Driving in Mauritius

Information
Cars drive on the left hand side in Mauritius whilst priority is still for vehicles coming from the right. The motorway starts from the airport situated in the South east and ends in the North of the Island. All sign posts are of international standards.

City Driving
Traffic problems are likely during peak hours in city and towns.

Road Rules
Vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road, except when overtaking.

Driving Regulations
Minimum Age for Car Rental from Summerhills Ltd – 21 years of age.

Driving License
A valid Driving license (International Driving Permit) is required to hire a car in Mauritius.
Our car rental agency recommends that you have your license always on you while driving, spot checks are very common on our roads around the island.

Speed Limit
Motorways: 110kmh (68mph)
Open Roads: 60kmh (37mph)
Towns: 35kmh (21mph)

Alcohol Limit
20 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 ml of blood. – 27 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 ml of urine. – 9 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 ml of breath.

Road Tolls
Not applicable

Traffic Violation Fines
Speed Limit should be respected specially in 40, 60 and 80KM speed zones
Use of seat belt is mandatory
Smoking is NOT allowed while driving with other passengers in the car

Traffic Light Regulations
Red: Stop
Amber: Stop or Slow Down if car can’t be stopped safely
Green: Go

Fuel
Unleaded fuel and diesel are available in all petrol station. Depending on your type of vehicle, please ensure to fill with the proper gasoline. Petrol stations are open every day from 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM. There are some stations which remains open on a 24-hour basis such as Indian oil – Arsenal found on the motorway towards Grand Bay & Total filling station Beau Bassin situated in the centre town of Mauritius

Rush Hour in Built Up Areas
The capital Port-Louis and the business sector Ebene are the busiest areas over the island which creates heavy traffics from – 07:00 AM – 09:30 AM in the morning and 03:30 PM to 06:30 PM in the afternoon.

Hence, we advise our clients to leave before 07:00 AM or after 09:30 AM to skip heavy traffic. Traffic is much easier during the weekend and public holidays.

Parking Advice
Free parking can be a rare commodity, especially in towns. There are parking areas in for free in shopping malls/ restaurants or other business places. You have the option of private parking as well but these are usually more expensive.

There are also two parking zones set by local authorities: Zone 1 and Zone 2, you will find signs clearly indicating parking ticket requirements. Parking tickets are on sale in petrol stations and cost between Rs 100 and Rs 200. The price for parking varies from Rs 10 to Rs 20 per hour depending on the location. Depending on the type of parking zone, you will know which parking ticket to use.

However, you can avoid city centers and park in nearby streets.

Driving Regulations

Insurance Policy
All our fleet of vehicles come alongside a coverage cover which include the following :

• All Insurance Cover as per insurance terms and regulations
• Damage Waiver in case of collision
• Theft protection
• In the occasion that the damage fees are much less than the above stated extra amount, we shall settle agreement with the client to proceed with the settlement as per terms and conditions

The coverage cover is excluded within side the following cases:

• Personal belongings loss or theft
• Trespassing red light
• Speeding
• Drunken driving
• Loss of keys
• Accident involving gross misconduct i.e no seat belt, telephone while driving
• Gross negligence of the driver or passenger

In case of Emergency

• Direct Line for Police 999 or 112
• Crime Stoppers 148
• Samu 114
• Fire Services 115

What to do in an emergency?

If you have any car related issues, please contact us on +230 5702 2118 or +230 57996835 to assist you. If your car poses a danger to others, please contact the fire services immediately by calling 115.

If you are involved in an accident, please call us on +230 5702 2118 or +230 57996835 and get an ambulance by calling 114 if you or any passenger involved needs a medical attention. You may contact the police on 112 and if possible, take photos of the scene of the accident. In case of accident, it is recommended that you keep the car the same position without endangering others.