Jordan – Driving

Is Jordan safe to drive in?

Road safety is a serious matter for anyone planning to drive in Jordan, and newcomers should approach the local driving environment with a heightened sense of awareness. According to data published by Jordan’s Higher Population Council (HPC), traffic accidents climbed to 190,175 in 2024, up sharply from 122,970 in 2020, with 543 fatalities and 18,275 injuries recorded in that year alone. These numbers make plain that the risks on Jordanian roads are statistically substantial.

The overwhelming majority of crashes — 97.1% of all injury-causing accidents in 2024 — are attributed to human behaviour, with road conditions and vehicle faults accounting for just 1.9% and 1% respectively. The most frequently observed problems include excessive speed, aggressive manoeuvring, and poor lane discipline, tendencies that are more pronounced here than in countries such as Germany or Scandinavia, where enforcement culture and driver education tend to be more rigorous.

The most commonly recorded violations in 2024 included failure to exercise due care (42.2%), lane infringements (22.5%), and failure to yield (10.2%). Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among children and young people in Jordan, and the second-leading cause of adult mortality in the 20–64 age group — statistics that should inform the habits of any expat commuting regularly.

The picture is brighter when it comes to road quality. Major routes linking Amman, the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba are generally well maintained and straightforward to navigate. Most rural roads are two-lane, while main highways carry four lanes. That said, rural and desert routes bring their own hazards: poorly marked or entirely unmarked speed bumps, and roaming livestock including camels, sheep, and goats, with collisions between animals and vehicles being a real and recurring problem.

Night driving carries additional risks — lighting can be inadequate and road conditions unpredictable. The Desert Highway south towards Aqaba is widely considered one of the more hazardous stretches, being narrow in places, steeply graded, winding, and heavily used by freight traffic. Experienced drivers in Jordan recommend avoiding motorway and rural travel after dark whenever possible. The HPC has also flagged worsening congestion, particularly across the central and northern regions where roughly 92% of the population lives, placing ever-greater strain on the road network.

Road safety oversight in Jordan rests primarily with the Public Security Directorate (PSD) Traffic Department and the Jordan Traffic Institute, which publishes annual accident data. Current information is available at www.psd.gov.jo. The Higher Population Council’s statistical reports can be accessed at www.hpc.org.jo.

What side of the road do you drive on in Jordan?

Traffic in Jordan flows on the right-hand side of the road, with the steering wheel positioned on the left side of the vehicle. This is the convention shared across continental Europe, North America, and the majority of the Middle East, so drivers arriving from those parts of the world will find the basic orientation immediately familiar.

If you are coming from a country where traffic keeps to the left — such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, or India — you will need to make a conscious effort to adjust. The situations where recently arrived left-side drivers most often make errors are at junctions, on roundabouts, and when pulling away from a parked position. Give yourself extra time and attention during the first few weeks, and take particular care after any gap in driving.

Roundabouts in Jordan operate according to right-hand traffic principles: vehicles already circulating on the roundabout have priority, and entering traffic must yield. This mirrors the approach used in France and Germany, and is the reverse of the older British convention of giving way to the right. Bear in mind that adherence to priority rules is inconsistent among local drivers, so always scan carefully before entering a roundabout regardless of whether you technically have the right of way.

What are the main driving rules in Jordan?

Jordan’s road traffic legislation is set out in the Traffic Law, most recently revised in 2023, and enforced by the Public Security Directorate. The fundamental rules will be recognisable to anyone with experience driving in a right-hand traffic country, but the specific limits, obligations, and penalty structures deserve close attention. Always verify the latest fines and requirements directly with the PSD Traffic Department, as these are subject to periodic revision.

Speed limits (as of 2024): The limit in urban areas is 60 km/h, on rural roads 80 km/h, and on motorways 120 km/h. Enforcement is carried out using both fixed and mobile cameras. Fixed cameras are generally preceded by warning signs; mobile units are deployed at police checkpoints, where on-the-spot fines can be issued to those caught speeding.

Seatbelts: Wearing a seatbelt is legally required for all front-seat occupants. Rear seatbelt requirements exist but have been less consistently enforced in practice — do not let local habit dictate your behaviour. Children under 10 are prohibited from sitting in the front seat unless an appropriate child restraint is in use, and non-compliance can result in a fine for the driver.

Mobile phones: Jordanian law prohibits the use of a handheld mobile phone while driving; hands-free devices are permitted. Motorists caught using a phone at the wheel face a JD50 fine. Despite this, phone use while driving remains a widespread habit among local drivers — do not be tempted to follow suit, as penalties are issued and the safety consequences speak for themselves.

Drink-driving: The permitted blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for most drivers is 0.04% (40 mg per 100 ml of blood). A zero-tolerance policy applies to commercial drivers and those with fewer than two years of driving experience. As of 2024 and into 2025, Jordan was actively working to bring its BAC standards into alignment with WHO recommendations. A conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in one to three months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of JD250–JD500. Since amendments were in progress as of 2025, always confirm the current limit via the PSD website.

Right of way: Vehicles travelling on a main road generally have priority over those joining from side roads. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at designated crossings. Emergency vehicles — ambulances, fire engines, and police — always take precedence, and drivers must pull aside to let them through.

Overtaking: Lane markings are treated as advisory by many local drivers, and decisions about overtaking are often made on personal judgement rather than strict rule-following. Exercise caution, overtake only when you have a completely unobstructed view ahead, and be prepared for oncoming traffic. Reckless overtaking is among the principal causes of serious road collisions in Jordan.

Key penalties under the updated Traffic Law (as of 2023–2025):

• Running a red light carries one to two months’ imprisonment and a fine of JD200–JD300, doubled for repeat offences within a twelve-month period.
• Exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h can result in one to three months’ imprisonment or a JD100 fine, again doubled for repeat violations.
• Reckless driving or driving without a number plate can lead to one to two months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of JD200–JD300, with the vehicle potentially impounded for up to 30 days.

What equipment are you legally required to carry in your car in Jordan?

All drivers in Jordan are required to carry a fire extinguisher and a warning triangle in their vehicle. These two items are the core mandatory equipment for every car on Jordanian roads, whether registered locally or abroad. If you are collecting a hire car, confirm that both items are present before you drive away.

Unlike France, where carrying a breathalyser is technically required in privately owned vehicles, Jordan imposes no such obligation. There is equally no statutory requirement to carry a high-visibility vest, though doing so makes good practical sense — particularly if you encounter a breakdown on an unlit rural road or a desert highway after dark.

The following items are not required by law but are strongly advisable given Jordan’s driving conditions:

• A first aid kit
• A high-visibility jacket or vest (particularly useful in the event of a night-time breakdown)
• A spare tyre and jack — essential for journeys into remote or desert terrain
• An adequate supply of water, especially during summer travel through arid regions

Rental vehicles should come with a certificate of roadworthiness — confirm you receive this when collecting the car, as it verifies the vehicle meets the minimum standard for road use. If you are driving your own imported vehicle, carry your registration document, valid insurance certificate, and any relevant import paperwork (such as a carnet de passage or temporary import document) at all times. Security checkpoints are a routine feature on Jordanian roads, particularly on routes leading to major tourist destinations, and drivers may be asked to present identity and vehicle documents.

What are the most important road signs in Jordan?

Jordan’s road signing system is built on international conventions, drawing principally from the United Nations Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. The visual grammar of signage — triangular hazard warnings, circular regulatory signs including speed limits, and rectangular information panels — will be instantly recognisable to drivers familiar with European or Middle Eastern road systems.

The vast majority of road signs in Jordan carry text in both Arabic and English, which is a significant advantage when navigating major routes. Brown signs denote tourist attractions or points of cultural interest, following the same colour convention used across much of Europe. Speed limit signs take the form of a circle with a red border enclosing a number, identical to the European standard.

Several features of Jordan’s signing and road-marking environment deserve specific attention from newcomers:

• Speed bump warnings: Speed bumps appear on highways and in residential areas alike and are sometimes inadequately signposted or not marked at all. Keep a close eye on the road surface, especially when passing through villages or built-up areas.
• Checkpoint indicators: Military and police checkpoints are a common feature on main roads. Signs or physical barriers will indicate you should slow down and may be required to stop.
• Dual-language direction signs: Signs on motorways and arterial roads show destinations in both Arabic script and Roman lettering. Romanised spellings can differ between signs (for example, “Amman” versus “Aman”) — cross-reference with a navigation app to avoid confusion.

Traffic lights: Jordanian traffic lights follow European sequencing — red, then red-and-amber together, then green, then amber, then red again. Even so, exercise caution when moving off on a green signal, as lights are not always respected and enforcement is inconsistent. Speed cameras are deployed at some intersections. Never assume an intersection is clear on the basis of a green light alone.

What must you do if you have a road accident in Jordan?

Following a road accident in Jordan, drivers have clearly defined legal and practical responsibilities. Any accident involving injuries or significant vehicle damage must be reported to the traffic police. In the case of a minor incident, exchanging details with the other party is required, and reporting the matter to the authorities is advisable. Failing to comply with these obligations can carry serious consequences.

The emergency number in Jordan is 911. Dialling 911 connects you to a central emergency line from which you will be routed to the appropriate service. Traffic accident response falls under the authority of the Public Security Directorate (Traffic Department). For serious incidents on highways or in remote locations, Civil Defence — covering fire and ambulance services — may also be deployed.

Follow these steps after any collision (as of 2024; always check the PSD website for the most current procedures):

1. Stop safely and secure the scene. If the vehicles can be moved safely, pull them to the side of the road. Deploy your warning triangle behind the vehicle to alert approaching traffic.
2. Call 911 if there are any injuries, if vehicles are unable to be moved, or if property damage is significant. State your location clearly when you call.
3. Do not leave the scene. Fleeing the scene of an accident is a serious criminal offence and can result in the seizure of both your driving licence and your vehicle registration.
4. Exchange information. Obtain the name, contact number, vehicle registration, and insurance details of all other drivers involved. Where it is safe to do so, photograph all damage and record the positions of the vehicles.
5. Obtain a police report. Traffic officers will attend and compile an official accident report, which is an essential document for any subsequent insurance claim.
6. Notify your insurer. Inform your insurance company as promptly as possible, providing the police report reference number alongside all collected details.

Failing to report an accident — particularly one involving injuries — is a serious offence that can lead to fines or a custodial sentence. If you are a foreign national or the accident involves a foreign-registered vehicle, have your passport, driving licence, and insurance documents to hand, as the Traffic Department will require all of these.

Where can you find up-to-date road traffic information for Jordan?

Real-time traffic data in Jordan is accessed primarily through digital tools rather than a single official traffic portal. There is no centralised government system comparable to the UK’s National Highways or France’s Bison Futé service. The resources below represent the most practical options for day-to-day use.

Navigation and mapping apps: Google Maps performs reliably in Jordan provided you have a local SIM card, though coverage disappears in more remote regions — downloading offline maps before long journeys is an important precaution. Waze has a strong user base in Jordan and frequently provides more granular real-time alerts, including community-reported police checkpoint locations. Both apps are available at no cost.

Official sources: The Public Security Directorate (PSD) at www.psd.gov.jo issues traffic advisories and road safety announcements. The Ministry of Transport at www.mot.gov.jo handles broader infrastructure matters. The Greater Amman Municipality at www.ammancity.gov.jo provides city-specific updates on traffic conditions and roadworks in the capital. Note that government web addresses occasionally change, so verify links are current before relying on them.

Radio: Several Jordanian broadcasters — among them Radio Jordan (96.3 FM in Amman) and Jordan Rotana (102.5 FM) — carry traffic bulletins during morning and evening peak periods, which can be especially useful in areas where mobile data is unreliable.

Seasonal factors: Intercity roads become noticeably busier around Muslim public holidays, particularly Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, when large numbers of Jordanians travelling abroad return home and family journeys surge. Planning ahead around these periods will help you avoid the worst congestion on major routes.

How does parking work in Jordan?

Parking arrangements in Jordan are considerably less formalised than those in many European or North American cities, though this is gradually changing as Amman continues to develop its urban infrastructure. Outside the capital, parking meters are absent and parking in most locations is relatively unrestricted, though posted signs and local conventions should always be respected.

In Amman: Paid parking is largely confined to the capital, which is also the only city with a meaningful number of public car parks. Expect to pay around JD1 for a full day’s parking (as of the time of research — verify current rates with the Greater Amman Municipality). Finding a space in central Amman can be challenging: many streets are one-way, and on-street parking in the city centre is competitive. Some central districts have designated paid parking zones, identifiable by kerb markings or posted signage.

Outside Amman: In other parts of Jordan, parking is generally straightforward. Street parking near accommodation is usually available and typically free, and most visitor attractions provide dedicated car parks.

Enforcement: Formal parking controls are limited, but vehicles parked in a manner that is dangerous, obstructive, or in violation of posted restrictions — such as blocking an entrance, parking in front of fire hydrants, or stopping in a no-parking zone — are liable to be towed. Owners of towed vehicles may need to pay both towing and storage charges to recover their car.

Disabled parking: Jordan does not operate a national reciprocal scheme for disabled parking concessions, though shopping centre and hotel car parks frequently provide designated spaces. Foreign disabled parking permits are not formally recognised under any mutual recognition arrangement. If you require specific parking support due to a disability, contact the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at www.hcd.gov.jo or your local municipal authority for current guidance. Provisions in this area continue to evolve, so direct enquiries to the relevant authority for the most up-to-date information.

Can you drive in Jordan on a foreign or international licence?

Jordan recognises International Driving Permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Holders of a valid IDP may drive in Jordan for a period of up to six months, after which obtaining a Jordanian licence becomes necessary. This is a tighter requirement than applies in some other countries in the region — in the UAE, for instance, certain nationalities may drive indefinitely on a foreign licence — so residents should be careful not to miss the six-month deadline.

In practice, many short-stay visitors and newly arrived expats drive on their home country licence alone, particularly when hiring a vehicle. Nevertheless, carrying an IDP alongside your national licence is strongly advised: it functions as an officially recognised multilingual translation of your credentials, removing any potential misunderstanding at police checkpoints or in the aftermath of an accident.

Obtaining an IDP before you travel: Apply for an IDP in your home country before you relocate. The permit is valid for one year and confirms that you hold a current driving licence in your country of residence. In most countries, IDPs are issued through national motoring organisations such as the AA, AAA, NRMA, or their equivalents. In-person applications are usually processed on the spot, while postal applications can take several days — apply with plenty of time to spare.

Exchanging a foreign licence for a Jordanian one: Expats who take up residence in Jordan may need to convert their foreign driving licence to a Jordanian one. This process is administered by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Department under the Ministry of Transport and typically requires your valid foreign licence, residency permit, passport, passport-sized photographs, and evidence of passing a medical eye examination. Depending on your nationality, you may need to sit a written or practical test rather than receiving a straightforward exchange — requirements differ and are revised periodically, so always confirm the current process with the Ministry of Transport or the PSD.

The Royal Automobile Club of Jordan (RACJ) is a well-regarded local resource for both IDP applications and guidance on licence exchange procedures, with applications accepted in person at their Amman office. You can reach the RACJ at www.racj.com or at 26 Princess Tharwat Street, Amman.

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving in Jordan

Is third-party car insurance mandatory in Jordan?

Third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement for all vehicles operating in Jordan. Comprehensive cover is optional but strongly advisable, particularly for higher-value vehicles. When renting a car, always establish whether the quoted rate includes basic liability insurance, and consider taking out additional collision damage waiver (CDW) protection. Driving without valid insurance is a criminal offence, and both your driving licence and vehicle registration can be confiscated as a result.

Are there toll roads in Jordan?

Jordan does operate toll roads, most notably the Desert Highway (Route 15), which links Amman with Aqaba and passes through several major cities. Tolls are collected at booths along the route, though there are no general road usage charges beyond these specific toll points. It is worth keeping a supply of Jordanian dinars in cash for toll payments. Reports suggest that toll collection arrangements on some roads have changed over time, so it is sensible to check locally before embarking on long-distance travel.

What are the rules for driving with children in Jordan?

Children under 10 years of age are not permitted to occupy the front seat of a vehicle unless a suitable child restraint is fitted; drivers who fail to comply are liable to a fine. Rear seat child restraint requirements are less precisely defined in law, but best practice — and the safest course of action — is to use an appropriate child seat or booster at all times regardless of seating position. If you are renting a vehicle and travelling with children, most rental companies can provide child seats on request, or you may bring your own from home.

What are the penalties for drink-driving in Jordan?

Jordan’s updated Traffic Law treats drink-driving as a serious offence, with penalties including one to three months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of JD250–JD500. The presiding judge may additionally impose a two-month driving licence suspension. The legal BAC threshold is 0.04% for the majority of drivers, with a zero-tolerance policy applying to commercial and novice drivers (as of 2024). Work to align Jordan’s BAC regulations with WHO recommendations was ongoing in 2024–2025, so always check current rules at www.psd.gov.jo.

Do I need to carry special equipment in winter when driving in Jordan?

Wet weather is common during the Jordanian winter, and snowfall affects certain highland areas. Drivers should reduce speed and use appropriate lighting in adverse conditions. Regions such as Ajloun, the northern highlands, and the road approaching Petra can experience snow and ice between December and February. Unlike countries such as Austria or Germany — where winter tyres are a legal requirement — Jordan imposes no statutory obligation to fit them. Nonetheless, carrying snow chains is a sensible precaution if your plans involve highland routes in midwinter. Consult local weather forecasts and road condition updates before setting out.

Can I use Google Maps and GPS navigation in Jordan?

Yes. Google Maps is widely used by both residents and visitors in Jordan and performs well with a local SIM card. Waze is also popular and benefits from a lively community of local users who report hazards in real time. For remote destinations such as Wadi Rum or the eastern desert, download offline maps in advance as mobile signal can be unreliable or completely absent. One important note: radar detector and speed camera warning devices are illegal in Jordan — if one is discovered at a police checkpoint, it will be confiscated and you will face a fine.

What should I do at police checkpoints on Jordanian roads?

Police and military checkpoints are a routine feature of driving in Jordan, particularly on highways. When you see a checkpoint ahead, reduce your speed and watch for signals indicating whether you are required to stop — these can be quite subtle, so pay close attention. If you are waved in, officers will typically ask your destination and request to see your passport, driving licence, and vehicle registration documents. Keep these items within easy reach at all times. These checks are a standard security measure and are nothing to be concerned about.

Are ride-hailing services available as an alternative to driving in Jordan?

Ride-hailing platforms including Uber and Careem operate in Jordan’s main cities. In Amman in particular, they offer a convenient alternative to driving yourself through the congested city centre, where limited parking and a complex one-way street network can prove frustrating for those unfamiliar with the layout. Many experienced expats recommend using ride-hailing apps for the first few weeks after arrival, giving yourself time to get comfortable with local driving styles and road layouts before committing to driving in the busiest parts of the city.