Does the thought of driving on the left side of the road make your palms sweat? You are not alone.

For many visitors arriving from Europe (excluding the UK), the USA or Canada, the biggest psychological barrier to renting a car in Mauritius is the left-hand traffic rule. The fear of turning into the wrong lane or navigating a busy roundabout “backwards” is real.

But here is the truth: driving in Mauritius is easier than you think!

With a modern road network, clear signage, and the right vehicle, a self-drive holiday is the single best way to unlock the hidden gems of our island.

Here is your ultimate safety guide to mastering Mauritian roads.

the golden rule: passenger to the ditch

If you are used to driving on the right, your instinct is to align your body with the center of the road. In Mauritius, the driver sits on the right side of the road.

The trick is to stay centered: always keep your passenger (or the empty passenger seat) closer to the side of the road (the ditch or sidewalk) and yourself closer to the center line.

roundabout: look right, give way to the right

Mauritius loves roundabouts! You will find them everywhere, from the highway exits near the SSR airport to the entrance of Grand Baie.

The rule: Always give priority to traffic incoming from your right.
The flow: Traffic flows clockwise.
The Strategy: Know your exit before you enter.
Approaching a roundabout, the safest strategy is to know which exit you need to take before you choose your lane.
- Taking the 1st or 2nd exit: Approach in the left (outer) lane. Signal left as you pass the exit before the one you want.
- Taking an exit past the 2nd exit (e.g., 3rd exit): Approach in the right (inner) lane. Keep your right signal on. As you pass the exit before the one you want, check your mirrors, signal left, and safely move to the outer lane to exit.
- If you are unsure or miss your exit: The safest action is not to circle the roundabout. Instead, take the nearest safe exit, pull over in a safe place, and re-route.

automatic vs manual: choose comfort

Unless you are a die-hard fan of shifting gears, we strongly recommend an automatic transmission vehicle.

Mauritian roads can be narrow in villages, and traffic into Port-Louis can be stop-and-start. Removing the need to shift gears allows you to focus 100% of your attention on the road and your surroundings.

Planning your vehicle choice? Read our guide on Small Car vs SUV: Which Vehicle Handles Mauritian Roads Best?

watch out for the local elements

Our island life spills into the streets. Driving here is not just about following lines on a map; it is about awareness. Here is what you need to scan for:

Pedestrians: In some areas, sidewalks are sometimes non-existent. Locals often walk on the edge of the road. Give them wide berth.
The Mauritian Bus: Local buses are the kings of the roads. They pull out of stops frequently. If you see a bus signalling to exit a stop, it is safer to let them in.
Stary dogs: You will see many island dogs napping near warm tarmac. They are generally street-smart, but keep your speed down in residential areas just in case.

speed limits and cameras

Mauritius has a strick network of speed cameras (both fixed and mobile). Speeding fine are issued automatically to the car rental agency, and we are required by law to pass these on to you.

Towns and villages: 30-40km/h
Open roads: 40-60 km/h
Motorways: 80-110 km/h

Worried about navigation? Check out our comparison: Navigating Mauritius: Is Google Maps Reliable for Tourists?

the zero tolerance approach

Safety is our priority at Solisla. Please note that Mauritius has strict laws regarding seat belts and mobile phones.

Seat belts: Mandatory for everyone in the car (front and back; but more for front passengers)
Mobile phones: Strictly hands-free only.
Alcohol: Mauritius has a near zero policy for drinking and driving. If you plan to enjoy a rum tasting at Chamarel, book one of our chauffeur-driven transfer services instead.

Driving in Mauritius allows you to stop for fresh coconuts on a whim, chase the sunset at Le Morne, and leave the crowded tour buses behind. The first 30 minutes might feel strange, but by the time you reach your hotel, you will be driving like a local.

Ready to hit the road?

Don’t let fear limit your adventure. Browse our fleet of automatic, easy to drive vehicles and secure your ride today.

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