Coming soon to to a DR near you - my wife and I

mezsaque

New member
Apr 26, 2005
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Renting car for our stay. Wondering if anyone knows of a good web site for Dominican road signs?
 

Snuffy

Bronze
May 3, 2002
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Do not need road signs. Stop at red lights. Do not hit the vehicle in front of you. Do not hit the vehicle on the side of you if he is ahead of your vehicle. If you are the vehicle ahead of another you can cross over into his path. He must slow down and let you manuever. That is the way I have interpreted driving here. And I am being serious.

I doubt the study of signs will help very much.
 

NotLurking

Bronze
Jul 21, 2003
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Snuffy said:
Do not need road signs. Stop at red lights. Do not hit the vehicle in front of you. Do not hit the vehicle on the side of you if he is ahead of your vehicle. If you are the vehicle ahead of another you can cross over into his path. He must slow down and let you manuever. That is the way I have interpreted driving here. And I am being serious.

I doubt the study of signs will help very much.
LOL so true! Signs here in DR are not much different then in the states, well, the little bit you see of'em...hehe. When driving in the DR just remember these few simple rules.

You can turn right on red. Avoid the right lane at all cost - it is the lane of the 'conchos' to pick-up and drop-off passengers. Don't have an accident! Avoid being close to anything that is moving or that could eventually move. Absolutely no tailgating! If traffic is backed up on any avenue, there is an AMET* at the light put there specifically to ruin your day. Finally, if you are a very nervous person, bring medication 'cause you'll need it if driving here in DR! ...volumes, prozac...hehe J/K 'bout medication but it could help nonetheless...LOL ENJOY your stay!!!

*local traffic cop.

Regards,
NotLurking
 

chuckuindy

Bronze
Mar 8, 2004
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Just a few more suggestions

Seatbelts are not necessary in the Dominican Republic
There are no one way streets in the DR.
A honking horn simply means hello, slow down and wave
Always give your original drivers licenses to the cop who stops you
Never under any circumstances offer a cop any money, they find it offensive
Talking on your cell phone while driving shows that you are a friendly tourist
There are no open container laws in the DR
Never rent a vehicle with high ground clearance, Dominicans dislike being looked down on
There are no divided highways in the country
Keep a lookout for small critters crossing the road, never worry about livestock
U turns are permitted on all interstate highways
The first car in a round-a-bout has the right of way
If the stop light is not working the cross street has the right of way
Pedestrians always yield to autos
Picking up hitch-hikers is sociably acceptable
If you are involved in an accident use this phrase ?no me problem?
Driving in the left hand lane is a local option
Watch carefully for no parking zones and always put US coins in the meters
 

Robert

Stay Frosty!
Jan 2, 1999
20,574
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dr1.com
mezsaque, ignore the post by chuckuindy, yeah it's funny, but worthless and a waste of your time.

The road signs are pretty obvious here, just like in most parts of the world.

If you can avoid driving at night, avoid it. People here love to leave their brights (high beam) on and blind you.

What part of the country will you be driving around?
Let's us know so we can tell you what to avoid or how to get about.
 

Snuffy

Bronze
May 3, 2002
1,462
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I was being sincere. Just don't hit another vehicle and you will be fine. That is the unwritten rule, isn't it? Everyone follows this rule when driving. If there is a vehicle in front of you or on the side of you and ahead of you...that vehicle has the right of way. You must float back if he comes into your lane...otherwise you will hit him...and then even though he came into your lane...you are responsible.

In the USA we observe lanes and if people made a habit of entering lanes like they do here...there would be traffic accidents all day long.

If I am wrong about that, please let me know.

Although not everyone observes the red light...you can get a ticket for running it.

And you do have to wear your seatbelt.

Escott said:
Forget Snuffy, just put your brights on and forget all road signs and red lights after 11 pm.

You will do fine!

Escott
 

Criss Colon

Platinum
Jan 2, 2002
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I Have Been Living And Driving Here For Ten Years.

There are THREE,and only THREE things that a policeman will stop you for,and only because they can "fine" you for these 3.
1.,Running a caution light.(I know people run red lights,talking about getting stopped and fined here)
2.,NOT wearing your seatbelt.
3.,Talking on your cell phone.

These are easy for the police to see.You have little defense if they catch you.

Carry a "photocopy" of your drivers license,you can give that to the police,NOT your "real" license,if he asks for your license.They sometimes keep your license to make sure you go pay your fine.
My experience is that if you smile,be very courteous,and ask "forgivness",you will have no problems.
Take absolutely NOTHING for granted! "Left" turn signal,they may stop or turn right! ("oh"! Turn signals "Optional")Cars can,and will turn in front of you.
The "Bigger" vehicle has the "Right-Of-Way"!
NEVER pull in front of a truck or bus.They often speed up to run red lights! You will hear their horns blaring,hopefully!Soooooo,just because you have a "Green Light" at an intersection,slow down and be prepared to stop,and then prepare for the inpact of the car or truck that is behind you! ;)
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC!
cccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc
 

wim

Member
Jan 10, 2002
88
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6
When Amet is stopping , is just for one of these things and cost you :

2 hours in the court +

Talking with you cell phone : 500 pesos

Not using the seatbelt : 500 pesos

Crossing the red light : 50 pesos

and 20 pesos for the juth .

Yes ,crossing the red light is not so expencive .

AND the AMET is watching you , sure when you are not dominican !!!

Becareful they are in the centre of the city almost in all corners of the street .


Greetings , Wim .
 

DunHill

New member
Aug 29, 2003
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www.dunhill.ws
Just some more "Tips and Hints"

If you see a traffic cop (AMET) be sure that you wear your seatbelt and dont use your cellphone !!!
You recognize them easily because they love GREEN, green uniform-green cars-green etc.
Don't try to bribe them !!!
Trafficlights and roadsigns are special created for tourists who wear the "i-am-an-easy-victim" hotel bracelet on their wrist.
(redlights are commonly ignored by the dominicans without problems)
The AMET is trained to find them , and is always willingly to write tickets.

Than this:
If you plan a first country sightseeing in the D.R. than DONT DRIVE !!!
You need 8 eyes and all your skills to avoid, open manholes, cars parked in the middle of the highway, more open holes, unskilled drivers, busses, again holes, animals, man-at-work and more idtiots who use the road.
You don't have time to look around.

If you get involved in an accident, try to solve the problem as quick as possible, that is normally cheaper than starting a discussion you always will loose, and avoid others who will try to help the poor Dominican "victim"

Don't try to bribe any official, youre a tourist !, if he wants a bribe , he will notify you.

Check for spare tyres and check the gasoline tank visual (don't trust the dashboard meter)

Dont drive at night (is already written) or wear dark sunglasses, because IF the carlights are burning they will be shining right into your face
Busses even have 4 headlights to make you happy.

For a smooth ride, and in Dominican Style, drink at least 1 bottle of Brugal (or any other brand), before you drive, this will adjust your drivingskills to a more Caribbean Level
 

Snuffy

Bronze
May 3, 2002
1,462
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I was ticketed for a seatbelt. I went to Amet and paid the fine and they gave me my license. Total time was maybe 15 minutes in Amet.


wim said:
When Amet is stopping , is just for one of these things and cost you :

2 hours in the court +

Talking with you cell phone : 500 pesos

Not using the seatbelt : 500 pesos

Crossing the red light : 50 pesos

and 20 pesos for the juth .

Yes ,crossing the red light is not so expencive .

AND the AMET is watching you , sure when you are not dominican !!!

Becareful they are in the centre of the city almost in all corners of the street .


Greetings , Wim .
 

NotLurking

Bronze
Jul 21, 2003
2,447
1,235
113
Sto Dgo Este
Rotflmao

DunHill said:
...For a smooth ride, and in Dominican Style, drink at least 1 bottle of Brugal (or any other brand), before you drive, this will adjust your drivingskills to a more Caribbean Level

This made my day....LOL
 

Hillbilly

Moderator
Jan 1, 2002
18,948
514
113
As a 43 year veteran of this place

Allow me to say that "Most of the above posts are straight dope"

Not kidding. Newbies here can get screwed ten ways to hell and back.

If it is at all possible hire a car and driver. On the North Coast, it is easy, we have several that we recommend to folks. On the South Coast, I just can't make any suggestions.

Sure, you are an experienced NASCAR driver, ran all 500 laps at Bristol and avoided the Big One at Talladega. Well here you are still a rookie...and you have a sign on your forehead--hit me baby, I'm a tourist with not the faintest...

After you have been here and seen this, THEN you might venture into the rental thing.

HB :p:p:p

Surprised that nobody has mentioned the Draconian traffic laws => YOu go to jail if anyone has the slightest scratch resulting from an accident!! No matter whose fault it was. God save you if you hit a little moped-that literally swarm all around you in most towns and cities...You have to pay for him like he was Bill Gates' brother and his moped like it was a DUCATI
 

mezsaque

New member
Apr 26, 2005
13
0
0
Robert said:
mezsaque, ignore the post by chuckuindy, yeah it's funny, but worthless and a waste of your time.

The road signs are pretty obvious here, just like in most parts of the world.

If you can avoid driving at night, avoid it. People here love to leave their brights (high beam) on and blind you.

What part of the country will you be driving around?
Let's us know so we can tell you what to avoid or how to get about.


First Santo Domingo to Puerta Plata, then north coast cabarete to monte christi, then back to santo domingo thanks, cheerio
 

ricktoronto

Grande Pollo en Boca Chica
Jan 9, 2002
4,837
0
0
You can buy several international drivers licences at the AAA/CAA and use those rather official looking things as the ones to hand over and never get back if the photocopy fails the test.
 

rellosk

Silver
Mar 18, 2002
4,169
58
48
Snuffy said:
I was ticketed for a seatbelt. I went to Amet and paid the fine and they gave me my license. Total time was maybe 15 minutes in Amet.
This is the first I heard of someone getting and paying a ticket. Can you give more detail. Did they require you to immediately go to the station to pay the ticket? Did they escort you to the station? What did it cost?
 

duck

New member
Mar 20, 2005
53
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www.manley.de
mezsaque said:
First Santo Domingo to Puerta Plata, then north coast cabarete to monte christi, then back to santo domingo thanks, cheerio

Do the Cabarete - Montecristi stretch very early, or you will be held up by trucks all the way to Navarette, after that it should be an easy ride. Once you get past there it is fairly easy going. Don't worry about lights & stuff in Montecristi, they are more or less for decoration. Whoever has to cross a gutter should yield to the other vehicles.
 

Snuffy

Bronze
May 3, 2002
1,462
6
0
rellosk said:
This is the first I heard of someone getting and paying a ticket. Can you give more detail. Did they require you to immediately go to the station to pay the ticket? Did they escort you to the station? What did it cost?

This is a very simple procedure. I was given a ticket, they held my license. I went on my own the next day to a bank and paid the ticket. I then went to Amet and got my license. The cost was 500 pesos.
 

rellosk

Silver
Mar 18, 2002
4,169
58
48
Snuffy said:
This is a very simple procedure. I was given a ticket, they held my license. I went on my own the next day to a bank and paid the ticket. I then went to Amet and got my license. The cost was 500 pesos.
It's interesting that they let you drive without your license. I wonder what would've happened if you got stopped before you got your license back.