To drive in Madagascar, foreign visitors need to have International driving permits. If a person is not a resident of Madagascar, he/she is permitted to drive with his International driving permit for the period of time which is as stated on his International driving permit. Once somebody becomes a resident of Madagascar, he/she will have to obtain a Madagascar driver license.

The main road traffic rules:

• Driving is on the right-hand side.
• Seatbelts are mandatory.
• It is prohibited use of cell phones while driving, even with a hands-free system.
• At intersections, drivers must yield the right of way to vehicles coming in from the left.
• The maximum speed limit on the urban roads is 50 km/h.
• Motorcycles’ drivers must wear helmets.
• The legal blood alcohol level is 0.08%.

Some additional information:

• To hire a vehicle in Madagascar, drivers must generally be at least 23 years old and have held a driver licenses for one year or more. Rental costs include insurance.
• In Madagascar, most roads are not paved and often muddy, sandy, or rocky. During the rainy season, the Ihosy–Fort Dauphin route is very difficult for driving.
• The police may stop any vehicle and carry out random checks; foreigners are usually asked for their passports and driver licenses. Random breath testing by police is permitted too.
• It is recommended to avoid driving at night, as there is no lighting and many pedestrians and animals are on the roads.
• If a driver are caught driving under the influence of alcohol, his car will be impounded for a few days and the driver will have to pay a fine.
• In the case of an accident involving injury or death, a court case is mandatory. The losing party is required to pay all costs.

 Driving Overseas - Short Information