Egypt vs Tunisia: Driving Rules Compared

Egypt and Tunisia are two of North Africa’s most popular tourist destinations, offering ancient history, Mediterranean coastlines, and desert landscapes. Both countries drive on the right side of the road, and both have Arabic as an official language, which means road signs often appear in Arabic and French (Tunisia) or Arabic and occasionally English (Egypt). Understanding the differences in driving regulations can help you stay safe and avoid unexpected fines during your North African road trip.

Speed Limits Comparison

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Speed limits differ between the two countries, with Tunisia generally enforcing more structured limits while Egypt has broader ranges that vary by road type.

Egypt has a growing motorway network, including the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road and the new Rod El Farag Axis. Speed limits on motorways reach 120 km/h, but chaotic traffic in cities like Cairo makes actual speeds much lower than posted limits. Speed cameras are increasingly common on main highways. Tunisia has well-maintained autoroutes connecting Tunis to major cities like Sfax and Sousse. Speed limits are clearly posted and enforcement through radar is more consistent than in Egypt. Tunisia’s autoroutes have a standard 110 km/h limit.

Driving Side

Both Egypt and Tunisia drive on the right side of the road, with left-hand-drive vehicles. Drivers from Europe, the Americas, or other right-hand-traffic countries will feel at home. Those from the UK, Australia, or Japan should take extra care when turning and at roundabouts.

Alcohol Limits

Egypt has no officially standardized BAC limit published in most sources, but alcohol consumption is culturally discouraged as a Muslim-majority country. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offence and can result in severe penalties. Tunisia enforces a BAC limit of 0.03%, which is extremely strict and effectively means zero tolerance for any meaningful alcohol consumption before driving.

In both countries, drink-driving can lead to heavy fines, licence confiscation, and imprisonment. Given the cultural and legal sensitivities around alcohol in both nations, the safest approach is to abstain entirely from alcohol before driving.

Tyre and Equipment Requirements

Tyre Rules

Neither country requires winter tyres. The hot, dry climate of both nations means standard all-season tyres are suitable year-round. However, desert driving (particularly in Egypt’s Western Desert or Tunisia’s Saharan south) demands tyres in excellent condition, and many tour operators recommend reducing tyre pressure for sand driving and carrying a compressor.

Mandatory Equipment Comparison

Tunisia has stricter mandatory equipment requirements than Egypt, including a reflective vest and fire extinguisher that must be carried in the vehicle at all times. Both countries require a warning triangle. When driving in desert areas in either country, carrying extra water, a spare tyre, and basic tools is essential.

Emergency Numbers

Egypt uses separate numbers for each service, with 122 for police being the most commonly used. Tunisia uses the unified European-style 112 number for all emergencies. Response times in both countries can vary, particularly in rural and desert areas.

Penalties Overview

• Egypt: Speeding fines range from EGP 300-1,500 (approximately USD 6-30). Traffic violations are generally handled through fines, though serious offences can result in licence suspension. Recent traffic law reforms have increased penalties for mobile phone use and seatbelt violations.
• Tunisia: Speeding fines range from TND 20-120 (approximately USD 6-38). More serious offences carry fines up to TND 500 and potential imprisonment. Tunisia has a stricter enforcement culture, particularly on autoroutes, with regular police checkpoints.

Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited in both countries, with fines applied for violations.

International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for foreign visitors to both countries:

• Egypt: An IDP is required for foreign drivers. Egyptian police regularly check documents at checkpoints, particularly in tourist areas and when leaving cities. Your IDP must be accompanied by your original national licence.
• Tunisia: An IDP is required for stays exceeding one month, but is recommended for all foreign drivers. For shorter visits, a valid foreign licence may be accepted by rental agencies, though an IDP provides added legal protection.

Practical Tips

1. Driving in Cairo is intense. Egyptian capital traffic is famously chaotic, with lane markings treated as suggestions and horn use constant. Consider hiring a driver for Cairo and self-driving only for intercity travel.
2. Police checkpoints are frequent. Both countries have regular police and military checkpoints, especially near borders, tourist sites, and desert roads. Always carry your passport, licence, IDP, and vehicle documents.
3. Desert driving requires preparation. If venturing into the Sahara (either country), inform someone of your route, carry ample water and fuel, and consider a GPS device. Mobile coverage is spotty in remote areas.
4. Toll roads. Tunisia has a toll autoroute system. Egypt’s newer highways also have tolls. Carry local currency for toll payments.
5. Night driving. Avoid driving at night in rural areas of both countries. Poorly lit roads, unmarked obstacles, and pedestrians/livestock on the road create significant hazards.

For detailed country-specific information, visit driving in Egypt and driving in Tunisia.