Driving in Morocco: road rules, speed limits, alcohol and speed cameras (2026 guide)

Driving in Morocco is straightforward and enjoyable: traffic keeps to the right (left-hand-drive cars, as in continental Europe), the main road network is in good condition and the major cities are linked by motorway. There are just a few rules worth knowing to stay safe and avoid a fine. Here are the essentials, up to date and verified.

Speed limits

Remember three benchmarks: 60 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h on open roads (outside towns) and 120 km/h on motorways, according to the Moroccan highway code. There are 30 km/h zones near schools and in some residential areas. Limits are clearly signposted and frequently enforced: it pays to respect them to the letter.

Drink-driving: absolute caution

Moroccan law sets the punishable threshold at 0.20 g/l of blood (0.10 g/l for public transport drivers), under the decree on drink-driving. Above that, penalties are severe (fines, licence suspension, even prison). The sensible advice, valid anywhere: if you drive, don't drink.

Seatbelts, phones and children

Seatbelts are compulsory for everyone, front and rear, and holding a phone while driving is prohibited (hands-free kits are tolerated), as the official safety advice for Morocco reminds travellers. For children, a suitable car seat is strongly recommended (R2Y CAR provides them on request).

Speed cameras, police checks and fines

Speed cameras and police checks are frequent, particularly at city entrances and on fast roads. Fixed-penalty fines are generally paid on the spot. The reform of the highway code has toughened the penalties: exceeding the limit by 20 to 40 km/h can cost 700 DH, and beyond 40 km/h the fine climbs steeply along with points deducted, according to the schedule of road traffic offences and official communication from the Ministry of Equipment. Keep your papers within reach and stay polite at checkpoints: everything goes smoothly.

Motorways and tolls

The motorway network, operated by Autoroutes du Maroc (ADM), is tolled. You pay in cash (dirhams) at each toll plaza, or with the Jawaz electronic toll tag (prepaid, no need to stop; the tag costs around 100 DH). By way of example, Casablanca–Rabat costs 25 DH for a car, and Fez–Meknes 14 to 17 DH depending on the exit, according to the ADM toll schedule. For a long run such as Fez–Casablanca, allow around 90 DH; the exact amount can be calculated on the ADM Trafic website. Always carry coins and small notes.

Fuel

Prices are unregulated and revised regularly. As a guide, on 1 July 2026 diesel was around 12.6 DH/litre and petrol around 13.8 DH/litre, according to pump price reports (double-check for your travel dates on an up-to-date tracker). Fill up before remote areas, especially heading towards the desert.

Driving well in Morocco: our tips

• In town: watch out for two-wheelers, pedestrians and carts; traffic is dense but flows well if you anticipate.
• On open roads: beware of village crossings (speed bumps), slow lorries and overtaking manoeuvres.
• At night: avoid driving if you can — patchy lighting, animals and unlit vehicles.
• Off the beaten track: never venture into the dunes or onto dirt tracks in a standard car (see our desert guide).
• Navigation: download offline maps (signal can drop out in the mountains).

With these benchmarks, the road is a pleasure. To plan your mileage/toll/fuel budget, also read our guide to budgeting a Morocco road trip.