Bermuda is a small archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean that is a self-governing British Overseas Territory. Consisting of around 180 islands and islets that lie about 620 miles from North Carolina, the territory is famous for its pink-sand beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs and distinctive pastel-coloured houses with white stepped roofs. The territory has a subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters, and tourism, insurance and reinsurance are major parts of Bermuda's economy.
Its capital, Hamilton, is the main commercial, political and cultural centre of the territory, situated on the island of Pembroke Parish. Named after the former Governor of Bermuda, Sir Henry Hamilton, the city is a compact waterfront known for its colourful buildings, shops and restaurants — especially in Front Street, parks like Victoria Park, the Hamilton Harbour and nearby historic buildings like Fort Hamilton and Waterville.
Hurricanes, tropical storms, severe coastal flooding and high-energy storm surges.
Bermuda operates a demerit point system where a driver gains points for any moving violations and traffic infractions. Accumulating 12 points or more within a 2-year period will result in a mandatory licence suspension and a driving ban lasting for 6 months or more. The most common traffic/driving offences are:
Other violations to keep in mind;
The official language of Bermuda is English, but Bermudian English and Portuguese are also spoken.
Vehicles drive on the left-hand side in Bermuda. Though the minimum driving age for is 18, you must be at least 21 or 25 to rent a vehicle. However, non-residents cannot rent, drive or even own a normal/full-sized car. Instead, they can only rent an approved electric two-passenger microcar — except for motor scooters. UK drivers don't typically need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as they are not required for electric microcars, unless your rental company specifically asks for one. Roads are very narrow, winding and prone to wear from heavy vehicles, alongside limited sidewalks for pedestrians. Potholes, uneven surfaces and localised lane closures for ongoing paving or utility trenching are common. You must be extra cautious when driving — despite in a minicar, especially with frequent traffic accidents and limited street lighting.
Since tourists cannot rent standard petrol cars, fuel stations aren't something to worry about. Rental companies like Rugged Rentals has EV charging points at a number of hotels/properties, including Grotto Bay, Rosewood, Newstead and Pompano Beach Club. You will be asked that the accommodation you're staying in has accessible EV charging before booking. Some vehicles can be charged from an ordinary outlet at your accommodation if none of the company's EV stations are available. However, don't assume that a charging point is available for every rental company's vehicle. Recent visitor reports indicate that charging networks can be operator-specific. So be sure to check, and try to stick to the specific rental company's charging points if possible.
The national speed limit is 35 km/h (~22 mph), but some areas have different lower limits;
This is due to the narrow road conditions in order to maintain safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
The BAC limit is 0.08%, but due to severe road conditions, total sobriety is strongly advised.
Mandatory for all occupants.
Children under 14 years must use an approved child safety seat in either the front or rear passenger seats, while rear-facing seats are required for infants up to one year old or 20 lbs. Older toddlers that weigh between 20 and 40 lbs must be secured in a forward-facing seat, and those over 40 lbs must use a booster seat with a three-point seat belt until the adult belt fits properly.
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