Destinations / Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Driving in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a visitor
Usually yes. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Saint Vincent and the Grenadines expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 or 911 |
| Top speed limit | 50 mph open roads |
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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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 local driving permit. |
|---|---|
| Roads | Narrow, hilly roads. |
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
On the road in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
At the pump
Petrol (octane-95) and diesel are sold per litre in East Caribbean dollars at attended stations clustered around Kingstown; stations are sparse outside the capital, so refuel before touring and keep EC cash as card acceptance is inconsistent.
After a crash
Call police/emergency on 999 (or 911); report accidents to the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Traffic Department, leave vehicles in place where there are injuries, and exchange insurance details for minor knocks.
Sources: insandoutsofsvg.com · globalpetrolprices.com · tyremap.com · searchlight.vc
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Usually yes. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Saint Vincent and the Grenadines accept?
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ask for one?
A local temporary permit is required; rental desks help arrange it.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.