Morocco With a Chinese Licence 2026: China Issues No IDP
China
Morocco
China issues no International Driving Permit, so agree in writing with the hire firm what Moroccan police will accept. Both keep right; the 0.02 alcohol limit and mixed rural traffic matter most.
Morocco is an increasingly popular long-haul self-drive trip for Chinese travellers, and the driving itself is rewarding — but the paperwork deserves a closer look than for a European visitor, because of how the Chinese licence is treated abroad.
The licence verdict for Chinese drivers
The usual advice to carry an International Driving Permit does not work for Chinese drivers: China has joined neither the 1949 nor the 1968 road traffic convention, so no IDP is issued in China. Morocco is particular about permits, too. UK government travel advice says it requires the 1968 version and no longer accepts the 1949 one. Before booking, ask the rental company in writing which documents it and the police will accept for a mainland Chinese licence, and carry your licence and passport together.
No side switch — but plenty else to watch
Morocco drives on the right, the same as China, so there is no reversed-traffic habit to unlearn. The alcohol limit is a strict 0.02 BAC, matching China’s low figure, and with alcohol restricted across much of the country the simplest policy is none before driving.
Rural roads ask for patience
The motorways between the major cities are good. Off them, rural roads are shared with donkeys, carts, cyclists and pedestrians, surfaces are uneven, and Atlas mountain passes can be narrow and unguarded. The historic medinas cannot be driven — park outside and walk in. Unlit vehicles appear after dark. Drive to what you can actually see ahead, not to the posted number.
Speeds, fines and the basics
Limits are 60 km/h in towns, 100 on rural roads and 120 on the motorway. A speeding penalty is around MAD 300-700 (≈ €28-65), often collected on the spot, so carry cash. Fuel is roughly $1.38 a litre, and the emergency numbers are 190 for police and 150 for an ambulance.
Read the full rules on our Morocco driving guide, confirm exactly what you need with the Driving Permit Checker, and estimate any fine with the Speeding Fine Calculator.
Sources
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Morocco, safety and security (“Morocco no longer accepts the 1949 version of the IDP”): gov.uk
- UN Treaty Collection, 1949 Convention on Road Traffic (participants): treaties.un.org
- UN Treaty Collection, 1968 Convention on Road Traffic (participants): treaties.un.org
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
Your home country driving rules for reference
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Frequently Asked Questions
Only if the hire company and police accept it as it is. China is party to neither road traffic convention and does not issue International Driving Permits, so there is no IDP to add. Morocco is strict on permits: UK advice says it now takes only the 1968 version. Get the hire firm's document requirements in writing before you book.
Yes, both drive on the right, so there is no side switch to relearn. Your attention is better spent on the mixed rural traffic and a strict alcohol limit.
Morocco enforces a strict 0.02 BAC, the same low figure China uses. The safe rule is to drive with no alcohol at all.