Northern Mariana Islands car hire

Intermediate (Kia Forte or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

Driving laws in the Northern Mariana Islands are similar to those in the United States. You’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road. In Saipan, there is a high number of young drivers who drive quickly and erratically, so always remain aware of your surroundings when driving. Seatbelts are mandatory, and the use of mobile phones when driving is strictly prohibited. Use hands-free if possible. Saipan experiences regular typhoons, mostly from August to mid-December, which can cause serious devastation when they hit. However, the island has a good monitoring system, so you’ll be updated if there’s an incoming storm. Stay up to date with local weather updates.

The minimum driving age in the Northern Mariana Islands is 18 years. However, most car rental providers have their minimum rental at 21. Some agencies require renters to be at least 25 years old. You can use your US driver’s license in the islands, while foreign drivers can use licenses from their countries of origin for a month.

The average price of gasoline in the Northern Mariana Islands is around $1.40 per liter or $5.60 per gallon. Consider the fuel efficiency of the vehicle you plan to rent. Small and less populated islands have few gas stations, so fill up whenever possible or carry extra gasoline. Some filling stations, especially those close to tourist attractions, don’t display the fuel price and end up charging more than the national rate. Familiarize yourself with the fuel prices before using these services.

The maximum speed limits in the Northern Mariana Islands are 25 mph in built-up areas like residential and business zones and 45mph in rural areas. Speed limits are strictly enforced, so always watch out for the posted speed limits on different roads. Speeding can result in severe penalties.