Rules for Visitors to Jersey
If you plan on bringing your car, motorcycle, or bicycle to Jersey, or hiring a vehicle while on holiday, please note that there are some important differences from international driving standards.
We have highlighted the key differences below to help you familiarise yourself with Jersey’s unique road rules before driving on the island.
Speed Limits
Jersey’s roads and country lanes are often narrow and winding, so please drive with care. Make sure to observe the following speed limits:
- 40 mph: This is the maximum speed limit across the island.
- 30 mph: Applies to LGVs (Large Goods Vehicles) over 7,500 kg and cars towing trailers.
In addition to these general limits, pay attention to lower speed limits in certain areas:
- 20-30 mph: In built-up areas.
- 15 mph: In Green Lanes, which are marked at the beginning and end of each road.
Pedestrians and pedal bikes have priority in Green lanes, so extra care is needed when driving through these zones.
Road Markings
The majority of road markings conform with the UK and International pattern; however, there are a number of road markings with which you may not be familiar.
Yellow Parallel Line
A single yellow line parallel with the kerb prohibits parking 24 hours day and night.
Yellow Transverse Line
A yellow line, painted across a road, denotes the exit of a minor road, and means GIVE WAY.
Road and Traffic Signs
Likewise with road marking the majority of road signs conform with the UK and International pattern; although here are those that differ.
Traffic Light Sequence
The sequence of traffic lights differs from that of the UK and goes from RED to GREEN with no AMBER between.
Filter in Turn
At some road junctions throughout the Island you will see a FILTER sign requiring you to FILTER IN TURN. This means, when negotiating the junction, you should TAKE YOUR TURN with other vehicles in joining or crossing any stream of traffic.
Licence and Insurance Requirements
When visiting Jersey, it is important to ensure that you meet the island’s legal requirements for driving, including carrying the correct documentation. Below are the key rules regarding driving licences and insurance for visitors.
Licence & Insurance
Visiting motorists are required to be in possession of a current driving licence (not provisional) and insurance certificate. If stopped, on a roadside check, you may be required to produce these documents. You must produce your driving licence and certificate of insurance when requested to do so by the Police or Traffic Officers.
Visitor Licence
Persons resident outside the island, who hold a current domestic driving licence, or permit (not provisional) issued in a country outside the Island, may drive for a period of twelve months. People who take up residence must obtain a Jersey Licence immediately, for more details on how to obtain a Jersey Licence please visit here.
Jersey Road Traffic Law
Here are the essential road rules for safe driving and parking in Jersey.
Mobile Phones
It is an offence to ‘HOLD’ a mobile phone whilst driving a moving vehicle.
Seatbelts
Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts. Children must wear an appropriate child/infant restraint for their weight, age and or height in both front and rear seats, for more details on children seating click here.
Drive Dry
In Jersey, the legal alcohol limit is strictly enforced through roadside breath tests.
- The legal limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath
- Or 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
Driving under the influence of drugs is also prohibited.
For more information, please visit here.
Your Duty in Case of Collisions
If you’re involved in an accident, STOP and call 999. Do not move your vehicle without Police consent if:
- Damage is caused to an unattended vehicle or property.
- Only your vehicle is damaged.
- A person or domestic animal is injured.
You must provide your name, address, vehicle details, and insurance information if requested. In some cases, you may be required to wait for the Honorary or States of Jersey Police before moving the vehicle.
Motorcycles
- Helmets: All motorcyclists, including those on mopeds, motor tricycles, and scooters, are legally required to wear helmets. Passengers must also wear helmets.
- Carrying Passengers: A pillion passenger (the person sitting behind the rider) can only be carried by someone who holds a full driving licence for the specific type of motorcycle, moped, or scooter they are riding.
- Provisional Licences: Riders holding a provisional licence from other jurisdictions are not permitted to ride on Jersey’s roads.
For more advice on motorcycling in Jersey, please visit here.
Pedal Bikes
- Helmet Requirement: Anyone under the age of 14 must wear a properly fitted cycle helmet that meets EU standards when riding on public roads, cycle paths, tracks, or in housing estates.
- Road Rules: Cyclists must follow all the standard rules of the road.
For more advice on cycling in Jersey, please visit here.
Beaches and Slipways
It is an offence to drive on any beach. DO NOT park on any slipways unless there is a sign to indicate that parking is permitted.
Bull Bars
It is an offence for a vehicle to be equipped with a metallic inflexible BULL BAR or other dangerous frontal projections.
General Rule of the Road in Jersey
- Keep to the left at all times.
- Overtake on the right, unless the vehicle ahead has signalled to turn right.
- Give way to horses and non-mechanically propelled vehicles (e.g., bicycles).
Contact
If you have any further questions, please contact the Government of Jersey’s Driver & Vehicle Standards Department:
- Telephone: 01534 448600
- Email: dvsinfo@gov.je
