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Belize Roads 2025: Complete Driver's Guide
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System: Minimal toll infrastructure - mainly free roads
Network: 3,000+ km total roads, 575 km paved
Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD) and US Dollar (USD)
Coverage: Five major highways connecting main districts
Technology: Manual toll booth (New River Bridge only)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Belize? 2025 Update
Belize has minimal toll infrastructure with only one toll booth - at the New River Bridge on the Northern Highway near Carmelita in Orange Walk District. The toll fee is BZ$0.75 (approximately US$0.38) for all vehicles crossing the bridge. Most roads in Belize are toll-free, making it one of the most affordable countries for driving in Central America.
The road network consists of over 1,900 miles (3,000+ km) of roads, with approximately 357-601 km paved. The five major paved highways are all two-lane roads: Philip Goldson Highway (Northern), George Price Highway (Western), Hummingbird Highway, Southern Highway, and Coastal Highway.
Belize Toll Costs: What You Actually Pay
The only toll in Belize is BZ$0.75 (US$0.38) at the New River Bridge on the Northern Highway. This represents the country's sole toll facility, making Belize extremely affordable for drivers compared to neighboring countries.
Current Toll Rates (2025)
| Location | All Vehicles | Payment Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New River Bridge (Northern Highway) | BZ$0.75 (US$0.38) | Cash only | Only toll booth in Belize |
| All other roads | Free | N/A | No tolls required |
Major Route Costs (2025)
- Belize City to Corozal (Northern Highway): BZ$0.75 total
- Belize City to Guatemalan border (Western Highway): Free
- Belize City to Dangriga (Hummingbird Highway): Free
- Dangriga to Punta Gorda (Southern Highway): Free
How to Pay Belize Tolls
Payment at the New River Bridge toll booth is cash only, accepting both Belize Dollars (BZ$0.75) and US Dollars (US$0.38). No electronic payment systems or prepaid accounts are available.
- Cash Payment: BZD or USD accepted at toll booth
- No Cards: Credit/debit cards not accepted
- No Electronic Systems: No transponders or mobile payments
- Manual Collection: Traditional toll booth operation
Recent Changes (2024-2025)
As of November 2024, road infrastructure updates continue with various ferry and bridge maintenance across districts. The Coastal Highway upgrade project aims to pave the 59-kilometer stretch, which will improve connectivity but may introduce additional tolls in the future.
- Infrastructure Development: Ongoing road improvements and bridge maintenance
- Coastal Highway: Paving project in progress - currently gravel
- No New Tolls: New River Bridge remains the only toll facility
Major Highways & Infrastructure
Primary Highways
Belize has five major paved highways, all two-lane roads connecting major towns and districts:
- Philip Goldson Highway (Northern): 95 miles (153 km) from Belize City to Mexican border - includes New River Bridge toll
- George Price Highway (Western): 81 miles (130 km) from Belize City to Guatemalan border - toll-free
- Hummingbird Highway: 55 miles (89 km) from Belmopan to Dangriga - toll-free, scenic route
- Southern Highway: 97 miles (157 km) from Dangriga to Punta Gorda - toll-free, recently improved
- Coastal Highway: 36 miles (48 km) connecting Western Highway to Stann Creek - currently gravel, upgrade in progress
Road Conditions
Infrastructure in Belize is limited, with only major highways properly paved. Expect "sleeping policemen" (speed bumps) in villages and occasional checkpoints where insurance verification is required.
Border Crossings & International Travel
Mexico Border (Northern)
Foreign vehicles entering Belize pay a road usage fee of BZ$30 (US$15) at the border, separate from highway tolls. You'll receive a Border Management Agency card confirming payment and vehicle inspection.
Guatemala Border (Western)
Crossing to Guatemala requires paying a bridge toll of 10-50 Guatemalan Quetzals at the Mopan River bridge. Border crossings operate 6 AM to 10 PM daily.
Belize vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belize | Minimal tolls | BZ$0.75 total | One toll booth only |
| Mexico | Extensive toll highways | $20-50+ USD per route | Multiple toll plazas |
| Guatemala | Limited tolls | Q10-50 per crossing | Bridge and highway tolls |
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations
- Budget for tolls: Maximum BZ$0.75 for entire country
- Fuel costs: Higher than regional average due to import dependency
- Vehicle requirements: 4WD recommended for unpaved roads
Driving Tips
- Speed bumps: Watch for "sleeping policemen" in villages - sometimes unmarked
- Night driving: Not recommended due to poor lighting outside main highways
- Insurance: Mandatory liability insurance - checked at police checkpoints
- Documents: Valid driver's license from home country accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a transponder or electronic tag in Belize?
No. Belize has only one toll booth with manual cash collection. No electronic toll systems operate in the country.
Can I avoid the New River Bridge toll?
No practical alternative exists. The New River Bridge on the Northern Highway is the only toll point, and there's no alternate route to northern Belize and Mexico.
What currency is accepted for tolls?
Both Belize Dollars (BZ$0.75) and US Dollars (US$0.38) are accepted at the toll booth. USD is widely accepted throughout Belize at a 2:1 exchange rate.
Are there tolls on the Western Highway to Guatemala?
No. The George Price Highway (Western Highway) is completely toll-free from Belize City to the Guatemalan border.
Will more tolls be introduced in Belize?
The Coastal Highway upgrade project may introduce tolls when paving is completed, but no official toll plans have been announced by the government.
Emergency Contacts & Resources
- Emergency Services: 911 (nationwide)
- Police: 922 or 911
- Tourism Police: 227-2222
- Department of Transport: Belize City - 227-7593
Official Resources
- Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing
- Department of Transport Belize: bmvrals.gov.bz
- Belize Tourism Board: travelbelize.org
