The Moroccan highway code was significantly reformed in 2010 and updated in 2023 with increased fines. For MRE returning to Morocco in summer, the main differences from European traffic law concern speed limits, zero alcohol tolerance and new fines that can reach 2000 DH for serious violations. The Royal Gendarmerie and traffic police intensify controls from June to September on main roads.
Costs & fees
| Speeding 10-20 km/h over limit | 700 DH | |
| Speeding 20-40 km/h over limit | 1500 DH | |
| Speeding over 40 km/h over limit | 2000 DH | + license seizure |
| Mobile phone use while driving | 700 DH | |
| Not wearing seatbelt | 300 DH | |
| Drink driving (positive test) | License seizure + police custody | Zero tolerance |
| Crossing continuous line | 1500 DH |
Timeline
Validity of foreign driving license in Morocco
A driving license issued in a European Union country, Canada, the United States or any country having signed the Vienna Convention is recognized in Morocco for 3 months from entry into the territory. After this period, the foreign license must be exchanged for a Moroccan license via the prefecture or district office. For MRE on tourist stays of less than 3 months, the European license alone is sufficient.
💡 Tip — Always keep your original driving license with you. A photocopy or phone photo is not accepted at gendarmerie checks.
New road fines 2023 (updated 2026)
Following the 2023 highway code reform, fines were significantly increased. Speeding: 10 to 20 km/h over the limit = 700 DH, 20 to 40 km/h = 1500 DH, over 40 km/h = 2000 DH + license seizure. Mobile phone use while driving = 700 DH. Not wearing seatbelt = 300 DH. Failure to yield = 700 DH. Crossing a continuous line = 1500 DH. These fines are immediately payable.
💡 Tip — Fines can be paid on the spot (official receipt mandatory) or via the Damancom portal online. Always demand an official receipt for on-the-spot payment.
⚠️ Warning — It is illegal to hand money directly to an officer without an official receipt. If bribery is attempted, note the officer's badge number and report to the relevant authorities.
Alcohol and drugs: zero tolerance
Morocco applies zero tolerance for drink-driving: the legal limit is 0.0 g/L in blood (versus 0.5 g/L in France). Breathalyzer checks are frequent on main roads, particularly on weekends and party nights. A positive test results in immediate license seizure and the driver being placed in police custody. The vehicle is impounded.
⚠️ Warning — This rule applies even to drivers with a European license. Zero tolerance is absolute and criminal penalties can include prison for repeat offenders.
Speed limits and speed cameras
Speed limits in Morocco: 40 km/h in built-up areas (streets), 60 km/h on urban expressways, 100 km/h outside built-up areas (national roads), 120 km/h on motorway. Fixed speed cameras are numerous on motorways (A1 Tanger-Casablanca, A3, A5) and on national roads at city exits. Mobile cameras (unmarked cars) are deployed in summer. The points system applies to Moroccan licenses but not to foreign licenses.
💡 Tip — On the A1 motorway, fixed cameras are signaled by signs 300m before. The actual motorway limit is strictly 120 km/h with no official tolerance in 2026.
Online fine payment (Damancom)
The Damancom portal (damancom.ma) allows paying traffic fines online with the PV number from the ticket. Payment is possible by Moroccan bank card or transfer. For MRE who receive a PV and leave before paying, payment can be made from abroad on Damancom. Unpaid fines can block renewal of the Moroccan registration or driving license.
💡 Tip — Photograph the fine ticket before handing it to the officer or keep your copy. You will need the PV number for online payment.
In depth
An aspect often unknown to MRE: the Moroccan driving license points system. The Moroccan license starts with 24 points. Each violation results in point deductions (2 to 8 points depending on severity). At zero points, the license is cancelled and the driver must retake the test. This system does not apply to foreign licenses during a tourist stay: fines are owed but points are not deducted from the European license. However, if an MRE exchanges their foreign license for a Moroccan license, they enter the points system with 24 initial points. For long summer stays, it is useful to download the Waze app which is widely used in Morocco and signals speed cameras in real time. The Moroccan Waze community is very active, particularly on the A1 Tanger-Casablanca axis and on coastal roads to Agadir and Al Hoceima.
❌ Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Driving at usual European speed on Moroccan national road (100 km/h max, not 130)
- ✕Ignoring zero alcohol tolerance thinking European rules apply
- ✕Paying a fine without demanding a numbered official receipt
🔗 Official links and resources
❓ Frequently asked questions
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