The following hints and tips on the road rules and conditions in Curacao are not meant to put you off!  It's useful to know that the island's inhabitants have a relaxed driving style. Notably, tourists have been responsible for an increase in car accidents over the last years. Car rental companies have now increased the own risk to NAF500 (+-€245).

1. Motorists on Curacao do not speed. They drive between 60-70 km per hour.
2. At a T-junction, traffic travelling straight ahead has the right of way. 
3. An arm signal could mean any one of the following: wait, stop, turning, parking, braking, reversing, or give me space!
4. Joining the traffic defies all logic!  Proceed with caution when joining a queue of traffic! If no one gives way, stop and wait patiently. No one minds. Stay calm! Signal with your arm and someone will let you in!
5. Overtaking on the left or the right is permissible!  When driving on a dual carriageway, motorists will expect you to stay in your lane and they will overtake you on the left or the right.
6. BEWARE: Motorists often stop suddenly in the middle of the road to greet an acquaintance, or because they are lost or want to turn around.
7. Keep your distance and avoid breaking suddenly which is often the cause of accidents. The brake lights of cars do not always work! If you want to slow down, start braking early, touching the brakes two to three times, to warn the traffic behind you.
8. Motorists in Curacao often pay more attention to what is going on around them, instead of what is happening in front of them.
9. Always wear your seatbelt.
10. Despite the road rules, each roundabout has it’s ‘’own rules”.  In one instance, the motorist on the roundabout has the right of way and in the second instance, the motorist gives way to the motorist coming onto the roundabout. In case of an accident, the rule of the road applies.
11. Many motorists do not indicate when changing direction. They often cross a road, make a U-turn or drive up a one way street without looking.
12. 30% of road users do not have insurance. If you have an accident, always call 199. Never negotiate any private deals with third parties.
13. The sound of squealing tyres is normal. The rubber on the tyre causes a ‘moaning’ sound on the dusty dried out asphalt when pulling off and going around bends.
14. The roads become extremely slippery when it is raining.  Motorists drive at 20-30 km/hour when it is raining, so take extra care!