Driving (Road & Car)

Before I rent a vehicle in Puerto Plata, D.R., I would like to know what side of the road do motorists drive on, and what side of the car is the steering wheel located?

They are supposed to drive on the right side of the road, just like the USA, Canada & Mexico.

The cars are set up in the standard North American fashion (USA style)

Driving in the DR is very different though, traffic regulations are not strictly adhered to, and you will see people going the opposite way down one way streets, and generally considering signs and traffic lights more as advice than as regulation. You will have to be confident in your skills. You will either love it or find it terrifying.

because of undependable electricity there are not many traffic lights that work at intersections, and only at the most popular ones are there traffic cops. Many of the roads are in bad condition with pot holes. So there is an art to get through busy intersections. There are horse drawn and people drawn carts, and motorcycles and trucks to deal with. The good thing is that most people don't go very fast.

Beware that people drive fast on highways -- 100 kms. plus. The DR has a very good network of highways for the most part. Avoid driving at night. Note though that a major government highway expansion program is going on, so set extra time to get from one place to another. It is a good idea to rent a car in Puerto Plata. The National Car Rental web site has many tips for driving in the DR. Above all, get a good road map and ask and ask as you drive. People are very friendly and will help you along the way.

The advantage to renting a car is that you will be really able to see the North Coast. That way you can tour:

West of Puerto Plata: Monte Cristi (and it's outstanding Morro beach).

La Isabela (you can spend a night in Luperón Beach Resort) and see where Columbus set up the first settlement in the New World.

Cofresí Beach and area.

Puerto Plata: Puerto Plata city (tour the amber museum and the Brugal rum factory).

East of Puerto Plata city: Columbus WaterPark on the road to Sosua.

Sosua Beach, restaurants and night life. Stay at Sosua by the Sea.

Cabarete for windsurfing and small hotels and restaurants.

Rio San Juan for the trip to Caleton. Also see the beaches of Diamante and the Pueblito Principe. And then head out to Playa Grande Beach. You can stay at La Catalina Hostal.

Will be doing some driving as well next week. Any suggestions along the east coast?

keep your tank full. not much gas between cities. know where you are going. Many roads are unmarked. Dont try to drive between cities at night. Unexpected potholes.

DR1 you gave a great series of places to see on the North Coast, but you missed out Costambar! We also have a super beach & good Tourist facilities, also NEWLY PAVED ROADS! We like to call it "New Costambar" Thanks for reading this. Canadian Bob.

Remember in DR "PARE" means GO. And "UNA-VIA" means "I AM GOING ONE WAY". At 62 this is a big thrill for me, just look all around and go slow. I drive a Volvo here (Fl) and a '65 Pontiac GTO (lots of power and speed. In DR sometimes I wish I had a Hummvey..

gto