Driving in Jordan as a United States National
Jordan offers scenic drives including the Dead Sea Highway, King's Highway, and Wadi Rum, with generally good roads and affordable fuel. Amman traffic can be heavy; police checkpoints are common. An IDP is required.
Key Things to Know First
Jordan requires an International Driving Permit for foreign visitors. Obtain one in United States before departure.
How to get an IDPBoth United States and Jordan drive on the right. No adjustment needed.
United States uses mph, but Jordan uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United States | Jordan | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Right-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Same |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | Yes | Yes |
| Min. driving age | 16 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 911 | 911 | Same |
| Road difficulty | Easy | Moderate | — |
Speed Limits in Jordan
Speed limits in Jordan are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Jordan
- Original driving licence from United States — must be valid and unexpired
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — required in Jordan. Obtain from your national motoring association before travelling.
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Jordan before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in Jordan
Primary emergency number in Jordan. Save it before you drive.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Jordan Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Jordan.
Read the complete guide