Everything you need to know about road rules, safety, and navigating Moroccan traffic like a local.
Driving in Morocco is honestly one of the best ways to see this incredible country. I've been doing it for years, and let me tell you - it's way less scary than people make it sound. Sure, Marrakech traffic can feel chaotic at first, especially around Jemaa el-Fna, but once you understand the rhythm, it's actually quite manageable. The key thing is to drive defensively and stay alert. Speed limits are 120 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on main roads, and 40-60 km/h in cities. Police use radar guns frequently, so stick to these limits. You'll see checkpoints (we call them 'barrage') pretty regularly - just slow down, have your documents ready, and you'll usually be waved through. One thing that surprised me when I first started driving here: roundabouts work differently. The car already in the roundabout doesn't always have priority like in Europe - sometimes the entering car does. Just be cautious and watch what others do. At night, be extra careful on rural roads as lighting is minimal and you might encounter animals or pedestrians. Many locals flash their lights to warn of police ahead or to say thanks. Oh, and parking attendants in red vests are everywhere in cities - tip them 5-10 dirhams when you leave. Trust me, your car will be watched over. The mountain roads to places like Oukaïmeden or through Tizi n'Tichka are stunning but require focus - hairpin turns and steep drops need your full attention. Overall, driving here gives you freedom that tours just can't match.