Drive Safe
Drive Safe with Centerline
For more than 30 years, Centerline Car Rentals has been helping travelers and residents take to the roads of St. Croix. Our top priority is to provide a safe and comfortable vehicle to all of our customers — and our hope is that all drivers on St. Croix will Drive Safe!
Take this 5-question quiz about safe driving in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each month, Centerline will randomly select a winner to receive a Centerline prize pack, including a windshield sun shade, water bottle, and other fun goodies.
Results
You have all of the information — now take it to the roads! Thank you for being a safe driver on St. Croix. Please provide your email to be entered to win a Centerline prize pack.
You have all of the information — now take it to the roads! We hope you learned something about being a safe driver on St. Croix. Please provide your email to be entered to win a Centerline prize pack.
#1. It is illegal to talk or text on any hand-held device in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
TRUE: The USVI Legislature passed the original Distracted Driving Act in 2005 and it was signed into law in 2006. It was amended in 2009 to add texting and in 2011 to increase the penalties for infractions. The fine is $100 for the first offense and $200 for a second offense. A third offense within a three-year period is punishable by a fine of $300 and possible drivers license suspension for up to a year.
#2. When no speed limit is posted, my speed is up to my discretion.
FALSE: According to USVI Code: The rate of speed for motorcars, pick-up trucks, or motorcycles shall not exceed 20 miles per hour within the town limits or 35 miles per hour on all public highways outside the town limits, except on Centerline Road west of King’s Hill in St. Croix, where the rate of speed shall not exceed 40 miles per hour, and on the Melvin H. Evans Highway on St. Croix, where the rate of speed shall not exceed 55 miles per hour.
#3. What is the #1 traffic safety problem and is an arrestable offense in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Driving a vehicle while impaired is a dangerous crime and an arrestable offense. According to the Virgin Islands Driver’s Manuel: 1/3 of all highway deaths involve the use of alcohol or drugs.
Virgin Islands code states that it is unlawful for a person with a .08 or higher blood alcohol content to operate a motor vehicle. Tough enforcement of drunk-driving laws has been a major factor in reducing since the 1980’s. Charges range from misdemeanors to felony offenses, and penalties for impaired driving can include driver’s license revocation, expensive fines, and jail time.
#4. A seat belt is required for ALL persons in the front and back seats of a vehicle.
TRUE: U.S. Virgin Islands law requires all vehicular passengers, in both front and rear seats, to wear an appropriate restraint. Additionally, it is important that motorists follow the laws to protect our youngest passengers.
- Infants under 20 pounds must be placed in a rear-facing child car seat.
- Children from 20 to 40 pounds are required to sit in an appropriate forward-facing car seat.
- Booster seats are required for children 40 to 80 pounds, or up to 4’9” tall.
- All children, ages 13 and under, must sit in the back seat of the vehicle.
#5. The proper way to react to a crash is to exchange information and drive to the nearest police station.
FALSE: In the event of an accident, call 911. Fines ranging from $50 to $1,000 or imprisonment may be assessed if a driver leaves the scene of an accident. Additionally, if driving a rental vehicle, it is required that a police officer make a report at the scene of an accident. Sadly, on average more than 300 hit and runs have been reported annually in the past 10 years.