How to Drive in the Marshall Islands + 10 Road Rules You Need to Know

First things first, when driving in the Marshall Islands, you need a full and valid driving licence.

Overseas Driving Licences

Visitors can generally drive using a valid overseas driving licence. Most established rental companies on Majuro accept licences from any country, although licences written in languages other than English may need to be verified or accompanied by a translation.

Learn more in Can You Drive in the Marshall Islands With an Overseas License?

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit is not usually required when your overseas licence is valid and accepted by the rental company.

Requirements can vary between operators, so confirm what documents to bring before arrival. For the full rental checklist, see What You Need to Hire a Car in the Marshall Islands.

Car and scooter rental in the Marshall Islands is available almost exclusively on Majuro, where a small number of established companies operate compact cars, SUVs and automatic scooters.

Although some companies rent to drivers from 18, others set the minimum age at 21. Always check the age limit, licence requirements and insurance conditions before booking.

Car Hire Companies on Majuro

Compare established operators in the 5 Best Car Rentals in Majuro & the Marshall Islands.

Vehicle delivery may be available to your hotel or the airport for free or for an additional fee. Some hotel-run rental companies only hire to their own guests, while others accept outside renters when vehicles are available.

Most companies will inspect the vehicle, record your driving license details and explain optional insurance, security deposits and additional driver fees before handing over the keys.

Get a full price breakdown in The Cost of Renting a Car in the Marshall Islands: Full Car Rental Cost Breakdown.

Remember to return the vehicle with the agreed fuel level, or you may be charged extra. For more advice, see What You Need to Hire a Car in the Marshall Islands.

Scooter Hire on Majuro

Scooter rental is much more limited, but automatic mopeds are available from at least one local operator.

See Scooter Hire on Majuro: Where to Rent, Cost & More for prices, helmet inclusions and delivery options.

Majuro’s roads are generally in good condition, with the main routes fully paved and very few dirt roads. The most noticeable bumps are around Laura, where tree roots have pushed up sections of the road, but elsewhere the drive is usually smooth.

Is It Easy to Drive Around Majuro?

Majuro is easy to navigate once you understand the basic layout. Lagoon Road runs from Rita, beginning around the area known as The Spoon, all the way west to Laura Beach.

In the connected town districts of Delap, Uliga and Djarrit, drivers can also use the parallel Back Road. The urban area is compact, so finding your way often comes down to watching for building names rather than road signs.

There are very few directional signs, although some signs farther west mark villages such as Woja and Laura.

Plan your route before setting off and see Marshall Islands Travel Times & Distances: How Long Does It Take to Travel Around the Marshall Islands? for useful journey estimates. Plus, plan the classic drive west with A Self-Guided Day Trip Around Majuro: One-Day Itinerary.

Road Hazards on Majuro

There are no footpaths along much of Majuro, so watch carefully for pedestrians, children and dogs sharing the road.

Drainage can also be a problem after heavy rain, causing sections of the road to flood. Drive slowly through shallow water and avoid driving altogether during extreme weather or when the depth is unclear.

There is a surprising number of gas stations along Majuro, particularly through the more populated eastern districts and beside Lagoon Road. Unlike in some countries, fuel prices are not required to be identical between stations, so it can pay to check the roadside boards before filling up.

During our visit, gasoline cost approximately US$7.85-$8.30 per US gallon, while diesel ranged from around US$8.50 to $8.95 per US gallon. One of the cheapest stations we found was on the drive from town towards the airport, while stations heading west towards Laura advertised gasoline at around US$8 per US gallon.

Gas stations on Majuro are fully serviced, meaning an attendant fills the vehicle for you. Opening hours vary, but many operate from early morning until evening; for example, DTK Gas Station & Convenience Store is open from 7 am to 9 pm daily.

Find station locations in Information, Shops & Services on Majuro, and check the latest estimated fuel costs in The Cost of Renting a Car in the Marshall Islands: Full Car Rental Cost Breakdown.

While most road rules in the Marshall Islands will feel familiar, there are a few important details visitors should know before taking the wheel. These rules are based on the country’s Motor Traffic Act 1986:

1. Drive on the right side of the road.
2. Drivers must be at least 18 years old. Visitors aged 18 or over may use a valid overseas driving licence for up to 30 days after entering the country and must carry it while driving.
3. The speed limit is 15 mph (24 kph) near schools during opening and closing times, churches on Sunday mornings and public processions. It is 25 mph (40 kph) in business and residential areas and 40 mph (64 kph) elsewhere unless signs indicate otherwise.
4. The driver and all front-seat passengers must wear seat belts. Children under three in the front seat must use an appropriate child restraint.
5. At an uncontrolled intersection, give way to vehicles already in the intersection. When two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the left must give way to the driver on the right.
6. When turning left, give way to approaching traffic. Drivers entering a paved road from a driveway, private road or unpaved road must also give way.
7. Give way to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crossings. Take particular care on Majuro, where pedestrians often share the roadside due to the lack of footpaths.
8. Use your indicators when stopping or turning. Hand signals may be used when a vehicle’s indicators are not working.
9. Overtake on the left only when the road ahead is clearly visible and free of approaching traffic for at least 300 ft (90 m). Return to the right side only once safely clear.
10. Use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, as well as whenever visibility is too poor to clearly see a person 200 ft (60 m) ahead. This includes heavy rain.

Drivers involved in an accident must stop, exchange details and assist anyone injured. Accidents involving injury, death or at least US$50 of apparent property damage must also be reported to the police within 24 hours.

In practice, you will probably see at least half of these rules ignored on Majuro. Locals we spoke to said many are rarely enforced, but that is no reason to join in, especially in an unfamiliar rental vehicle.

Stick to the law, drive defensively and expect other road users to be less predictable. Better safe than sorry, particularly when pedestrians, dogs and children may be sharing the road.

While sticking to the official road rules is a good way to stay safe while driving in the Marshall Islands, there are a few additional tips we picked up while exploring Majuro:

• Take it easy and stick to the speed limit
• Watch out for children and pedestrians sharing the road
• Watch out for dogs and other animals
• Do not leave valuables unattended in your vehicle
• Take extra care after heavy rain, when sections of the road may flood
• Do not park under a coconut tree!

For more safety advice, head over to Marshall Islands Safety Tips: Is It Safe to Travel to the Marshall Islands?