Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Road Rules
Visitors from any country where road rules are rigorously obeyed may be shocked by the
traffic in Jordan, especially in Amman. Indicators are seldom used, the ubiquitous horn is
preferred over slowing down and pedestrians must take their chances. But anyone who
has driven elsewhere in the Middle East may find the traffic comparatively well behaved.
Provided that you minimise driving in Amman and take reasonable care, you're unlikely
to encounter too many difficulties.
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in Jordan. The general speed limit in-
side built-up areas is 50km/h or 70km/h on multilane highways in Amman, and 90km/h to
110km/h on the national highways.
Wearing a seatbelt is now compulsory, though many Jordanians are reluctant to use
them. Traffic police are positioned at intervals along the highways.
Hitching
Getting a Ride
Hitching is never entirely safe in any country in the world. Travellers who choose to hitch
should understand that they are taking a small but potentially serious risk. That said,
hitching is feasible in Jordan in areas where public transport is limited or nonexistent,
such as parts of the King's Highway and to the desert castles east of Amman. Police sta-
tioned at major junctions and checkpoints are often happy to wave down drivers and ca-
jole them into giving you a lift - or even give you a ride themselves.
Some tips to bear in mind are as follows:
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»Avoid 1pm to 4pm when traffic is reduced.
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»To flag down a car, raise your index finger in the direction you're heading.
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»Be prepared to pay, and ask up front how much the driver wants.
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»If no sum is requested, offer a token amount when you get out - it will often be re-
fused.
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»Carry a hat and lots of water.
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»Don't look scruffy or hitch in groups of more than two.
»
»Women shouldn't hitch alone.
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»Avoid riding in trucks on steep and windy roads (eg between the Wadi Rum turn-off
and Aqaba) as they can be painfully slow.
