Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Traffic moves on the right in Tahiti. While most major roads are paved, many secondary roads are not.
Traffic is brisk and all types of vehicles and pedestrians jockey for space on narrow streets.
Tourists may wish to consider using extra caution when driving, particularly at night. There is no U.S. Embassy or diplomatic post on Tahiti nor on any of the other French Polynesian islands. Assistance for U.S. citizens is provided by the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji, which is located at 31 Loftus Street in the capital city of Suva.