In Mauritius you drive on the left. A valid foreign licence can be used for up to four weeks, the alcohol limit is very low, and roads outside the motorway are often narrow and unlit at night. With an automatic car and a little care, most visitors are comfortable within a day.
This guide is written by Mauhire, a car rental company at SSR airport, for visitors driving here for the first time. Rules can change, so the official sources we used are listed at the end.
Traffic keeps to the left, as in the UK, South Africa and Australia, and cars have the steering wheel on the right. Traffic on roundabouts goes clockwise. If you normally drive on the right, the first roundabouts are the hardest part; an automatic gearbox lets you keep your attention on the road. Every model in our fleet is automatic.
Yes. A valid national driving licence can be used in Mauritius for up to four weeks. For longer stays you need an International Driving Permit or a local licence. If your licence is not written in the Roman alphabet, carry an International Driving Permit or an official translation with it.
To rent a car from Mauhire you need to be at least 18, to have held your licence for 12 months, and to show your original licence and passport at pick-up.
Always follow the signs, which change often. As a general guide:
| Road | Usual limit |
|---|---|
| Motorway (M1, M2) | 110 km/h, with 80 km/h sections |
| Main roads outside towns | 80 to 90 km/h |
| Towns and villages | 40 km/h (some roads signed 60) |
Fixed and mobile speed cameras are common. Fines are sent by post to the car owner and passed on to the driver.
The legal limit is 20 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, a quarter of the limit in England. In practice, one drink can put you over it. Penalties include heavy fines, possible prison and losing your licence. Our insurance does not cover accidents caused by drunk driving.
Using a handheld phone while driving is an offence; use a hands-free mount for navigation. Wear your seatbelt.
| Destination | Coast | From the airport |
|---|---|---|
| Belle Mare | East | 30–40 min |
| Port Louis | North-west | 45–60 min |
| Flic en Flac | West | 45–60 min |
| Le Morne | South-west | 60–75 min |
| Grand Baie | North | 60–80 min |
Approximate, in normal traffic.
We meet you at SSR airport, Gate 5/6, with unlimited mileage, insurance included and no security deposit on your card. See how airport car rental works, or choose your car.
Last checked: October 2026.
