Destinations / Saint Lucia
Driving in Saint Lucia as a visitor
Yes, and a local permit too. Saint Lucia drives on the left and requires visitors to buy a temporary driving permit, typically arranged at the rental desk.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Saint Lucia expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 or 911 |
| Top speed limit | 80 km/h 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 | Local rules |
| 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 XCD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Documents | Buy a temporary driving permit. |
|---|---|
| Roads | Steep, winding mountain roads. |
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
On the road in Saint Lucia
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold by the imperial gallon (roughly EC$10-15 per gallon) at attended SOL and Rubis stations; fill up before long drives as rural stations close early, and carry EC cash since not all small stations take cards.
After a crash
Dial 999 for police or 911 for emergencies (911 for fire/ambulance via 759-2222); report injury accidents immediately and do not move vehicles, while for minor damage you exchange insurance details on the spot.
Sources: drivestlucia.com · bellecarib.com · stluciatimes.com · attorneygeneralchambers.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Saint Lucia?
Yes, and a local permit too. Saint Lucia drives on the left and requires visitors to buy a temporary driving permit, typically arranged at the rental desk.
Which translation format is used for Saint Lucia?
Saint Lucia uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Saint Lucia ask for a translation?
A local temporary permit is issued at the desk; an IDP helps.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Saint Lucia?
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.