Mauritius is an easy island to drive once you know a few local rules. Traffic keeps to the left and the speed cameras are real. The drink-drive limit is also much lower than most visitors expect. This guide answers the questions people ask us most when we hand over a car, and we've checked each rule against the Mauritius Police Force, the UK government's travel advice or Mauritian press reports, all linked below.
Key points
- Drive on the left. UK licences are accepted, and we accept licences from most countries. Carry yours whenever you drive.
- The drink-drive limit is 20 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. In practice, don't drink at all if you're driving.
- Fixed speed cameras operate across the island, and fines must be paid within 28 days.
- Mauritius started a penalty points system on 31 January 2026.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Mauritius?
You drive on the left, as in the UK. The steering wheel is on the right, and you overtake on the right. The UK Foreign Office puts it simply: "left-hand traffic is standard across Mauritius" (FCDO).
If you normally drive on the right, the first hour is the hardest. Roundabouts, turning into a road and pulling out of a car park are where people drift to the wrong side. Take the first drive slowly and say "stay left" at every junction until it sticks.
Landing late, or tired after a long flight? Consider taking our airport transfer on the first night and picking up the car the next morning, when you're rested and it's light.
What licence do you need to drive in Mauritius?
The UK government confirms that a UK photocard licence is accepted in Mauritius for a holiday, and that you should carry it whenever you drive (FCDO).
Rental companies can set their own conditions on top of the law. The same FCDO page notes that hire companies "often have stricter requirements", such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age or an International Driving Permit (IDP). So check with your rental company before you travel. If your licence isn't written in English or French, get an IDP at home before you fly; it's cheap, and it settles the question if anyone asks.
At Fleet Nest we accept licences from most countries for visitors staying under 12 months. Bring:
- your driving licence (home country or international)
- your passport or national ID
- the refundable security deposit
Staying longer and planning to drive for months? Look at our long-term car rental page, and check your licence position with the Police Traffic Branch.
What are the speed limits in Mauritius?
Travel guides give the general limits as 110 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on other roads outside towns and 40 km/h in built-up areas (World Travel Guide; Expat.com). We couldn't find these figures on an official Mauritian page, so treat them as a guide. Limits change often along the same road, especially through villages, so the sign in front of you is the one that counts.
The police run fixed speed cameras across the island. If a camera catches you, the police send a fine notice, and you have 28 days from the date of issue to pay it (Mauritius Police Force). On a hire car the notice reaches the rental company as the registered owner, and we pass it on to you.
Speeding fines rise with how far over the limit you were:
| How far over the limit | Fine |
|---|---|
| Up to 15 km/h | Rs 2,500 |
| More than 15 km/h, up to 25 km/h | Rs 5,000 |
| More than 25 km/h | Rs 10,000 |
Source: Mauritius Police Force, speeding offences.
What is the drink-drive limit in Mauritius?
The limit is 20 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, or 9 micrograms per 100 ml of breath (Mauritius Police Force). The UK Foreign Office describes it as a quarter of England's limit, so even one beer at lunch can be enough to take you over.
The penalties are serious. For a first conviction, the Police Traffic Branch lists a fine of Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000, up to five years in prison and a driving ban of at least 12 months (Police Traffic Branch). If you plan a long dinner or a beach bar afternoon, leave the car at the hotel and take a taxi.
How do penalty points work in Mauritius?
Mauritius introduced a penalty points licence on 31 January 2026. Every licence holder starts with zero points and collects points for offences (L'Express, via allAfrica, in French).
Using a handheld phone while driving currently carries 3 to 6 points. In May 2026 the government proposed raising this to between 5 and 10 points, a change that had not yet become law as of October 2026 (L'Express, via allAfrica, in French). Either way, the safe answer is the same: use a phone holder for navigation and don't touch the phone while moving.
What are the roads like?
The motorway and the main roads are generally in good shape. Smaller roads can be narrow, with no pavement and buses coming the other way. The FCDO warns that pedestrians and cyclists use main roads, including motorways, by day and at night, and that slow motorbikes without lights are common (FCDO).
A few habits help:
- If you're new to the island, avoid long drives after dark. Pedestrians and bikes without lights are hard to see on roads you don't know.
- Give buses room. They stop often and pull out with little warning.
- Slow down near villages, schools and markets, where people walk in the road.
- Allow more time in the rain. Roads get slippery fast in a tropical downpour.
Statistics Mauritius recorded 40,220 road accidents in 2025 and 124 road deaths, down from 134 in 2024. Motorcyclists and pedestrians made up most of those killed (L'Express, via allAfrica, in French).
How much is petrol in Mauritius?
Fuel prices are set nationally, so every station charges the same. From 29 September 2026, petrol costs Rs 77.70 a litre and diesel Rs 78.35 (State Trading Corporation). Prices have changed several times in 2026, so check the STC table if you're budgeting for a long trip.
Fill up before long drives into the south-west and the hills around Chamarel and Black River Gorges.
What should you do after an accident or breakdown?
If you're involved in an accident, stop, make sure everyone is safe and call for help if anyone is hurt. Before you move the car, mark the position of its wheels on the road. The FCDO notes that drivers are expected to carry yellow chalk or another yellow marker for this (FCDO).
For a minor accident where the drivers disagree, the police use a Minor Road Accident Report Form, which costs Rs 500 (Police Traffic Branch). Take photos of both cars, the road and the other driver's details either way.
Then call your rental company. All Fleet Nest rentals include full insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance, so one call to us starts the process.
Emergency numbers in Mauritius (FCDO):
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 999 or 112 |
| Ambulance | 999 or 114 |
| Fire | 999 or 115 |
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe for tourists to drive in Mauritius?
Yes, for most confident drivers. The main risks are adjusting to the left side, narrow village roads and driving after dark. Take the first day slowly and you'll be comfortable within a few drives.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Mauritius?
Not for UK licence holders, according to the UK government. Some rental companies require one, so check their terms. If your licence isn't in English or French, getting an IDP before you travel avoids questions at the rental desk.
Are there speed cameras in Mauritius?
Yes. Fixed cameras operate across the island, and fines must be paid within 28 days of the notice.
Can I drive in Mauritius with a phone for navigation?
Yes, in a holder. Holding the phone while driving earns penalty points under the system introduced in January 2026.
Before you set off
- Drive on the left, and take the first day slowly.
- Carry your licence, and check whether your rental company wants an IDP.
- Don't drink and drive. The limit is very low.
- Watch for speed cameras and follow the signs, not the general limits.
- Keep the emergency numbers and your rental company's number in your phone.
When you're ready, browse our fleet or see our budget car hire. We deliver anywhere on the island, including the airport.
Sources
All pages checked in October 2026.
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Mauritius travel advice, safety and security
- World Travel Guide: getting around Mauritius
- Expat.com: driving in Mauritius
- Mauritius Police Force: speed cameras and fine notices
- Mauritius Police Force: speeding offences and fines
- Mauritius Police Force: drink driving
- Mauritius Police Force: Traffic Branch
- L'Express via allAfrica: penalty points licence (in French)
- L'Express via allAfrica: proposed penalty points for phone use (in French)
- L'Express via allAfrica: 2025 road accident statistics (in French)
- State Trading Corporation: retail fuel prices
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Mauritius travel advice, getting help