Driving in Mauritius

The road network in Mauritius

The road infrastructure is in good condition throughout the country, both for the main access roads, highways and main roads. Major works have been undertaken to widen existing roads and ease traffic congestion around the capital and other towns such as Quatre Bornes and Vacoas/Phoenix. Nevertheless, traffic jams remain frequent in these areas since the Metro Express.

Signage is good on the main roads as well as on most secondary roads. The population is always courteous and helpful when it comes to pointing out roads and paths to take.

The Highway Code in Mauritius

Respect the Highway Code for your safety and that of everyone else!

Driving on the left

As in all former English colonies, but also in Japan, driving on the right side of the road is not allowed in Mauritius. If you come from a country where driving is the right and you wish to drive in Mauritius, you must: 

• Apply for an international license if you are staying for more than 4 weeks;
• Convert your driving license into a Mauritian license if you become a resident of Mauritius.

Traffic regulations manuals are available in all bookstores. 

Extreme vigilance is required at roundabouts and when driving in city centers. Buses have priority and often do not respect the Highway Code.

Speed limits

The speed limit is 40 km/h in the city, 80 km/h on the highway and 110 km/h in some areas of the highway. 
 

Driving under the influence in Mauritius

Alcohol and drug consumption are the cause of many road accidents. The Mauritian authorities, therefore, act accordingly.

Drinking and driving

Local authorities remind us that drinking and driving remains one of the main causes of serious injuries and fatal accidents in Mauritius.

The legal limits: 

• 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 ml of blood; 
• 27 milligrams of alcohol in 100 ml of urine;
• 9 micrograms of alcohol in 100 ml of breath.

Penalties for DUI

On first conviction:

• Fine of Rs 20,000 minimum and Rs 50,000 maximum;
• Imprisonment of up to 5 years;
• Cancellation of the driver's license for a minimum period of 12 months.

In case of a second or subsequent conviction: 

• Fine of not less than Rs 50,000 and not more than Rs 75,000;
• Imprisonment of at least 12 months and at most 8 years; 
• Cancellation of driving license and disqualification for a minimum period of 24 months.

Drugs and driving

Following a tightening of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2019, drivers who get behind the wheel after consuming drugs are liable to a fine ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 75,000 in the event of a check, with a one-year jail term.

Whether it is alcohol or drugs, police operations are regularly conducted on the country's roads at any time of the year!

Read also Transportation in Mauritius

Importing your car to Mauritius

Importing a personal car is possible but expensive. You will need to apply for a National Transport Authority (NTA) approval which may require modification of the vehicle in addition to a 15% Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) tax, and another 15% VAT.

The following points should be considered in order to calculate the profitability of the operation, although cars are more expensive in Mauritius: 

• The car must have been registered in the name of the owner, in their country of residence, at least 6 months before their arrival in Mauritius;
• The cost of transporting a car is high (about € 3,000 to 4,000);
• Driving a car with a left-hand steering wheel is dangerous for the driver as well as for the passengers and the people around!

Buying a car in Mauritius

As everywhere else, you can buy a new car from a dealer or an agency or prefer a used car from a private individual. Concerning the prices, provide for between Rs 400,000 and Rs 1,5 million for a new car, against between Rs 300,000 and Rs 900,000 for a second-hand car, depending on the car make, model, and other factors.

All brands are represented at the various dealerships on the island. However, it is important to inquire about maintenance, as spare parts for European cars (Peugeot, Renault, BMW, Mercedes, Rover, Ford, Volkswagen) are expensive in Mauritius. 

Asian brands are the most common (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Hyundai, Suzuki, KIA, etc.). The reason is simple: spare parts are more readily available, and the labor force is trained for repairs.

Buying a new car in Mauritius

Buying a new car in Mauritius is relatively simple, knowing that the agency or dealer takes care of all the administrative formalities.

However, you will need to present: 

• Your residence permit or visa;
• Your identity card;
• Proof of residence;
• Your passport. 

Buying a used car in Mauritius

If you wish to buy a used car in Mauritius, the good news is that many websites (Mycar.mu, l'expresscars.mu, bestdeal.mu, etc.) and Facebook groups are specialized in this type of sales.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, hire the services of a mechanic (use word of mouth) to inspect the vehicle in great detail.

Once you have found the ideal car, the seller must provide you with:

• The certificate of the technical inspection;
• A certificate of no-pledge (by the seller, who must go to the National Land Transport Authority (NLTA - fee, Rs 50), to certify that there is no existing pledge that prevents the transfer from seller's to buyer's name.
• A sales document to be completed in 2 or 3 copies. 

Steps to register the vehicle in your name

With the above documents, but also with your residence permit, proof of address and your passport, go to the Registrar Building located in Port-Louis to pay the registration fees of the purchased vehicle. 

Then go to the NLTA to obtain the vehicle's registration document and possibly renew the sticker (valid for one year). 

Useful links:

Renewal of the vehicle's sticker

Obtaining a fitness certificate

Can expats buy a car on leasing in Mauritius?

Leasing is an alternative method of financing, which allows you to rent a car for a long period of time and then return it to the provider or to exercise the purchase option in order to become the owner. This practice is common in Mauritius. Dealerships usually take care of the file with Mauritian banks or financial institutions.

Read also Opening a bank account in Mauritius

Insuring your car in Mauritius

Insurance is mandatory for all vehicles. The annual price is variable and can start from Rs 6,000 for a small model and exceed Rs 20,000 for the largest. The price also depends on factors such as the type of transmission, the age of the vehicle and the estimated value of the vehicle. As in other countries, there are several types of car insurance in Mauritius, the most popular being third-party and comprehensive cover.

There are a plethora of insurers. Therefore, it is important to carefully analyze each contract in order to find the one that will meet your needs, and that will cover you properly whether you are involved in a road accident or if you are a victim.