Driving in Morocco: Roads, Safety, and Tips

Hey there, my dear readers and fellow wanderers! If you’re dreaming of a Moroccan road trip, cruising past the Atlas Mountains, winding through desert dunes, or zipping along the coast.. I’ve got you covered. I’ve spent some time behind the wheel in Morocco, and let me tell you, it’s an experience that’s equal parts thrilling and chaotic.

Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about driving in this incredible country, from the types of roads you’ll encounter to how safe it really is, plus some handy tips to keep you cruising smoothly. So, buckle up, and let’s dive in!

The Roads of Morocco: A Mixed Bag of Adventure

Morocco’s road network is a bit like its landscapes; diverse, surprising, and full of character. Over the years, the country has invested heavily in its infrastructure, and it shows. As of 2025, Morocco boasts over 1,800 kilometers of modern toll highways (called autoroutes), connecting major cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, and Tangier.

These Moroccan highways are a dream. They are smooth, well-maintained, and often pretty quiet, especially at night. They’re perfect for long-distance drives, with speed limits up to 120 km/h and tolls that won’t break the bank (think 5-20 MAD per stretch, or roughly $0.50-$2 USD). I highly recommend taking them if you're in a hurry to reach your destination.

Once you venture off the highways, though, things get a little more… interesting. National roads (marked with an “N”) are usually paved and in decent shape, though they can be narrow and crowded with everything from donkey carts to speedy taxis. Regional (“R”) and local (“P”) roads vary wildly; some are freshly tarmacked, while others are gravelly pistes or dusty tracks, especially in rural areas or the Atlas Mountains. I’ve dodged potholes the size of my tire and navigated hairpin bends that would make a Top Gear episode blush, but the views? Totally worth it.

In the cities—oh boy, hold onto your hat. Marrakech and Casablanca are buzzing with scooters, pedestrians, and honking taxis. The roads are solid, but the traffic feels like a free-for-all. Out in the countryside, you might share the road with goats, camels, or kids selling souvenirs. It’s all part of the charm, right?

Driving Style: Right Side, Wild Vibes

If you’re wondering about the basics, here’s the scoop: in Morocco, you drive on the right side of the road, just like in the US or most of Europe. Steering wheels are on the left, so it’s familiar territory for many of us. But the driving style? That’s where it gets spicy.

Moroccan drivers are… let’s call them assertive. Rules like lane discipline or signaling? More like loose suggestions. In cities, scooters zip between cars, pedestrians jaywalk like it’s an Olympic sport, and honking is basically a second language. A honk could mean “I’m passing,” “Watch out,” or just “Hey, I’m here!” Out on rural roads, things calm down, but you’ll still need to stay sharp for unexpected obstacles like a herd of sheep or a slow-moving truck.

The good news? Most Moroccan drivers aren’t out to scare you, they’re just getting where they need to go. If you’re a confident driver who can roll with the punches, you’ll adapt in no time. I’ll admit, I'm Moroccan and roundabouts in Marrakech still have me sweating.

Is It Safe to Drive in Morocco?

Now, the million-dollar question: is driving in Morocco safe? As someone who’s logged plenty of kilometers here, my answer is a cautious “yes” but with some caveats.

Let’s talk numbers for a sec. According to the World Health Organization’s latest data (from 2018, but trends have continued), Morocco’s road fatality rate is about 19.87 deaths per 100,000 people. That’s higher than Europe’s 9.3 but lower than the African average of 26.6.

The Moroccan government has been cracking down on road safety, and the Autoroutes du Maroc (ADM) reports a steady decline in accidents—down 16% from 2012 to 2022. Campaigns pushing seatbelt use and speed enforcement are making a dent, which is reassuring.

That said, safety depends on where and how you drive. Highways and main roads are generally safe, with good signage (in Arabic and Latin script) and frequent police checkpoints. Rural roads can be trickier because of potential narrow lanes, poor lighting, and the odd camel crossing. Cities are where it gets dicey; the chaos can be overwhelming if you’re not used to it. Violent crime targeting drivers is rare, but petty theft (like pickpocketing at stops) happens, so keep your wits about you.

My take? Driving in Morocco is as safe as you make it. Drive defensively, follow the rules (even if locals don’t), and you’ll be fine. You'll probably have moments where you would have to grip the wheel a little tighter.

Safety Tips for Your Moroccan Road Trip

Ready to hit the road? Here are my top tips to keep your journey smooth and stress-free:

1. Stick to Daylight Hours

   Night driving is a gamble. Rural roads often lack lighting, and animals or people might pop up out of nowhere. Plan your drives for daytime to enjoy the scenery and stay safe.

2. Know the Speed Limits

   Urban areas: 60 km/h. Rural roads: 100 km/h. Highways: 120 km/h. Police love their radar guns, so watch those signs to avoid a fine (or a friendly chat at a checkpoint).

3. Be Prepared for Checkpoints

   You’ll see police stops near cities or on highways. Have your passport, driver’s license, and rental papers handy. They’re usually polite to tourists, though sometimes they can be bad corrupt cops. Just smile and wave!

4. Drive Defensively

   Expect the unexpected, whether it’s a scooter cutting you off or a donkey in your lane. Leave plenty of space, signal early, and don’t assume others will.

5. Fuel Up Smart

   Gas stations are plentiful (look for Total, Shell, or Afriquia for quality fuel), and attendants pump for you, tip them a couple of dirhams. Fill up before remote stretches, though; you don’t want to run dry in the desert.

6. Pack the Essentials

   Bring offline maps (like Maps.me) or a SIM card for navigation, plus water, snacks, and a spare tire. My phone saved me once when I took a wrong turn near Ouarzazate! Yes, even Moroccans get lost sometimes over these areas.

7. Respect the Locals

   Pedestrians and animals don’t always yield, especially in villages. Slow down, honk gently, and give them space.. they’re part of the road’s heartbeat.

8. Avoid Drinking and Driving

   Morocco has a zero-tolerance policy. Don’t even think about it. Penalties are stiff, and it’s just not worth the risk.

Final Thoughts: Why Driving in Morocco Rocks

Driving in Morocco isn’t for the faint of heart, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. You’ll see places buses can’t reach like hidden Berber villages, desert oases, rugged mountain passes while getting the chance to set your own pace. Everyone have their share of white-knuckle moments (thanks, Marrakech traffic), but the freedom to explore this stunning country on my terms? Priceless.

So, is it safe? Yes, if you’re prepared and cautious. The roads are improving, the driving style is wild but manageable, and the rewards are off the charts. Grab a rental car (no international permit needed for most licenses!), crank up some Moroccan tunes, and hit the road. Trust me, you’ll have stories to tell for years.

Have you driven in Morocco? Got any tips or favorite routes? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear! Happy travels, and see you on the road!