Rules for Visitors to Jersey
If you intend bringing your own car, motorcycle or bicycle to Jersey or perhaps hiring a vehicle whilst on holiday, please note there are some slight differences you should know about before taking to the roads.
We have highlighted below the main issues you should be familiar with.
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.
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.
ROAD SIGNS & MARKINGS
The majority of road signs conform with the UK and International pattern; however, there are a number of road markings with which you may not be familiar.
MOBILE PHONES
It is an offence to ‘HOLD’ a mobile phone whilst driving a moving vehicle.
BEACHES & 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.
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
There are certain differences in Jersey Road and Traffic Regulations to that of the united Kingdom. Details of all the local regulations can be found in the Jersey Highway Code, These are available to download online Jersey Highway Code at this link.
BULL BARS
It is an offence for a vehicle to be equipped with a metallic inflexible BULL BAR or other dangerous frontal projections.
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.
VISITORS’ LICENCES
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.
RULE OF THE ROAD
To keep to the left. Overtake on the right, unless the driver of the vehicle in front has signalled his intention to turn right. Give way to horses or non-mechanically propelled vehicles. Comply with the orders of the Police, (uniformed or plain clothed).
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. A more detailed description of the requirements may be found by following this link https://jerseysaferoads.com/child-car-seats/
MOTOR CYCLISTS
All motor cyclists and their passengers are required by law to wear HELMETS (this includes mopeds, motor tricycles and scooters). A pillion passenger may only be carried by someone with a full driving licence for the class of motorcycle, moped or scooter they are licenced to ride. Heavy motor tricycles are not permitted to be ridden on Jersey’s roads. Light motor tricycles (with an unladen mass not exceeding 500kgs and with a maximum design speed exceeding 30mph) require a P30 permit to be ridden in Jersey, please contact DVS in Jersey (contact details are below) for information regarding this. Provisional license holders with a licence from other jurisdictions are not permitted to ride on Jersey’s roads.
CYCLISTS
Anyone under the age of 14 years MUST wear a properly fitted cycle helmet up to EU standards when riding on any public road, cycle path or track or in housing estates. All normal rules of the road apply to cyclists. For further advice on cycling in Jersey please follow this link Cycling in Jersey
YOUR DUTY IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS
If involved in an accident STOP. DO NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE without the consent of the Police:
- If damage is caused to any unattended vehicle or property;
- If only your vehicle is involved in the accident and the only damage is caused to that vehicle or;
- If any injury is caused to any Person or animal.
In any other case you must, if required to do so by any person having reasonable grounds for so requiring, give your name and address and also the name and address of the owner and registration mark of the vehicle, together with details of Insurance cover.
Alternatively, that person may require you not to move your vehicle without the consent of either the Honorary Police or States of Jersey Police
DRIVE DRY
Jersey has similar provisions to the UK, with regards to fixed alcohol limits and roadside breath testing. The penalties in Jersey are severe, up to £2,000 fine or 6 months in prison for the first offence plus unlimited disqualification of driving licence. It is an offence to drive whilst under the influence of drugs.
POLICE HEADQUARTERS
Jersey Police Website
Telephone 01534 612612
TOWN HALL
Town Hall Website
Telephone 01534 811811
STATES OF JERSEY, DRIVER & VEHICLE STANDARDS DEPARTMENT
DVS Website
Telephone 01534 448600
