Destinations / Bahamas
Driving in Bahamas as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. The Bahamas drive on the left despite their proximity to the US; visitors can use a valid foreign licence for short stays, with an IDP advised for non-Latin scripts.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Bahamas expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 911 or 919 |
| Top speed limit | 45 mph highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in BSD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Right of way | Many imported left-hand-drive cars: take care overtaking. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory. |
On the road in Bahamas
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold by the imperial gallon at attendant-served stations; prices are high (commonly around US$5-6 per gallon) and most stations accept major credit and debit cards.
After a crash
Call police immediately on 919 or 911, photograph the scene, exchange insurance details and report it; a police report is expected for any rental-car damage claim and vehicles should be left in place until officers attend.
Sources: bahamashighwaycode.org · royalbahamaspolice.org · tyremap.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Bahamas?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. The Bahamas drive on the left despite their proximity to the US; visitors can use a valid foreign licence for short stays, with an IDP advised for non-Latin scripts.
Which translation format is used for Bahamas?
Bahamas uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Bahamas ask for a translation?
Nassau and Freeport desks accept many foreign licences; an IDP helps.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Bahamas?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in North America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.