Belize has four major asphalt-paved two-lane roads: the Hummingbird Highway, Southern Highway, Western Highway, Northern Highway. The remaining roads are unpaved, rough and in poor condition. A 9-mile stretch of the Southern Highway near Big Falls is unpaved as well. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, as in the United States.
The Northern Highway in Belize joins Belize City through Orange Walk Town and Corozal Town with the Mexican border at the state of Quintana Roo. Crude side-roads suitable only for over-land vehicles connect to such localities as Aguas Turbias, on the corner where Belize, Mexico and Guatemala meet.
The Western Highway is one of four main highways in Belize. It originates in Belize City, runs west through numerous villages, and terminates at the Guatemalan border. The highway bisects the country and ties the eastern and western parts of Belize together. Roughly halfway from Belize City to the Guatemalan border, the road passes the capital of Belmopan. A new steel bridge over Beaver Dam Creek was constructed to replace the broken concrete one.
The Hummingbird Highway is one of the four major highways in Belize. It connects the Western Highway outside of Belmopan in the Cayo District with the Southern Highway outside of Dangriga in the Stann Creek District. It partially follows (and sometimes uses the infrastructure) of the former Stann Creek Railway.
The Southern Highway takes off where the Hummingbird Highway ends and runs from Dangriga to Punta Gorda. It is mostly paved, with the exception of a rough, 10-mile segment between Golden Stream and Big Falls (2006). The southern Highway provides important access to a number of Mayan ruins and natural areas. The ancient Mayan sites of Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun are each situated within a few miles west of the highway in southern Belize; the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is several miles west of the highway in south-central Belize.
Besides the highways, the rest of the roads are one or two lanes and are unpaved, at times filled with gravel, sand, or just plain mud. If trying to reach remote or off-the-main-road destinations, it is recommended to drive in a 4WD vehicle. Driving requires a valid driver's license from your home country. There are occasional police check points usually near the major towns that may require you to stop and provide all the legal documents, as well as proof of the required liability insurance. There are plenty of gas stations near the larger towns, and mechanics may be found in Belize City, Belmopan, San Ignacio, and Orange Walk. Traffic is very light on the highways, and passing slower vehicles should cause no problems. Apply caution when approaching roads that may seem impassable. It is a good idea to always have water, a spare tire, and at least a full half-tank of gas before venturing out for a long or unpredictable drive.
Driving at night is not recommended, due to poor signage and road markings, a tendency not to dim the lights when approaching other vehicles, and drunk driving. Pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists without lights, reflectors, or reflective clothing also constitute a very serious after-dark hazard. Local wildlife and cattle also are road hazards in rural areas. For safety reasons, travelers should not stop to offer assistance to others whose vehicles apparently have broken down.
These are the famous speed bumps and walking pedestrians cross ways. They are always within a small village, but sometimes are unsigned, so it is wise to slow down when approaching a populated area. Hitting one at even 40 mph will propel your car and make the entire village turn with a look of concern for their freely running children.
Driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are 55mph on the highways, and 25-40mph within villages and towns. Seatbelts are required. Mileposts and signed display distances in miles.
Belize has Shell and Exxon gas stations. There are several gas stations in Belize city, however if you plan on venturing out of the major cities make sure you fill up whenever you can. The gas stations in Belize are full service, and there's no need to tip. Belize gas stations accept Belize or U.S. dollars, but usually not credit cards. Distances are given in miles, and gas is sold by the U.S. gallon.
See Also:
 Belize Traffic Tickets
|
