YalaRide - Jordan Driving Rules & Regulations Guide

1. Introduction

This guide provides a comprehensive summary of the official driving rules, legal requirements, safety guidelines, and operational obligations for YalaRide customers renting a vehicle in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Driving in Jordan offers incredible access to sites like Petra and Wadi Rum, but requires vigilance due to desert driving conditions, variable road quality, and strict enforcement of specific traffic laws.

2. Driving Side & Road Basics

• Driving Side: Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road.

• Overtaking: Overtaking is done on the left.

• Desert Highway: On the main Desert Highway (Amman to Aqaba), lane discipline can be poor. Large trucks often occupy the right lane, and faster vehicles may flash headlights aggressively to overtake.

• Priority Rules:

• Roundabouts: Vehicles already inside the roundabout have the right of way. However, in heavy Amman traffic, this rule is often tested; proceed with caution and assertiveness.

• Intersections: At uncontrolled junctions, priority is generally given to the vehicle approaching from the right.

• Road Hazards:

• "Sleeping Policemen": Unmarked speed bumps are extremely common, even on highways or entering villages. They can be large and damaging to vehicles if hit at speed.

• Livestock: Camels, goats, and sheep frequently wander onto roads, particularly the Desert Highway and King’s Highway. Avoid driving at night in rural areas for this reason.

• Lane Markings: Lane markings are often faded or non-existent in rural areas.

3. Required Documents for Driving in Jordan

3.1 Mandatory Documents

• Passport:Mandatory for Tourists.

• Foreign visitors must carry their original passport (with a valid visa/entry stamp) at all times. Police checkpoints are frequent on major highways (e.g., near the Dead Sea and Aqaba).

• Valid Driving Licence:

• A valid national driving licence from your home country is generally accepted for tourists for short stays (typically up to 3 months), provided it has been held for at least one year.

• International Driving Permit (IDP):

• While many Western licenses are accepted, an IDP is highly recommended to avoid language barriers with local police.

• If your license is not in English or Arabic, an IDP is mandatory.

• Vehicle Documents:

• Car Registration (Rokhsa): Provided by the rental operator.

• Insurance Documents: Proof of Third-Party Liability insurance is mandatory.

• Rental Contract: Must be present to prove authorization.

• Age Requirement: The minimum age to rent a car is typically 21 to 25 years, depending on the agency.

4. Speed Limits in Jordan

Speed limits are strictly enforced by police patrols and automated radar cameras, particularly on the Airport Road and the road to the Dead Sea.

4.1 Standard Speed Limits

Road Type

Speed Limit (Typical)

Note

Urban Areas / Cities

50 – 60 km/h

Strictly enforced in Amman.

Rural / Open Roads

80 – 90 km/h

Standard limit outside towns.

Highways (Desert Hwy)

110 – 120 km/h

Watch for signs; speed often drops suddenly near checkpoints.

4.2 Additional Rules

• Enforcement: Police use radar guns frequently. If stopped, you may be issued an on-the-spot fine (ticket).

• Fines: Do not attempt to bribe officers. Accept the ticket; it can often be paid at the police station or upon returning the rental car (the agency will charge you).

5. Drink & Driving Rules (Crucial)

• Legal Blood Alcohol Limit (BAC):

• Recent amendments to traffic laws have tightened the limit to 0.05% (50mg per 100ml).

• Zero Tolerance Advice: Jordan is a conservative country. Police enforcement is strict, and "any" impairment can lead to trouble. YalaRide strongly advises a Zero Tolerance (0.00%) approach.

• Penalties: Penalties include heavy fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and potential imprisonment.

6. Seatbelts, Child Seats & Safety Equipment

6.1 Seatbelts

• Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and front-seat passenger.

• Rear Seats: While enforcement varies, it is legally required/highly recommended for all passengers to wear seatbelts.

• Fines: There is a specific fine (approx. 15 JOD) for failing to wear a seatbelt.

6.2 Child Safety

• Front Seat Ban: Children under 10 years old are strictly prohibited from sitting in the front seat.

• Child Restraints: While laws regarding specific car seat types are looser than in Europe, it is an offense to transport a child without adequate restraint. YalaRide requires the use of age-appropriate car seats for all children under 4 years old.

6.3 Required Vehicle Equipment

• Fire Extinguisher: Mandatory. Police checkpoints often check for this specifically.

• Warning Triangle: Mandatory.

• First Aid Kit: Highly recommended.

7. Mobile Phone & Distraction Rules

• Handheld Phone Use: Strictly prohibited while driving.

• Hands-Free: Permitted.

• Enforcement: Traffic police in Amman frequently spot-check drivers for phone use.

8. Tolls & Fuel

• Tolls: There are generally no toll roads in Jordan. The highways (Desert Highway, King's Highway, Dead Sea Highway) are free to use.

• Fuel:

• Types:Unleaded 90 and Unleaded 95 are the standard petrol types. Diesel is available for trucks/4x4s.

• Cost: Fuel prices are government-regulated and fixed across the country (they change monthly).

• Service: Gas stations are full-service. You do not pump your own gas.

• Payment: Cash (Jordanian Dinar - JOD) is the preferred method, especially in rural areas (Wadi Rum/Petra outskirts). Major stations in Amman accept credit cards.

9. Emergency Contact Numbers

• 911 – Unified Emergency Number (Police, Ambulance, Fire, Civil Defense).

• This is the primary number for tourists and works for all emergencies.

10. Disclaimer

• GPS: Google Maps is generally reliable, but can sometimes suggest unpaved roads in rural areas. Stick to main routes unless you have a 4x4.

• YalaRide: YalaRide is not responsible for legal updates or local exceptions; customers must follow posted signs, the rental agreement, and operator instructions.