Cars, Bikes and Mopeds: Bermuda's One-Car Rule and Getting Around
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Getting around Bermuda works differently from the UK, and from almost anywhere else. There are strict limits on car ownership, visitors can’t rent ordinary cars, speed limits are low, and two-wheelers are everywhere. This guide covers both residents and visitors.
The basics
- Driving is on the left, British-style.
- The speed limit is 35 km/h on all roads and 25 km/h in the Town of St George’s, Dockyard and the airport. It’s 15 km/h on Somerset Bridge and Hamilton Wharf, and 8 km/h on St George’s Wharf. The Government quotes these figures from the Traffic Code Handbook (gov.bm). The Government notes that municipal areas such as the City of Hamilton call for extra care. A first speeding offence can bring a $500 fine, three months in prison, or both (Traffic Offences (Penalties) Act 1976).
- Main roads are very narrow, often bordered by stone walls or vegetation, and vehicles often stop at the roadside, blocking a lane (US Consulate).
Visitors: no ordinary rental cars
The US Consulate states that “non-residents are not allowed to own, rent, or drive four-wheeled vehicles” and must rely on taxis, buses or rental scooters (bm.usconsulate.gov).
The exception: minicars
Since 20 April 2017, licensed minicar liveries have been allowed to rent small vehicles to visitors under the Motor Car (Minicar) Regulations 2017 (gov.bm). The Consulate also notes that small electric vehicles are available to rent (US Consulate).
What the rules require (Minicar Regulations):
- You must be 18 or over and show a valid driving licence.
- You must take and pass a written test on the livery’s instructions.
- An instructor demonstrates the vehicle and sits with you for a test drive. If you show “uneasiness in or lack of control”, you can be refused.
- You can’t sublet the minicar or let anyone else drive outside the agreement.
On vehicle size, the Government’s statement on the amending bill says minicars won’t exceed 150cc, 20 horsepower or 15kW, 120 inches long or 60 inches wide, and have a maximum of two seats (gov.bm). So think of it as a two-seater runabout, not a family car.
The official tourism site has a guide to current rental options (gotobermuda.com).
Scooters and mopeds: think twice
Rental scooters are widely available and come with the required helmet. The US Consulate is unusually blunt: motor scooters “provide the greatest road peril in Bermuda”, and scooter accidents involving visitors “are relatively common, and they can sometimes be fatal or involve serious injuries” (US Consulate).
If you don’t ride regularly at home, a scooter on narrow left-hand roads with roundabouts isn’t the place to learn. Check that your travel insurance covers riding a scooter.
Residents: the one-car rule
Under the Motor Car Act 1951, essentially one private motor car can be registered per residence, and members of the same household can’t register additional private cars (bermudalaws.bm). The Act sets out some exceptions. One example: garages may run limited loaner-vehicle services for customers whose cars are being repaired.
What that means in practice:
- A household gets one car. Partners or housemates usually add auxiliary bikes or scooters.
- The rule applies per residence, so if you rent a flat, ask your landlord whether a car is already registered to that unit.
- Private cars have to meet Bermuda’s size and specification rules. Check them with the Transport Control Department before you buy or ship anything.
Licences
New residents need a Bermuda driving licence, and you can’t swap a UK licence for one. The Transport Control Department says “there is no reciprocal licence exchange with any jurisdiction”. Overseas licences and International Driving Permits “are not recognised for residents, including work permit holders”, with “no grace period” (tcd.bm). You must show you’ll be resident for 30 days or more, get a doctor to complete part of the application form, and pass a written exam. You can then buy a learner’s permit and take a road test (gov.bm). TCD lists the theory test as free with an 80% pass mark, and the driver road test at $75 (tcd.bm, tcd.bm). The minimum age is 18, or 16 for an auxiliary cycle. In May 2026 the Royal Gazette reported that Bermuda is seeking a licence-exchange deal with the UK, but none is in force yet (royalgazette.com).
Buying a vehicle
Many newcomers buy second-hand locally rather than shipping, partly because of import duty (generally 25% standard rate, see shipping to Bermuda) and partly because of the specification rules. Expect to deal with TCD for registration, licensing and inspection.
Public transport
- Buses cover the island. Crowd-sourced data on Numbeo (September 2026) puts a one-way ticket at about $5 and a monthly pass at $69 (numbeo.com). Check the official fares before you buy.
- Ferries run from a terminal on Front Street in Hamilton. National Geographic notes there’s a transportation pass offering unlimited ferry rides for one to seven days (National Geographic).
- Taxis are widely used. Numbeo contributors report a starting fare of about $6.50 and about $4.81 per mile (numbeo.com).
For a commuter in Hamilton, a bus or ferry plus a scooter often works well.
Cycling and walking
Pedal cycling is possible, but the roads are narrow and busy. Some off-road routes exist. Ask locally which sections suit your trip. Walking along main roads can be uncomfortable where there’s no pavement.
Safety tips from the Consulate and common sense
- Roundabouts and give-way rules catch out visitors used to driving on the right (US Consulate).
- Expect riders to overtake on either side without warning.
- Wear the helmet properly. Don’t ride after drinking.
- At night, wear something visible and use lights.
A typical setup for new residents
There’s no single right answer, but these combinations are common:
- Single, living and working in or near Hamilton: bus or ferry, plus taxis. A scooter if you’re a confident rider.
- Couple, one car allowed: one small car for shopping and rainy days, plus one scooter.
- Living out in a parish such as Sandys or St George’s: a ferry commute into Hamilton can be quicker and calmer than the road. Check ferry timetables before choosing where to live.
When house-hunting (see renting and parishes), ask landlords:
- Is there parking for a car and a bike?
- Is a car already registered to this residence?
- How far is the nearest bus stop or ferry landing?
Costs to budget for
We don’t publish figures we can’t source, but plan for: vehicle purchase, import duty if you ship, annual licensing, insurance, fuel (imported, so dear), helmets and safety gear, and taxi fares for nights out. Ask TCD and local insurers for current rates.
Bottom line
Visitors: buses, ferries, taxis, a minicar if you want independence, and scooters only if you’re an experienced rider. Residents: one car per household, so plan for a mix of car, scooter, bus and ferry, and check TCD’s rules before buying or shipping anything with an engine.
FAQ
Can I rent a car in Bermuda?
Not an ordinary car if you’re a non-resident. You can rent a licensed two-seater minicar or a scooter (US Consulate, gov.bm).
Can I bring my car from the UK?
Possibly, but check the specification rules with TCD first, budget for duty, and remember the one-car-per-residence rule. You’ll also need a Bermuda licence to drive it.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a minicar?
The minicar regulations require “a valid driver’s licence” and say the renter must be at least 18 (bermudalaws.bm). Ask the livery when you book if it wants anything else.
Can a minicar carry my family?
No. Minicars have a maximum of two seats (gov.bm). Families usually combine taxis with buses and ferries.
Is Uber available?
Taxis are the standard option, and there’s a taxi rank at the airport. Ask your hotel or host which apps or dispatch numbers work locally.
Sources checked 12 October 2026.
Related: first-time visitor guide