Key rules, regulations and things to know

Driving: Drive on the right and overtake on the left. However you can often be overtaken on both sides, so take great care.

Speed limits Motorway type roads - 120 kph / 75 mph, Open roads - 80 kph / 50 mph, Built up areas - 60 kph / 37 mph. Distances and speed limits are in km/h.

The Jordanian police can issue on the spot fines for speeding. Speeding is strictly enforced so keep to the limits. On many major roads you will be forced to slow down by speed humps across the roads. Police will often be parked in these areas as well.

The minimum age for hiring a car is 21/25 years old depending on car rental agency.

Word of caution when hiring a car in Jordan: Some deals can include an additional driver, "An additional driver is free of charge. Further additional drivers are available for an additional charge of XX USD per day, payable locally."

In January 18 the car hire agency at the airport in Amman said this only applied to husband and wife not partner of main driver, or friend of main driver or son of main driver.

The booking conditions from UK based car hire broker were left with car hire desk and case was followed up with the broker who contacted the car hire company in Jordan to advise the "meaning of additional driver". Keep all paperwork

Driving Licence You must have a full driving licence that is valid in your country of residence.

An International Driving Permit - (IDP) is also suggested by some car hire companies based in the UK. Find out more here for obtaining one for UK driving licence holders

Drivers are obliged to carry at all times whilst driving - a valid driving licence, registration documents and insurance documents. In a hire car there should be a plastic card in the glove box that must be shown to the police if stopped. When you return the hire car the company will check to see if this is in the vehicle

Speed cameras and radar detectors are common and on-the-spot traffic fines for certain offences.

Drinking and Driving: There is zero tolerance policy on drink driving in Jordan. No amount of alcohol found to be in the blood is legal.

Most road signs are in both Arabic and English some others are not.

Seat belts: If fitted, seat belts must be worn at all times by all occupants of the vehicle, Children under 4 must be seated in the rear and must use a child restraint system suitable for their size and weight. Many taxi drivers do not appear to wear seat belts regardless of whether the vehicle is fitted with belts.

Mobile Phones: It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone whilst driving. This rule does not apply to hands free phones

Warning Triangles - Reflective jackets: A fire extinguisher and warning triangle must be carried in cars at all times.

Headlights: Try not to drive into quiet rural areas after dark and avoid roads that are poorly lit. Try to avoid hitting any people, animals or livestock. Under Jordanian law a driver is always considered guilty if they hit a pedestrian.

If you are involved in such an incident, you could face imprisonment and be liable for the payment of hospital bills and other compensation. Fog: Fog can be dense at times, particularly at night.

Foreign travel advice Jordan from UK Government Here

Telephone Country Code: +962

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