St. Thomas is one of the few places in the world where you drive on the left but the steering wheel is on the left side of the car. This can be disorienting for mainland U.S. drivers. Here is a complete guide to driving on the left in St. Thomas.
Why Does St. Thomas Drive on the Left?
The U.S. Virgin Islands adopted left-side driving from its Danish colonial heritage. Despite being a U.S. territory since 1917, the tradition of driving on the left has persisted. The steering wheel is on the left (same as mainland U.S. cars), which can make it tricky.
Key Tips for Left-Side Driving
- Stay left: Keep your car on the left side of the road at all times
- Remember the driver is near the center line: This feels wrong at first
- Take it slow: Do not rush — speed causes confusion
- Follow local traffic: Let locals lead and follow their cues
- Use a passenger as a co-pilot: Have someone remind you to stay left
Intersections
At intersections, the instinct is to veer right. Train yourself to turn into the left lane. Take intersections slowly and look both directions before proceeding.
Roundabouts
St. Thomas has several roundabouts. In a left-driving system, you enter the roundabout by turning left and travel clockwise. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. When exiting, signal and merge left.
Narrow Roads
Many roads on St. Thomas are narrow with two-way traffic. When meeting oncoming traffic on a narrow road, pull to the left to let the other vehicle pass. Be prepared to back up if necessary.
Parking
When parking, remember that you are parking on the left side of the road. Check for oncoming traffic from the right before opening your door.
Practice at the Airport
When you first pick up your rental from Alamo, Enterprise, or National at STT, take a few minutes to practice in the rental facility lot before heading out onto public roads. Get a feel for the steering position and left-side orientation.
Stay Alert
Left-side driving requires extra concentration, especially in the first few hours. Avoid distractions, keep your speed down, and do not drive fatigued. Most accidents happen when drivers revert to right-side habits out of muscle memory.
