Speed Limits
| Type of Road | Speed Limit |
|---|---|
| Urban areas | 60 km/h (sometimes 40 km/h in town centres) |
| Roads outside built-up areas | 100 km/h |
| Motorway | 120 km/h |
| Motorway roadworks | Variable (often 60–80 km/h) |
Fixed Speed Cameras
The A7 motorway from Casablanca to Agadir is littered with fixed speed cameras. Exceeding the limit by just 30 km/h can cost you 700 MAD. Be especially careful around Marrakech, Settat, and Berrechid.
Alcohol and Mobile Phones
- Alcohol: Zero tolerance (0.0 g/L). Breathalyser tests are common at weekends.
- Mobile phones while driving: Hand-held use is forbidden. Hands-free kits or Bluetooth are permitted.
- Seat belts are mandatory in all seats (front and rear).
- Helmets are mandatory for two-wheeled vehicles (rarely seen but the rule applies).
Right of Way and Junctions
In town, the default rule at unmarked junctions is priority to the right. This can be tricky when approaching from a major road, as a small side street on your right may have priority.
- Systematic priority to the right at unmarked junctions (in towns).
- Roundabouts: Give way to traffic already on the roundabout (as in Europe).
- Pedestrian crossings: Pedestrians have priority (though this is variably respected by drivers).
- Traffic lights: A flashing amber light means the lights are out of order — priority to the right applies.
Police and Gendarmerie Checks
You will encounter several police checkpoints, especially on the outskirts of towns and on roads in the south (Tan-Tan, Laayoune, Dakhla).
- Slow down as you approach; switch on your interior light at night.
- Lower your window and have your driving licence, registration document (carte grise), and insurance papers ready.
- Answer calmly, in French or English.
- Do not argue — even if the check seems to take a long time.
- Never offer money (this is considered bribery).
Southern Zone
Past Tan-Tan, checkpoints often require a photocopy of your passport. Prepare 4 to 6 photocopies before heading towards Dakhla.
2026 Fine Tariffs
| Offence | Fine |
|---|---|
| Speeding by less than 20 km/h | 300 MAD |
| Speeding by 20 to 40 km/h | 700 MAD + licence suspension |
| Positive breathalyser test | 5,000–10,000 MAD + licence suspension |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | 300 MAD |
| Not wearing a seat belt | 300 MAD |
| Running a red light | 700 MAD |
| Obstructive parking | 150–400 MAD (vehicle may be towed) |
Paying on the Spot
Traffic fines can be paid immediately to the officer in exchange for an official receipt. If in doubt, decline and ask for the official report (procès-verbal), which can be paid at a post office or online (Fatourati).
Parking
In major cities (Agadir, Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech), parking is regulated by parking meters or by attendants (authorised 'gardiens-parkings').
- Parking meters: Pay with coins (typically 2 to 5 MAD per hour).
- Parking attendants: A flat rate of 5 to 10 MAD for the day.
- Always tip (2 to 5 MAD) any informal attendant who helps you park.
- Avoid parking on the pavement in town centres (vehicles are frequently towed).
Local Specifics to Be Aware Of
- Road signs are in Arabic and French; sometimes also in Berber (Tifinagh) in the south.
- Roundabouts are often large; be cautious when changing lanes.
- Mopeds and motorbikes are very numerous: always check your blind spots.
- Herds of animals (goats, dromedaries) crossing the road outside urban areas.
- Sand on the road surface near dunes (Merzouga, Dakhla).