Guide to Driving in Morocco

It’s not easy to drive in a country like Morocco. Even if the road infrastructure has been improved significantly in the past decade, there are still areas which need a lot of attention. Traffic is on the right and overtakes are on the left. If you’re planning a long stay in Morocco we strongly recommend you to choose a 4x4 car. The road signs may be hard to understand since they’re in French or Arabic. They are often accompanied by numbers or symbols like arrows which should help you understand what is all about. The local drivers often honk their horn without an actual reason. Despite this fact you shouldn’t be intimidated and adopt a defensive style of driving. On most of the highways across Morocco there are speeding cameras installed or police vehicles with radars. No matter how tempting it may be, never go above the limit. About parking we must say that it’s safe to park in guarded parking lots even if it costs a bit more than on the streets. Outside the cities it’s easy to park on the side of the road as long you’re not disturbing the traffic flow. However, it’s not safe to leave your car in poor-lit areas. Speaking about documents, all drivers need to have their domestic license alongside the international driver’s permit, the vehicle’s registration, a proof of insurance and your passport as an identity card.

The Morocco police vehicles are white with thin red and green striped on the sides and on the hood. There are two phrases on them, one in Arabic and one is ‘SURETE NATIONALE’. The light beacons are red. Don’t stop your car unless you’re 100% sure that a police man pulls you over, and not a thief.

Essential Driving Information

• The first and most important thing is that you need an International driver’s permit to drive in Morocco.
• Seatbelts are compulsory both for front and rear passengers of a vehicle.
• The use of a mobile phone when driving it’s considered illegal. Don’t send messages or play games when waiting at red light.
• Dipped beam must be used all around the clock in Morocco, regardless the weather.
• Toll roads are a common sight in Morocco so you need to be prepared to invest even €20 a day if you’re planning to drive for more than 320km (200 miles).