Aruba traffic rules and signs
Overview
Renting vehicles by visitors is common on Aruba and most of the time this won't cause any problems. In fact, renting a vehicle is often the cheapest way to get around, as opposed to taxis. In all honestly, using taxis is much easier, they exactly where to go.
If you are wondering about gasoline prices in Aruba, ArubaLife has a section fully dedicated to that topic, including the latest prices at the pump. Additionally there is a paragraph dedicated towards the topic on how to get around in Aruba.
To make your stay enjoyable and hassle free we put together this very nice and graphic guide on Aruba traffic rules and signs to help you decide whether you want to be driving while on vacation on Aruba or not.
For Your Information
Aruba people are very friendly and tolerant towards visitors in traffic. Visitors are easily recognized because all rented vehicles carry a V-plate (the V- stands for 'verhuur' which is Dutch for rental and doesn't stand for 'visitor' like many people believe).
The general pace in Aruba on how people go about their business is pretty slow; somehow we try to make up for that by driving faster than needed. For some reason people seem to be in a hurry. Don't let this bother you. If you drive defensively and follow the above mentioned tips you will be fine.
Traffic signs
The majority of the traffic signs are graphic. Very rarely there is a written sign to be seen. When you stumble upon a written sign, it will probably be in Dutch or Papiamento anyway. ArubaLife illustrates a few important traffic signs for your convenience below.
Right of way road
This is a right of way road. All traffic must yield. This sign are only found on the main roads, notably from Oranjestad to San Nicolas.
The end of this sign is a similar sign with a diagonal black bar or three black lines in the middle.
Right of way intersection
This intersection is right of way. All traffic at the intersection must yield.
This sign is generally found in downtown Oranjestad and San Nicolas. On complicated crossings this sign can be found as well.
Yield
Opposing right of way road or intersection there will be this sign. Yield for all traffic.
This sign is generally found in downtown Oranjestad and San Nicolas.
Stop
Opposing right of way road or intersection there will be this STOP-sign. Stop for all traffic.
This sign is generally found in downtown Oranjestad and San Nicolas.
No parking, no stopping
This traffic sign indicates the prohibition to park and stop on the particular road. This sign is generally found on main roads.
When there is only one diagonal stripe, it means that stopping is allowed, but still no parking.
Tips
On Aruba driving is on the right-hand side of the road. On one-way streets this might be different, but parked cars will make it easier to decide.
Speed limit
The speed limit downtown Oranjestad and San Nicolas is 50 kph (31 mph) and outside those areas 70 kph (44 mph). Chances are you won't see any speed limit signs on Aruba; there are only a handful of these signs around.
Intersection with no sign
Upon arrival at an equal intersection without any traffic sign, please give all traffic on your right-hand side the right of way. When turning towards the left, opposing, up-coming traffic has the right of way. When there is traffic on all sides in the intersection, the courtesy rule applies.
Traffic lights and circles
There are in total 8 intersections with traffic lights. In the tourist areas there are only 3 intersections with traffic lights. For some reason experts on Aruba believe for every traffic problem the solution is to build a traffic circle (roundabout or rotary). When traveling within the circle all traffic must yield.
