Although Morocco is a fantastic place for adventure riders on motorcycles, its bureaucracy and logistics may be a little mysterious. Our legal expert Andrew Dalton of White Dalton Motorcycle Solicitors assists us as we examine important facts that you should be aware of while riding in Morocco.
Since Morocco is not a member of the European Union, you will be dealing with a post-independence French judicial system that has a very North African character if you have a significant legal issue. Moroccan law, which emerged after Morocco gained independence in 1956, is a synthesis of French-style civil law and Sharia law.
Since Islam has nothing to say about vehicles and motorbikes, it should come as no surprise that French and Islamic motor legislation are comparable. But Arab, Islamic, and Sharia law has a lot to say about redressing civil wrongs, and Western attorneys are not familiar with this legal framework. I just traveled to Morocco, and I had an interesting experience driving there. It makes sense once you have the hang of Moroccan driving, but keep the following in mind.
1. You need comprehensible documentation
As is customary in the majority of countries, the police have the authority to demand the instant presentation of all driving records, including the license, log book, and insurance, by the side of the road. You may be facing the possibility of having your bike seized if you are unable to provide these documentation in a language that the police can comprehend. English is not widely spoken in Morocco; the majority of Moroccans speak fluent French and the regional Arab/Moroccan dialect.
2. A complete bike license is necessary.
You must have a complete UK bike license, which enables you to ride in your own nation, in order to ride in Morocco. You cannot, therefore, ride an unrestricted bike in Morocco if you have a limited license in the UK.
3. Entry documentation is needed but visas are not needed.
UK people may visit Morocco without a visa, however when entering the country, you will need to fill out an entrance form and another one for your bike.
4. If you bring your bike, you take it with you when you go.
When you enter Morocco, your bike will be registered, and you must take it with you when you depart. The customs officials in Morocco are strict. Your car entrance documents must be stamped as soon as you leave the Kingdom, and you have to go through the whole procedure again if you cross the border with the intention of coming back. This is to prevent the smuggling of cars.
5. Moroccan insurance is complex
You will need to get local insurance, which may be purchased in Tangier, unless your UK policy explicitly states (in French or Arabic) that you are covered in the Kingdom. But if you get your insurance in Tangier, you’ll be over a financial barrel. It makes sense to resolve this here in the UK, but be prepared to chat with several contact centers for a considerable amount of time. I would advise against traveling to Morocco without a valid passport. Additionally, confirm that your coverage extends beyond “Monaco.” If you are depending on your UK-arranged insurance, be sure to thoroughly study and review it. Many insurers may need special underwriting during your stay in Morocco, and the majority of regular plans do not permit spending more than 30 days outside of the EU. You must thoroughly inspect the contents.
6. Be mindful of speed traps
There are a lot of speed traps on Morocco’s main roads and towns. The police presence in and around Nadir startled me when I was last in Morocco.
7. Serious accidents may put you in a challenging circumstance.
The police have the authority to hold you in jail if you are involved in an accident that results in significant injuries. You have a plethora of issues if your insurance is a little off.
8. Keep an accident report on hand
The Constat Amiable D’accident Automobile, which is used in many European and other nations, is worth printing out. This is accessible via our website, which offers both a French and an English version of vehicle A. Although I don’t know just how this would operate in Morocco, I do know that many French-speaking countries expect it to. The Constat Amiable is available on our website.
9. Protect and save your documents.
Generally speaking, you should waterproof or laminate all of your important papers. It will be well worth your time to scan and send all of your original papers to a readily available email address.
FAQ
Morocco: what to do and not do?
Like any other nation, Morocco has traditions that visitors should abide by. For example, if you go to Morocco during Ramadan, take care not to drink in public. It is also advised to avoid, or at the very least use prudence, eating, drinking, and smoking in public, particularly in less popular locations.
Is it hard to drive in Morocco?
Morocco’s cities may be challenging to traverse, and every trip will require you to squeeze between confined places. To make reverse parallel parking into the world’s smallest parking spot even simpler, our best driving advice for Morocco is to rent a little automobile. Better fuel efficiency will also result. What is this?
Does Morocco allow foreigners to drive?
You may always use your foreign driver’s license to drive in Morocco, regardless of how long you stay, as long as you are here lawfully as a tourist and depart every three months. Your driving background has a big impact on your ability to rent a vehicle in Morocco.
Is driving in Marrakech safe?
Morocco is a generally safe nation. Although it is uncommon, violent crime does sometimes occur. It might be difficult to drive safely in large cities like Casablanca, Tangier, or Marrakech, although it is normally safe to drive on highways and rural roads. It might seem quite disorganized and chaotic in big cities.