There are few real problems driving in Morocco, but be aware that accident rates are high - in large part because much of the population is not yet tuned in to looking out for motorized vehicles. You should treat all pedestrians with the suspicion that they will cross in front of you, and all cyclists with the idea that they may well swerve into the middle of the road. Your fellow motorists may also be rather haphazard in their driving, particularly in towns, which can make negotiating city streets a rather hair-raising experience.

 

However, with those caveats in mind, daytime and certainly long-distance driving can be as good as anywhere. Good road surfaces, long straight roads, and little traffic between inhabited areas allow for high average speeds. The usual speed limit outside towns is 100km per hour (62mph), which is difficult to keep down to in desert areas, where perceptions of speed change. In built-up areas, the speed limit is generally 40km per hour (25mph). Signs indicate speed limits other than those. There is an on-the-spot fine of 30dh for speeding offences, and oncoming motorists flashing their headlights at you may well be warning you to slow down for a police check ahead. The French rule of giving priority to traffic from the right is observed at roundabouts and junctions - meaning that cars coming onto a roundabout have priority over those already on it.

Be very wary about driving after dark . It is legal to drive without lights at up to 20km per hour, which allows all cyclists and mopeds to wander at will; donkeys, goats and sheep do not carry lights, either.

By law, drivers and passengers are required to wear seatbelts . Almost no one does, but if you're stopped by the police, you may have a small fine or cadeau (present) extracted.