Complete Guide to Driving in Morocco (2026): Everything Tourists Need to Know

Why This Guide Exists

Driving in Morocco is one of the best ways to explore the country’s diverse landscapes — from the Atlas Mountains
to the Sahara Desert, coastal highways to medieval medinas. However, many tourists feel anxious about:

• Navigating police checkpoints without speaking Arabic or French
• Understanding Morocco’s traffic laws and speed limits
• Dealing with rental car companies and hidden fees
• Knowing what to do if an accident or breakdown occurs
• Adapting to local driving behavior that feels chaotic at first

This guide removes that anxiety. Created by Moroccan locals who understand both tourist concerns and
local realities, it gives you the practical knowledge to drive Morocco confidently and safely.

Is Driving in Morocco Stressful for Tourists?

The short answer: it depends on your preparation. Morocco’s roads are generally well-maintained,
especially highways connecting major cities. The real stress comes from three sources:

Police Checkpoints in Morocco: What to Expect

Why Checkpoints Exist

Police checkpoints are routine across Morocco — you’ll encounter them on highways, at city
entrances, and in rural areas. They serve multiple purposes:

• Routine traffic control and document verification
• Security checks (Morocco has very low crime rates, partly due to visible policing)
• Speed enforcement and vehicle compliance

What Happens at a Checkpoint

1. Slow down when you see the checkpoint (usually marked with cones or officers)
2. Stop completely if waved down, or proceed slowly if waved through
3. Have documents ready: passport, driver’s license, rental agreement, insurance
4. Stay calm and polite — 95% of checkpoints last under 2 minutes
5. Answer basic questions (Where are you going? Where are you from?)

Required Documents

• Valid passport
• International Driving Permit (IDP) or EU driving license
• Rental car agreement (carta verde/green card)
• Insurance certificate (usually in rental packet)

Speed Limits, Radars & Traffic Fines in Morocco

Official Speed Limits

Speed Radars in Morocco

Morocco uses both fixed radars (clearly marked with signs) and mobile radars
(police cars with handheld devices). Common radar locations:

• Approaching and leaving villages
• Highway toll entrances/exits
• Accident-prone curves and intersections

How Fines Work

If caught speeding or violating traffic rules, you’ll receive a PV (procès-verbal) — an official fine ticket.
Here’s what happens:

1. Police issue the ticket on-site or mail it to the rental company
2. Fines range from 300-1,500 MAD ($30-150 USD) depending on severity
3. You can pay at banks, post offices, or online via eFine Morocco portal
4. Rental companies may add administrative fees if they process the fine for you

Car Rental in Morocco: Tips to Avoid Issues

Choosing a Rental Company

International brands (Europcar, Hertz, Avis) offer more accountability but cost more. Local agencies can be
cheaper but require careful inspection. Always:

• Book with companies that have multiple airport locations
• Read reviews specifically mentioning “deposit return” and “damage disputes”
• Photograph the car from all angles BEFORE leaving the lot
• Test wipers, lights, spare tire, and jack — document missing items

Insurance Essentials

Common Rental Scams to Avoid

• Phantom damage: Always video-record pickup and return
• Fuel disputes: Photograph fuel gauge at pickup and return
• Hidden fees: Confirm total price including taxes and insurance in writing

Accidents, Breakdowns & Emergency Procedures

Minor Traffic Accident (Fender Bender)

1. Stop immediately and turn on hazard lights
2. Check for injuries — call 150 (police) or 15 (ambulance) if needed
3. Do NOT move vehicles until police arrive (required by law)
4. Exchange information: names, phone numbers, insurance details
5. Photograph everything: vehicles, damage, license plates, scene
6. Wait for police report (constat à l’amiable) — both parties must sign
7. Call rental company immediately to report the incident

Car Breakdown

• Pull over safely with hazard lights on
• Place warning triangle 30 meters behind vehicle (required by law)
• Call rental company’s roadside assistance (number in rental agreement)
• If on highway, use emergency phones every 2 km

Emergency Numbers

Local Driving Culture & Unwritten Rules

Moroccan driving follows a logic of flow, anticipation, and mutual respect. What looks
chaotic to tourists often has its own rhythm. Understanding these cultural norms prevents frustration:

Key Cultural Insights

• Honking is communication, not aggression: A light honk means “I’m here” or “thanks”
• Lane discipline is flexible: Expect motorcycles and cars to squeeze through gaps
• Roundabouts prioritize flow over rules: Yield to traffic already in the circle
• Flashing headlights = “I’m coming through” (not “go ahead”)
• Rural roads have livestock and pedestrians: Always be ready to slow down
• Tailgating is common but not hostile: Move right when safe to let faster cars pass

Parking Tips

• Always use guarded parking (parking surveillé) in cities — usually 5-10 MAD/hour
• Car guardians (gardiens) will approach offering to watch your car — tip 5-10 MAD
• Never leave valuables visible in parked cars

Best Self-Driving Routes in Morocco

Road Quality Overview

• Highways (autoroutes): Excellent condition, well-marked, toll-based
• National roads: Good to fair quality, some potholes in rural areas
• Mountain roads: Narrow and winding but scenic — drive defensively
• Desert tracks: 4×4 essential, GPS recommended, fuel up frequently