and Tobago’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

MARINE SAFETY AND OVERSIGHT: Visitors arriving in Trinidad and Tobago aboard a private vessel must register any firearms with local customs authorities. Failure to declare firearms or making false customs declarations is a serious offense. U.S. citizens have been jailed and fined for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, attempting to export ammunition, making false customs declarations, and not declaring their firearms.

There is a small community of private boat owners who stay in Trinidad temporarily during the hurricane season. There have been incidents in which vessels were boarded and the occupants assaulted and robbed. Sailors should report any incidents to the Coast Guard and local police, and are encouraged to check with the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and yacht facility managers for current information.