Road safety in Panama

Cheryl · 2025-07-16T06:42:29+02:00

Discover essential tips for road safety in Panama as an expat. Share experiences on traffic rules, road conditions, and safety for kids.

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator16 July 2025 04:42:29

13914

Hello everyone,

Navigating roads and experiencing traffic in Panama as an expat can be a learning experience. We invite you to share your insights in order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats stay safe on the road in Panama, whether driving, cycling or just crossing the street.

Are traffic rules strictly respected or enforced in Panama?

Are there any unspoken rules, unexpected habits or regulations that you had to adapt to?

Are the roads safe and well-maintained?

Are there specific times of day, weather conditions, or seasons that make driving more dangerous?

If you have children, do you feel comfortable letting them travel alone on local roads, whether on foot, by bike, or motorbike?

What are your tips or advice to stay safe on the roads in Panama?

Share your insights and experience.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
禁漫天堂 Team

ddmcghee Dominican Republic Expert

Member since 15 May 2017

ddmcgheeDominican Republic Expert30 July 2025 16:18:51

1849

My perspective will be different than most! If I were coming straight from the US, I'm sure I would find more issues with the driving in Panama, but I've been in the Dominican Republic for the past 5 years, and nothing is worse than there!

Granted, my driving in Panama is limited to David and Boquete, but I found it to be quite orderly! One thing I absolutely loved was that I only saw a handful of motos on the roads while I was there. On one of our first mornings in Boquete, we volunteered with a group that picks up trash on the roadside. Even on the stretches of road with no sidewalk, I wasn't worried. In the DR, even on the sidewalk, I don't like to have my back to traffic - I prefer to watch for the inevitable moto that shortcuts on the sidewalk!