# Driving in Morocco

A valid national driving licence lets you drive in Morocco for up to one year; depending on the country that issued it, an International Driving Permit is recommended or required. All motorways are tolled, gendarmerie checks are frequent, night driving is discouraged and any alcohol at the wheel is penalised.

Source : https://sabaro-travel.com/en/guides/driving-in-morocco/

## The papers to keep in the car

**Licence.** A foreigner may drive in Morocco on a valid national licence for up to one year from the start of the stay; after that, you must pass the Moroccan test or exchange your licence. An International Driving Permit, recommended as well, does not extend that period.

Depending on the country that issued your national licence, an International Driving Permit is recommended or required; when it is required, it is obtained in that country. Before you leave, check your country's foreign ministry.

**Insurance.** With your own car, you need a green card (international motor insurance certificate) valid for Morocco: police can ask for it at any time, and always after an accident. With a hire car, insurance comes from the hire company: comprehensive cover is advisable.

**Passport.** Keep it with you and never leave it with the hire company as a deposit.

## Hiring a car

Hire companies often require a minimum driving experience, such as one year with a licence, and a minimum age. They usually block a deposit on your bank card, which may only be released several days, sometimes several weeks, after the car is returned. Walk round the car with the agent at pick-up and photograph any existing damage.

**Bringing your own car** on the ferry involves more formalities: the car is registered on entry, and you must leave Morocco with the same vehicle. Temporary admission is granted for three months, renewable once. A car belonging to someone else requires a transfer document validated by a Moroccan consulate.

## Rules of the road

Traffic drives on the right. The general limits, as summarised by the ANWB, the Dutch motoring club, are as follows; road signs take precedence.

| Road | Speed limit |
|---|---|
| Motorway | 120 km/h |
| Outside built-up areas | 100 km/h |
| Built-up areas | 40 to 60 km/h as signed |

- **Alcohol**: zero tolerance. Any alcohol in your system at a check can lead to a fine and a prison sentence.
- **Phone**: no handheld use at the wheel; hands-free is allowed.
- **Children**: children under 10 travel in the back, in a suitable seat up to 1.35 m.
- **Roundabouts**: where signed, give way to vehicles already on the roundabout; without a sign, priority is to the right.

Police and Royal Gendarmerie checks are frequent on the roads, especially in the Rif. Keep your licence, vehicle papers and hire contract or green card to hand. Never agree to carry a parcel, bag or letter for a stranger.

## Motorways, national roads and pitfalls

**Motorways** are all tolled, in good condition and free-flowing: Tangier – Rabat – Casablanca, Casablanca – El Jadida, Casablanca – Marrakech, Marrakech – Agadir, Rabat – Fes and Fes – Oujda. Keep some dirhams in cash for the toll booths. Pedestrians and animals also cross motorways, and you sometimes meet unlit vehicles. The descent of the Marrakech – Agadir mountain motorway towards Agadir is flagged as very dangerous.

**National roads** are well maintained but often narrow, with heavy traffic and frequent offences: grands taxis, coaches, lorries, animals on the road. The Casablanca – Marrakech and Casablanca – El Jadida routes are reputed to be the most dangerous. Pedestrians account for 25% of road deaths, according to the National Road Safety Agency (NARSA).

**The Rif**, a region of hashish growing and trafficking, calls for particular care: avoid its secondary roads at night and do not stop on them during the day. The Al Hoceima – Chefchaouen – Tetouan route causes fewer problems.

**At night**, lighting is poor and obstacles many: night driving is discouraged, especially for drivers new to the country. Plan to reach your stop before sunset.

**Fuel** is easy to find in towns, scarcer in the countryside: fill up before mountain roads and the Deep South.

**Rain** in the Atlas can cause flash floods; never cross a river bed in flood.

## Tracks and desert

Tracks are poorly maintained, and off-road driving is best avoided. Before setting off on a track by 4x4 or motorbike, report to the gendarmerie or the caïd, the local representative of the administration. Some areas south-east of Guelmim province are still mined. In Western Sahara, any route leaving the paved coastal road needs prior approval from the Royal Gendarmerie or the Royal Armed Forces. For the great dunes of Erg Chigaga, reachable only by 4x4, Sabaro advises leaving the car in M'Hamid and continuing to the camp by 4x4 with a driver.

## After an accident

- Do not move the vehicle before the Royal Gendarmerie or police arrive.
- Fill in an accident report (constat amiable) signed by both parties; forms are available at the insurance booths in Tangier port and at tobacconists.
- Notify the hire company or your insurer straight away.
- After a fatal accident, a driver found responsible may be detained before trial.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is my European licence enough?

Yes, for up to one year from the start of the stay; an International Driving Permit is recommended as well, and required for some licences: your country's foreign ministry gives the rule.

### Are motorways tolled?

Yes, all of them. Carry dirhams in cash for the toll booths.

### Can I drive at night?

European foreign ministries advise against it: poor lighting, pedestrians, animals and unlit vehicles, including on motorways.

### What is the drink-driving limit?

Zero. Any alcohol at a check can lead to a fine and a prison sentence.

### Do I need a green card with a hire car?

Insurance comes with the hire contract. With your own car, a green card valid for Morocco is required on entry and at checks.