Driving in Mauritius
Driving in Mauritius is on the left side of the road - a legacy of British colonial rule - which can be a change for visitors from countries where driving is on the right.
The roads in Mauritius are well-maintained and well-signed, but traffic can be heavy in the cities and tourist areas. Locals tend to drive at a relatively fast pace, and may not always obey traffic signals or stop signs, so it's important to be alert and cautious. Additionally, roundabouts are commonly used in Mauritius instead of traffic lights, so it is important to understand how they work before driving.
Driving licence
Foreign visitors to Mauritius who wish to drive are required to have a valid driver's license from their home country, as well as an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is a document that translates your home country driver's license into multiple languages, and is recognized in over 150 countries worldwide, including Mauritius. You should have your driving licence with you while driving at all times.
Visitors who are staying in Mauritius for a shorter period of time, typically less than three months, may be able to drive using their foreign driver's license and IDP. However, visitors who are staying in Mauritius for a longer period of time, or who are residents of the country, are required to obtain a local driver's license.
Pedestrian crossings
Pedestrian crossings are generally not well respected in Mauritius and while local drivers will stop for pedestrians already on the crossing, most often they do not stop for pedestrians waiting to cross. It is always advisable to look both ways before crossing and ensure that cars are slowing down for you before starting to cross.
Speed limits
The general speed limits in Mauritius are as follows:
- Urban areas: 40 km/h
- Main roads: 80 km/h
- Motorway: 110 km/h, with 80 km/h zones
It's important to note that these are general speed limits and specific speed limits may be posted in specific areas.
Refer to the Mauritian Police Force website for more information on speeding and road safety: