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Updated on 2 December 2025
 12:37 PM

Know the Road Code

Navigating the roads safely in the Cayman Islands starts with understanding the official Road Code. The Road Code is a comprehensive guide that sets out the essential rules and responsibilities for every driver, cyclist, and pedestrian.

It is is designed to make road safety clear and straightforward for everyone.

This page helps describe the key points of traffic law, explains your obligations as a road user, and highlights practical advice for protecting yourself and others. Whether you’re preparing for your driving test or just want to refresh your knowledge, learn more about the Road Code so you can drive with confidence.

Learn the Code

Speeding

Speed Limits are Not a Suggestion

Never exceed the speed limits for the road you are travelling on.

The speed limit is not a target, sometimes it is neither safe nor appropriate to drive at the maximum allowed speed, depending on traffic, road, and weather conditions.

It is also an offence to drive too slowly if you are unnecessarily obstructing the free flow of traffic.

Penalties for Speeding are Serious

Exceeding the speed limit in the Cayman Islands carries serious financial and legal consequences.

Drivers caught speeding face an on-the-spot fine of KYD $20 for every mile per hour over the posted limit. If the total fine surpasses $500, you must appear in court, where penalties can escalate to include the suspension of your driver’s licence for at least 12 months.

Repeat offenders or those driving dangerously risk even harsher penalties under the Traffic Act (2021 Revision).

Safe distances can save lives; the two second rule

Maintaining a safe distance is one of the most effective ways to prevent crashes. Drivers must always be able to stop in an emergency without being involved in a collision, which is why the Code recommends a minimum of one vehicle length for every 10 mph of speed and encourages the “two-second rule” for normal conditions (or four seconds when roads are wet or slippery). Keeping space gives you vital time to react if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly or swerves to avoid danger.​

Impariment

Speed Limits are Not a Suggestion

Never exceed the speed limits for the road you are travelling on.

The speed limit is not a target, sometimes it is neither safe nor appropriate to drive at the maximum allowed speed, depending on traffic, road, and weather conditions.

It is also an offence to drive too slowly if you are unnecessarily obstructing the free flow of traffic.

Penalties for Speeding are Serious

Exceeding the speed limit in the Cayman Islands carries serious financial and legal consequences.

Drivers caught speeding face an on-the-spot fine of KYD $20 for every mile per hour over the posted limit. If the total fine surpasses $500, you must appear in court, where penalties can escalate to include the suspension of your driver’s licence for at least 12 months.

Repeat offenders or those driving dangerously risk even harsher penalties under the Traffic Act (2021 Revision).

Safe distances can save lives; the two second rule

Maintaining a safe distance is one of the most effective ways to prevent crashes. Drivers must always be able to stop in an emergency without being involved in a collision, which is why the Code recommends a minimum of one vehicle length for every 10 mph of speed and encourages the “two-second rule” for normal conditions (or four seconds when roads are wet or slippery). Keeping space gives you vital time to react if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly or swerves to avoid danger.​

Distracted Driving

Speed Limits are Not a Suggestion

Never exceed the speed limits for the road you are travelling on.

The speed limit is not a target, sometimes it is neither safe nor appropriate to drive at the maximum allowed speed, depending on traffic, road, and weather conditions.

It is also an offence to drive too slowly if you are unnecessarily obstructing the free flow of traffic.

Penalties for Speeding are Serious

Exceeding the speed limit in the Cayman Islands carries serious financial and legal consequences.

Drivers caught speeding face an on-the-spot fine of KYD $20 for every mile per hour over the posted limit. If the total fine surpasses $500, you must appear in court, where penalties can escalate to include the suspension of your driver’s licence for at least 12 months.

Repeat offenders or those driving dangerously risk even harsher penalties under the Traffic Act (2021 Revision).

Safe distances can save lives; the two second rule

Maintaining a safe distance is one of the most effective ways to prevent crashes. Drivers must always be able to stop in an emergency without being involved in a collision, which is why the Code recommends a minimum of one vehicle length for every 10 mph of speed and encourages the “two-second rule” for normal conditions (or four seconds when roads are wet or slippery). Keeping space gives you vital time to react if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly or swerves to avoid danger.​

Vulnerable Road Users

Speed Limits are Not a Suggestion

Never exceed the speed limits for the road you are travelling on.

The speed limit is not a target, sometimes it is neither safe nor appropriate to drive at the maximum allowed speed, depending on traffic, road, and weather conditions.

It is also an offence to drive too slowly if you are unnecessarily obstructing the free flow of traffic.

Penalties for Speeding are Serious

Exceeding the speed limit in the Cayman Islands carries serious financial and legal consequences.

Drivers caught speeding face an on-the-spot fine of KYD $20 for every mile per hour over the posted limit. If the total fine surpasses $500, you must appear in court, where penalties can escalate to include the suspension of your driver’s licence for at least 12 months.

Repeat offenders or those driving dangerously risk even harsher penalties under the Traffic Act (2021 Revision).

Safe distances can save lives; the two second rule

Maintaining a safe distance is one of the most effective ways to prevent crashes. Drivers must always be able to stop in an emergency without being involved in a collision, which is why the Code recommends a minimum of one vehicle length for every 10 mph of speed and encourages the “two-second rule” for normal conditions (or four seconds when roads are wet or slippery). Keeping space gives you vital time to react if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly or swerves to avoid danger.​

Featured: Seatbelt Safety

In the Cayman Islands, seat belts must be worn in all vehicles including cars, oversize vehicles, special vehicles, and trucks barring some limited exemptions.

As a driver, if you are carrying children you must ensure:

  • Children enter/exit using the door nearest the kerb

  • Child restraints are properly fitted

  • Children don’t ride behind rear seats unless proper special child seats are provided for that purpose

  • Child safety locks (where fitted) are used

  • Children are kept under control at all times

In the Cayman Islands, you do not have to wear a seatbelt if:

  • You hold a medical certificate stating you’re exempt (the certificate must specify the valid period).

  • You are reversing the vehicle.

  • You are a disabled person (with the appropriate exemption).

The law also does not apply to:

  • A child holding a medical certificate.

  • A child under two years in a carry cot restrained by a seatbelt.

  • A disabled child wearing a disabled person’s belt.

Important Rule

A rear-facing child restraint seat MUST NOT be used in a seat protected by an active frontal airbag, as it can cause serious injury or death in a crash.