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Driving in Morocco as a tourist: the complete guide
Morocco is one of the most accessible African countries for tourists to drive in. Generally well-maintained roads, bilingual Arabic/French signage, right-hand driving. Here's what you need to know to drive safely and legally.
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Right side, European signs
In Morocco, you drive on the right like in France. Signage is bilingual Arabic/French, sometimes trilingual with English on tourist routes. Signs follow European convention (shape, color, pictograms). A few specifics: - Mileage indications use Latin numbers - City names in both Arabic AND Latin transliteration - Directions often use French words ("Centre-ville", "Aéroport")
Speed limits
- Town: 60 km/h (sometimes 40)
- National roads: 100 km/h
- Highways: 120 km/h Fixed and mobile speed cameras are common, especially at city entries/exits and on A1 (Casa-Rabat). Fines are taken on the spot or sent to the rental company, who passes them on to you (+ 200 MAD admin per fine, article 9).
Alcohol and phone: zero tolerance
Alcohol: legal limit is 0.2 g/L, practically zero tolerance. One glass can put you over. Frequent checks Friday/Saturday nights in Casa, Marrakech, Rabat. FB Rent consequences: alcohol-related accident voids coverage. Deductible jumps to 100% of vehicle value (article 6). You're liable for everything. Phone driving: forbidden, including wired earbuds. Only Bluetooth hands-free is tolerated. ~500 MAD fine. Seatbelt: mandatory front AND rear.
Tolls and highways
Modern highway network (1,800 km in 2026), managed by ADM. Main routes: - Casa - Rabat: ~30 MAD - Casa - Marrakech: ~70 MAD - Rabat - Tangier: ~80 MAD - Casa - Agadir: ~110 MAD Payment: MAD cash, bank card (Visa, Mastercard) or Jawaz toll badge. Our vehicles aren't equipped with Jawaz by default — request at booking. Non-highway national roads (N1, N2, N9, N11) are free but slower: expect double the time.
City driving: pitfalls
Casablanca / Rabat: dense rush-hour traffic (8-9:30 AM, 5-7:30 PM). Frequent honking (warning, not aggression). Many scooters: watch right blind spots. Marrakech: medina forbidden to non-local cars. Park at guarded lots near Jemaa el-Fnaa or your riad (~30 MAD/day, cash). Carriages share roads, beware. Tangier / Tetouan: winding roads in the Rif, careful with winter rain. Frequent fog at Bab Taza pass. Parking: parking attendants wave you in almost everywhere. Standard rate: 5-10 MAD for a few hours, 20-30 MAD/day. Always cash.
Atlas and off-road driving
The Atlas (Ourika, Tizi-n-Test, Tizi-n-Tichka) offers exceptional views but requires care: - Hairpin turns: slow before, don't cut inside - Trucks and buses: yield at sharp turns - Winter (Dec-Mar): snow/ice risk above 1500 m. Check weather - Summer: very hot, watch engine temperature Off-road forbidden: our terms (article 3) prohibit unpaved roads. 4×4 in Agafay or Berber tracks must be done with local guide (not your FB Rent car).
Road problems
Useful numbers: - 15 — Civil Protection (medical emergencies) - 19 — Police (in town) - 177 — Royal Gendarmerie (outside town) - +212 6 51 72 08 10 — FB Rent assistance 24/7 For accident: see our [dedicated article](/en/aide/accident-voiture-location). For breakdown: see our [breakdown article](/en/aide/panne-vehicule-location).
Frequently asked questions
Is an international driving permit required in Morocco?
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Not if your license is in Latin alphabet (French, Spanish, English, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese). Otherwise yes. See our [documents article](/en/aide/documents-pour-louer-au-maroc).
Are Moroccan roads dangerous?
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No more than most Mediterranean countries, but local driving style is more dynamic. Watch intersections, avoid driving at night outside town (animals, weak lighting), respect limits.
Can I pay tolls in euros?
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No. Toll booths only accept MAD (cash), bank cards or Jawaz. Keep 50 and 100 MAD bills.
What if I get a fine?
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If paid on the spot: keep the receipt. If sent to FB Rent later: we charge the amount + 200 MAD admin (article 9), from your deposit or card.
Can I drive at night in Morocco?
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Yes on highways. Avoid secondary roads outside town: weak lighting, animals, drivers without headlights sometimes. For long trips, prefer daytime.
Can I drive in sandals/flip-flops in Morocco?
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Legally yes (no explicit ban), but in case of accident, your insurance may consider it aggravated fault if the shoe prevented normal braking. Avoid if possible.
Question about driving before or during your stay? Our team is available 24/7 at +212 6 51 72 08 10.
Contact assistance · +212 6 51 72 08 10