Destinations / Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Driving in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a visitor
Yes, and a local permit too. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines drive on the left and require a local temporary permit, arranged through the rental company.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 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 | 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 | 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 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?
Yes, and a local permit too. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines drive on the left and require a local temporary permit, arranged through the rental company.
Which translation format is used for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 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 Vincent and the Grenadines ask for a translation?
A local temporary permit is required; rental desks help arrange it.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
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.