Driving in Guernsey is Different

The roads are narrow, there are special rules, and not all the signs will be familiar to you.

The following information highlights the more important differences between driving in Guernsey and driving in other countries.

Please take the time to read this carefully before you venture onto the roads.

Filter in turn system

Some junctions have filter in turn on a sign and painted on the road. Approach these with care! At these junctions all directions have equal priority.

You must only enter the junction in turn with other vehicles. These are also usually box junctions, so you must not enter the box unless your exit is clear.

Yellow stopping lines

A yellow line across the exit of a minor road means stop and give way to traffic on the major road. A yellow arrow painted on the road gives warning of a yellow stop line ahead.

Yellow no stopping lines

A single yellow line painted along the side of the road or pavement means that vehicles must not stop for any reason other than to avoid an accident.

Maximum Speed 35mph

The maximum speed limit in the Island is 35mph (56kph). There are lower speed limits in some areas. In and around the town the speed limit is 25mph (40kph). Remember, however, that these are maximum speeds, not recommended speeds, and in many places a much lower speed is necessary for safe driving.

Petrol on Sundays

Petrol and other motor oils can now be purchased at selected garages on Sundays.

Pedestrian Areas

Vehicles are prohibited from some of the streets in the centre of the town, such as the High Street, without a permit.

Beaches and Headlands

There are strict regulations about driving on the beaches during the summer without a permit. Car parks are provided at most beaches and headlands. Vehicles must not be parked on any grass areas.

Parking

Public parking in Guernsey is free. Most of the parking near the centre of Town is short-stay (three hours or less). Long-stay parking (five hours or more) is generally further away, and fills up early in the morning. The major Town car parks are on the Harbour piers.

Most on-street parking and car parks in principal shopping areas are marked disc zone and you must use a 'parking clock'. Please check Guernsey's regulations on parking before driving in Guernsey, you can find the details you require by clicking here for a shortcut to our Traffic Department's 'Parking' Web page.

And finally…

Many roads in Guernsey are narrow lanes, with high hedges or granite walls. You must be ready to meet horses, cattle, cyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers who may be just as lost as you!

Please drive carefully. Few junctions away from the primary routes are signposted. Visibility is poor at many junctions. Some have convex mirrors to help motorists, but they make vehicles look further away than they really are.

Care is necessary at all times. Drinking and driving do not mix, and the Police can and do make random checks.