Welcome 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 roads and country lanes are narrow and winding so please drive with care and observe the 40mph all island maximum speed limit. (A maximum limit of 30mph applies to LGV’s with a gross vehicle weight of 7500kgs and over). In addition to the above general speed limits, you should also be on watch for lower limits on certain stretches of road, such as 20/30mph in built up areas and 15mph in Green Lanes. These limits are clearly shown by the appropriate signs.  Green Lanes are signed at the beginning and end of the roads, please take care as you may well encounter pedestrians and cyclists using these roads.

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.

YELLOW PARALLEL LINE

A single yellow line parallel with the kerb prohibits parking 24 hours day and night.

TRAFFIC SIGNS

The sequence of traffic lights differs from that of the UK and goes from RED to GREEN with no AMBER between.

YELLOW TRANSVERSE LINE

A yellow line, painted across a road, denotes the exit of a minor road, and means GIVE WAY.

MOBILE PHONES

It is an offence to ‘HOLD’ a mobile phone whilst driving a moving vehicle.

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.

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.

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 CRASH 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