Buy Tires on Sale in Puerto Rico: But Not Until You’ve Read This Guide!

Peak hours in some areas of Puerto Rico can be a nightmare. Rush hours are from 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. and again from 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. Try to avoid driving anywhere during these peak times, especially if you are in a busy town or city. Expect to see people turning without indicators and ignoring traffic lights, you’ll no doubt be privy to cases of road rage with traffic jams sometimes tripling driving times to and from your destination!

It’s advisable to check ahead for traffic conditions as well as any chances of rain as in PR a flash storm can create flash flooding in certain areas and block many roads.

These websites will help keep you up to date.

• DTOP Puerto Rico Live Traffic Cams
• Michelin Live Traffic Info Puerto Rico
• Local Conditions Weather & Traffic Updates
• Federal Highway Admission

Year-round tires

Being a tropical island, Puerto Rico does not have a seasonal tire changeover mandate in place. With the constant hot and humid weather and variable rainfall, anywhere from 25 inches to 121 inches depending on your location on this gorgeous island, if you’ve got a good set of summer tires on your car then you are good to go! Summer tires are made from a softer, stickier rubber and are specially made for temperatures above 45°F to provide greater contact with the road surface. They are designed for excellent performance in hot and wet conditions, so are suitable all year round in Puerto Rico’s consistent tropical marine climate.

High performance tires

Alternatively, if you drive a high-performance vehicle or sports car and you want tires to match both your car and driving skills, then we recommend switching to performance, high-performance, or ultra high-performance tires to ensure you get great efficiency and handling from your vehicle.

Unsure of the perfect tire for your car? Then give the team at United Tires a call at 1-888-566-6214 and let our experienced, professional staff assist you with your needs. They are available 24/7 to answer any questions, help with recommendations and assist you with choosing the right tire for your requirements.

1. Mobile phone law: 9 § 5305 - Driving while talking or texting on the phone is illegal in Puerto Rico.
2. Drink driving law: 9 § 5202 - For drivers 21 years of age and older, alcohol blood levels must be below 0.08%. However, if you are between 18 - 20 years of age OR operating a motorcycle or larger vehicle like a truck, school bus, heavy motor vehicle, and/or an all-terrain vehicle, drivers must be at a BAL of 0.02% or below.
3. Seatbelt law: 9 § 5382, 9 § 5383 - Seatbelts are mandatory for everyone in the car. Children under 12 must ride in the back, baby seats are required for infants 0 - 4 years and booster seats are required for children 4 - 9 years old.
4. Turning on red: 9 § 5222 - After first coming to a complete stop, drivers can turn to the right with a red light unless signs indicate otherwise.
5. Speed limits: 9 § 5122 - Standard speed limits in Puerto Rico are determined by the areas in which you drive.

• The speed limit is 25 mph in urban areas, except for public roads with four or more lanes, then increases to 35 mph
• 15 mph in urban school zones/25 mph in rural school zones
• 45 mph in rural areas
• 65 mph on highways, unless otherwise specified

9 § 5169 - It's illegal to stop, stand or park on a sidewalk, within the area of a street or highway crossing, or on a crosswalk. Also within 5 meters from a fire hydrant, a street corner, or a railroad track, of a bus station, before a traffic light, stop sign, or yield sign, or in front of a fire station.

The same rules apply for any bridge or elevated structure on a highway or within a tunnel, on all medians separating traffic movements, medians, traffic channeling, and seeded areas adjacent to sidewalks.

9 § 5171, 9 § 5172 - You need to park in either a parallel or perpendicular stance, depending on the road markings for that particular street.

The percent of visible light allowed through your tinted windows is called VLT: Visible Light Transmission.

P.R. Laws title: 9, § 5285, cites two simple laws when it comes to window tinting on your vehicle.

1. The percentage of light allowed through your film and glass here in PR is no less than 35%, for every type of vehicle.
2. You can not use one-way glass for the windshield or glass windows of vehicles or motor vehicles.

The only exception to these rules is official vehicles of the Government duly authorized by the Secretary, as well as ambulances, bullet-proof vehicles, official vehicles of domestic violence victims shelters, and vehicles specially designed and devoted exclusively to the transportation of tourists.

Want to know everything about the tinting industry? Find out the latest tinting news, get help in choosing the right products, read reviews, get pro tips, and much, much more!

Motorcycle helmet law

9 § 5296. In Puerto Rico, they take their motorcycle safety seriously and require all riders and their passengers to wear:

• A properly fastening, well-padded protective helmet
• With a visor or goggles/safety glasses
• Must wear safety gloves that cover palms
• Must wear footwear that covers the ankles
• Must wear long trousers that cover ankles

Tourist zones

However, the rules change slightly for tourists renting motorcycles in the Island Municipalities of Culebra and Vieques. They only require:

• A properly fastening, well-padded protective helmet
• With a visor or goggles/safety glasses

Bicycle helmet law

9 § 5322 - It is legal for all persons of any age to operate a bicycle without wearing a helmet unless otherwise provided by a municipal regulation.

Although small in size, at 3,515 mi², Puerto Rico has 3 interstate highways which mirror the most important state highways, and countless other roads totaling 8,900 miles through the commonwealth’s tropical terrain. It can get a little confusing as a lot of the roads mirror each other, however, some have tolls, some don’t and some have formerly traversed others until recent construction changed all that! Divided into four networks, Puerto Rico’s roads and highways connect villages with bigger towns and cities across the mountains and coastlines that make up this lovely island.

Interstate PRI-1 -is 71.08 miles long and runs in a southwesterly direction from the capital San Juan to Ponce on the island's southern end. It mirrors much of Highway 52 (PR-52) and does not have tolls! Starting from Pier 1 at the Calle Marina in Veijo San Juan, in the northernmost part of the city its traverses through the capital and connects Caguas, Beatriz, Cayey, Vázquez, Coc, Salinas, Jacqua, Santa Isabel, Playita Cortada, Potala Postillo, and finally Ponce.

Interstate PRI-2 - Starts at Parque Central de San Juan and is a coastal route to Ponce along the western side of the island. It's 138.13 miles and passes through many towns and cities along the way including Manatí, Arecibo, Aguadilla Pueblo, Luyando, Mayagüez, San Germán Youco and Ponce.

Interstate PRI-3 - Also starting from San Juan, in Pueblo, the PRI-3 takes a southeast coastal route through Palmer, Fortuna, Luquillo, and Fajardo and finishes in Ceiba.

Highway PR-1 - PR-1 starts in Ponce and ends in San Juan, connecting Caguas, Cayey, and Salinas. It has several intersections with major highways such as PR-10 near Mercedita Airport in Ponce and PR-3 in Salinas and Rio Piedras. PR-1 is parallel to PR-52 throughout its entire routing.

Highway PR-2 - This is the longest road in the territory at 230 km, and connects San Juan with Ponce. Covering the northern side of the island, heading west from San Juan, almost mirroring the PRI-2, Highway PR-2 is 2 lanes wide and continues to hug the coastline down the western side of Puerto Rico connecting many towns including - Guaynabo, Bayamón, Manatí, Arecibo, Aguadilla, Mayagüez, San Germán, Yauco and Ponce

Highway PR-3 - At 165 km, PR-3 is the second longest highway and follows the eastern coastline. Beginning in Rio Piedras, connecting Fajardo, Humacao, and Maunabo. From Maunabo it takes a mountainous route to Salinas and runs into PR-1. Puerto Rico Highway 3 is the main highway from San Juan to Carolina, however, PR-66 recently opened as well as toll road PR-53 (not yet completed) which have been designed to take some of the load off the PR-3.

Highway PR-22 - PR-22 (also known as "Autopista de Diego") was built parallel to highway PR-2. The goal was to reduce congestion on highway PR-2. Highway PR-22 has several exits that provide access to highway PR-2. Highway PR-22 ends in the town of Hatillo, just west of the city of Arecibo. In Hatillo, highway PR-2 actually meets highway PR-22. During the course of its entire length, from San Juan to Hatillo, the two highways run parallel with each other, and they are never more than 10 kilometers apart.

Highway PR-53 - Highway 53 is the main tollway that parallels PR-3 going from Fajardo to Salinas. Its northern terminus is at PR-3 and PR-194 in Fajardo, and its southern terminus is at PR-52 in Salinas. Some sections are still under construction, and when finished it will have 2 tunnels, each at 1 km long, will be 95 km long, and connect the cities of Fajardo, Ceiba, Naguabo, Humacao, Yabucoa, Maunabo, Patillas, Arroyo, Guayama, and Salinas.

With endless stunning beaches and lush mountain backdrops, hitting the open road is the perfect way to explore the landscape and culture of Puerto Rico. Full of natural beauty and exciting adventures, check out these scenic routes to see a different side of the island to the bustling city streets and popular beach resorts it is known for.

La Ruta Panorámica Luis Muñoz Marín (the Panoramic Route)

The Panoramic Route is 167 miles of pure adventurous driving, ideal for nature lovers and confident drivers looking for out-of-the-box experiences. This incredibly scenic route will take you through the heart of Puerto Rico, the Cordillera Central mountains, with highlights of the tallest point on the island Cerro de Punto, Toro Negro Forest Reserve, San Cristobal Canyon, and Caguana’s Indian Ceremonial Park, home to Taino ruins. Enjoy farmlands, waterfalls, and much of Puerto Rico’s majestic, lesser-explored backcountry.

This route is not for the faint of heart! Not only will you find yourself on precarious steep climbs, skirting around sheer cliffs, navigating extremely narrow blind corners and slick hairpin turns, but be warned, it's also the favored route for party buses, large trucks, and crazy local drivers. Beginning in the westernmost town of Mayagüez, traveling west-east to the southeastern town of Maunabo you’ll pass through Las Marías, Maricao, Sabana Grande, Yauco, Lares, Adjuntas, Ponce, Jayuya, Villalba, Orocovis, Coamo, Barranquitas, Aibonito, Cayey, San Lorenzo, Patillas, and Yabucoa.

Beautiful beach route Cabo Rojo Loop

Cabo Rojo is home to some of the island's most stunning beaches and you can relish them on this 18-mile route. Taking in Playa Buyé, Boquerón, Combate Beach, Playa Sucia, and the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse, this route begins from Cabo Rojo heading southwest along PR-307 to Boquerón, where you’ll continue south on the PR-301 and much smaller roads to get to these coastal paradises. Take in the limestone formations and walking trails in Punta Guaniquilla Nature Reserve, brilliant white sands on picturesque beaches, endless beach bars, pink salt flats, limestone cliffs, and everything in between.

El Yunque National Forest Trail

El Yunque is a very special place to visit when on the island of Puerto Rico as its the only tropical rainforest in the entire United States. With stunning views of this diverse landscape, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery with mountains, rivers, lakes, and sheer cliff faces. At just under 29,000 acres in size, this national forest trail offers camping, hiking trails, picnic areas, and waterfalls. Take the PR-191 from Palmer and head south until you arrive at the National Forest entrance. Alternatively, you can take the PR-186 south from Rio Grande and check out the majestic scenery from the west.

Island hopping to Vieques

Vieques is a gorgeous island located just 7 miles off the mainland. Starting at Ceiba on the east coast, take the 30-minute ferry ride along with your car then explore the lush island at your leisure. There are built-up areas to the west of the island and the 30-mile route includes the likes of Sun Bay Beach, the boardwalk of Esperanza, the black sand, volcanic rock beach, Parque de la Ceiba for the island's oldest tree, and Mosquito Bay for the bioluminescent wonders that live there. If you are lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of the wild paso fino horses while enjoying the beautiful and fairly quiet island. To the east is a very rural route that will take you to several beaches including Caracus Beach, Secret Beach, Playa la Planta, and the historical landmark Cayo Yayi.

Chinchorreo Routes - a foodie's paradise

A very authentic Puerto Rican style of road trip is known as a chinchorreo, which involves driving along a certain mountain or coastal route, stopping at various roadside kiosks and dive bars serving Puerto Rican staples. Have a snack, drink, and dance, and head on to the next establishment! A favorite pastime of locals for weekends and holidays and plentiful venues are providing great snacks, live music, pool tables, and even jukeboxes for having fun with friends all the while delighting in Puerto Rican hospitality and reveling in the beauty of the surroundings.

There are many other exciting routes including:

• Bayamón – Comerío
• Cayey - Aibonito
• La Ruta de la Longaniza - Orocovis
• La Ruta del Lechón - Guavate

Puerto Rico is an amazing little island with a rich history and many interesting facts, of which you’ll find the most fun compiled for you here!

• Puerto Rico is the world's leading rum producer and Cataño is the place of World’s Largest Rum Distillery
• Not only is PR home to three bioluminescent bays, it officially has the 2008 Guinness Book of World Records title of the brightest bioluminescent bay in the World, at Mosquito Bay
• There are about 270 miles of stunning beaches!
• Puerto Rico has won the Miss Universe title five times
• Puerto Rico became a colony when Christopher Columbus “discovered” the island in 1493, making it the world's oldest colony
• Puerto Rico is home to the two oldest churches in the Americas. We have Iglesia de San José (Church of San Jose), built in 1922, and the Catedral de San Juan (San Juan Cathedral). Initially constructed from wood in 1521, after destruction from 2 hurricanes and looting, what we see today is how it was reconstructed back in 1540. It’s also Puerto Rico’s most important religious landmark
• Puerto Rico has the first nuclear power plant in the Caribbean
• Puerto Rico has a few uninhabited islands and its own “Galapagos Island”
• El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the US Forest Service, and it's the only place that rains frogs!
• Coconuts are not native to Puerto Rico, they were imported from the Far East by the Spanish in 1542
• Love a creamy classic cocktail, then you’ll love this! The delicious Piña Colada was Invented in San Juan
• You’ll be very confused at first when it comes to measurements as both the imperial and metric systems are used on the island. For instance, you’ll buy liters of gas yet gallons of milk, and as mentioned previously, distances are in km whereas speed is in miles….
• The Puerto Rico Trench, located on the north side of the island is the deepest point in the Atlantic Ocean. Measuring at its maximum depth of 27,480 ft (8,376 meters) or 5.20 miles, it reaches from the Lesser Antilles to Cuba