Driving in Morocco: rules and tips for tourists

Driving in Morocco is a great way to discover the country, but a few rules and local habits are worth knowing before you get behind the wheel. Here are our tips, based on our daily experience in Marrakech.

The basic rules

• Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
• Seat belts are compulsory in the front and in the back.
• Using a phone while driving is forbidden (unless hands-free).
• Alcohol: zero tolerance. Don't drink if you drive.
• Children must travel in a suitable seat: we offer baby seats and boosters as options.

Photo: Alena Torgonskaya / Unsplash

Speed limits

Unless signs say otherwise, the usual limits are:

• 120 km/h on motorways;
• 100 km/h on other roads;
• 60 km/h in towns, sometimes 40 km/h near schools and in some areas.

Follow the signs carefully: fixed and mobile speed cameras are common, especially when entering and leaving towns.

Police checks

Road checks are frequent, especially at town entrances. Slow down, stay calm and keep these within reach:

• your licence and passport;
• the vehicle papers and rental contract (they are in the glove box).

Roundabouts and city traffic

Traffic in Marrakech can be surprising at first: scooters, bikes, horse carriages and pedestrians all share the road. Our tips:

• watch out for scooters, which overtake on both sides;
• at roundabouts, follow the signs carefully: right of way is not always the same from one roundabout to another;
• don't drive into the medina: the alleys are narrow and often pedestrian-only.

Parking

In towns you will often find parking attendants (orange or yellow vest). Keep a few dirhams in change. In big cities, some streets have pay-and-display parking. Don't leave valuables visible in the car.

Mountain roads

For the Atlas (Ourika, Imlil, Tizi n'Tichka):

• set off early in the morning and avoid driving at night;
• take your time on the bends and watch out for lorries;
• in winter, check the weather: snow can close some passes.

Motorways

Moroccan motorways are toll roads and in good condition. From Marrakech they connect to Casablanca, Rabat and Agadir. Keep cash or a card for the tolls.

If something goes wrong

With Branded Rental Cars you get 24/7 assistance. For a breakdown, an accident or just a question, call us or message us on WhatsApp at +212 750 034 174.

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