As of tomorrow, August 1, 2019, the amended Road Traffic Ordinance will enter into force on Bonaire. The island is getting busier, due to increasing tourism figures and the growth of the population.
So, it’s time for an adjustment of the traffic rules, because busier roads require (slightly) stricter rules.
As of tomorrow, August 1, 2019, the amended Road Traffic Ordinance will enter into force on Bonaire. The island is getting busier, due to increasing tourism figures and the growth of the population. The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) in the Netherlands, calculates that according to the new population forecast for the Caribbean Netherlands, the population for the three islands together, will grow by 21 percent until 2045, before coming to a standstill.
So, it’s time for an adjustment of the traffic rules, because busier roads require (slightly) stricter rules.
What new rules come into effect? The dos and don’ts? What are the risks and fines? Below you will find an overview of the differences with, among others, our previous blog post about the traffic rules on Bonaire.
Rules regarding speed in the new traffic ordinance Bonaire
- Within thebuilt-up areas the following speed limits apply:
- An automobile, truck or other motorized vehicle may not exceed the speed of 40 km per hour.
- The speed of a moped may not exceed 30 km per hour.
- The speed of a mobility scooter or disabled person’s vehicle may not exceed 30 km per hour.
- Outside of the built-up areas the following speed limits apply:
- An automobile, truck or other motorized vehicle may not exceed the speed of 60 km per hour.
- The speed of a moped may not exceed 55 km per hour.
- The speed of a mobility scooter or disabled person’s vehicle may not exceed 30 km per hour.
Speed control for the inhabitants of Bonaire?
Our rules for right of way
- When you are driving an automobile or truck, or riding a bicycle, scooter, motorcycle or ATV quad, you must give right of way to the following persons:
- Persons who have difficulties with walking.
- Persons who are blind or visually impaired. They carry a white cane with 1 or more red stripes.
- When you are driving an automobile or truck, or riding a bicycle, scooter, motorcycle or ATV quad, you must give right of way to persons on the pedestrian crossing. This concerns pedestrians and people in a disabled person’s vehicle. You must also give them right of way if they are at a crosswalk waiting to cross.
- When you are entering a roundabout, you must give right of way to traffic already driving on the roundabout.
Do not drive someone else’s vehicle without permission
New rules in the ordinance on who may drive a vehicle
- It is prohibited to ride a moped in traffic if you are under 16 years of age.
- Are you 16 years of age or older? Then you can ride a moped in traffic if:
- You have a valid driving license for a motor vehicle, or
- You have a valid permit showing your own name.
- Are you younger than 18 years of age? Then you are not allowed to drive a machine on the road. For example, a crane or a sweeper. You may drive these if you are 18 years of age or older. However, you do need to have a valid B, C, or D driver’s license.
- All driver’s licenses are valid for 5 years. The 5-year period starts on the day you receive the license.
- Did you obtain your driving license in the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius or Saba? This license is also valid on Bonaire.
- You may not drive a vehicle that belongs to someone else without their permission.
New rules concerning nuisances
- You may not make unnecessary noise with your vehicle. For example, by revving the engine by giving gas while not in gear.
Ordinance rules concerning safety
- It is prohibited to hold a mobile telephone or tablet in your hand while driving.
- It is prohibited to drive a vehicle if you have consumed too much alcohol or used drugs.
- The driver of a car or truck, and all passengers must wear a seat belt.
- Children 3 years of age or younger may only ride along in a car if they are seated in a child safety seat or booster seat. This child safety seat must have a seal of approval.
- Drivers and passengers shorter than 1.50 meter, must wear a lap belt. Does the vehicle only have a three-point belt? Then you must wear this as a lap belt.
- Drivers and passengers of a moped, motorcycle, or ATV quad must wear a safety helmet that fits well. The following rules apply to the helmet:You must be able to fasten the helmet with a clasp.
- The helmet complies to safety standards.
- The helmet has a seal of approval.
- The helmet is not broken or damaged.
Parking spaces for disabled persons
- Only the following vehicles are allowed to park on a parking space for the disabled:
- A mobility scooter or disabled person’s vehicle.
- An automobile with a valid disability parking card. This card must be placed behind the windshield and be clearly visible.
- A vehicle that the parking space is reserved for.
Confiscation of vehicles
- Are you not complying to the traffic ordinance Bonaire? The police may then confiscate your vehicle. The police officer will drive your vehicle to an impound area where it will be kept.
- You have to pay for the cost of transporting and storing the vehicle.
Parking spaces for disabled persons better protected