DRIVING IN MAURITIUS
This guide may be helpful if you are visiting Mauritius as a tourist or for work. It goes through the basics of driving, some of the laws in force and information regarding roads in Mauritius.
Driver’s license
You are a foreigner and you ask yourself: Is my driving license valid in Mauritius? Don’t worry! The driving license received from your country gives you permission to drive in Mauritius. In fact, anyone who already has a valid driver’s license is not forced to pass a driving test on the island.
Drive On The Left
The island was previously a British colony and hence we drive on the left in Mauritius. Priority is given to traffic on the right.
Roads
Mauritius is connected by two main motorways. One that starts from the Airport in the south-east at Plaisance and ends at Grand Baie in the North of the island. The other starts from the centre of the island in Phoenix & Ebène and ends just after Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, bypassing the congested areas during rush-hour.
The rest of the island is connected mostly by roads with asphalt but you may encounter unsurfaced roads in rural areas especially nearby some places of interest.
There are no toll charges in Mauritius and the average speed limit on the motorway varies between 80 to 110 km/h while it is set around 60km/h in rural areas.
Practical Advice
When planning a trip or organising your itineraries, take into account factors such as traffic during rush-hour, especially when going through Phoenix, Ebène and Port Louis.
With the new metro railway system in Mauritius, pay particular attention when driving around the railway tracks as the trains cross traffic at numerous places, especially around urban areas.
Allow enough time when planning to go to a specific destination as you wish to stop to admire the many beautiful views or areas along your route.
Most main roads in Mauritius have road signs to guide you around the island. If you do venture out into more remote areas, the roadmap courtesy of Liberta will be helpful to find your way around.
Overview Of Driving Laws
- Wearing of seatbelts is mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle.
- The use of mobile phones is forbidden while driving.
- There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Mauritius.
- Your original or legible copy of your driving license is to be carried on you at all times while driving.
- Road tax, Insurance vignette & where applicable the certificate of Fitness (MOT or road worthiness certificate) must be displayed at all times in the vehicle.
- The car’s registration book and certificate of insurance must be present in the car at all times.
The above information serves as a guide only. Please refer to the website and resources of relevant authorities for more accurate and up-to-date information.
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- Insurance Comprehensive All Risk Cover
- 24/7 Road-Side Assistance
- Unlimited KM or Mileage