Driving in Mauritius as a visitor
Licence, road rules, speed limits and good habits when renting a car.
Licence: national or international
For a short stay your valid national licence is generally accepted (US authorities say up to 4 weeks); beyond that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. France recommends carrying an IDP in all cases.
Check the rental company's conditions
Rental firms often set their own rules: minimum age, years of driving experience (often one year) and sometimes an IDP. Also check what the insurance covers, especially during a cyclone warning when policies are often void.
Keep left and respect speed limits
Drive on the left. Usual limits are 40 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside towns and up to 110 km/h on some motorway sections; always follow the signs.
Seatbelts, child seats, phones
Seatbelts are compulsory for everyone, children must use a suitable child seat and motorcyclists must wear helmets. Using a phone while driving is illegal.
No alcohol is the safest rule
The drink-drive limit is very low and checks are common; the simplest rule is not to drink at all before driving. Fines and penalties are set by law and enforced by the police (a penalty-points system exists).
Stay alert on the road
Roads are often narrow and poorly lit at night, with many motorbikes, buses, pedestrians and cyclists. Avoid driving on minor roads at night if you can.
If you have an accident
Keep a warning triangle, chalk (to mark the vehicle's position) and an accident form in the car. Call the police (999) and ask for a copy of the police report for insurance.
Fuel
Petrol stations are plentiful around the island and generally accept cards. Fill up as soon as a cyclone warning is announced, as stations may close (card acceptance to be confirmed station by station).