Zero Alcohol, EGP 500 Phone Fines: Egypt's Rules for 2026
Data verified:
4 min readEgypt drives on the right side of the road. The minimum driving age is 18. The motorway speed limit is 100 km/h. The general emergency number is 122. Foreign drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their valid national licence.
Traffic in Egypt flows on the right. Mobile phone fines are strictly enforced, even at traffic lights. See the full rules with our interactive tools below.
Egypt requires warning triangle, fire extinguisher in the vehicle at all times, and roadside checks do happen; the penalty for a missing item is set locally and we do not publish a figure we cannot verify. Rental companies rarely include the full kit; ask before leaving the lot.
Driving Difficulty: Egypt
Chaotic traffic, no lane discipline, horn-based communication
4.5/5 · Very Challenging (TyreMap difficulty index)
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Zero is the legal blood-alcohol limit in Egypt, leaving no threshold to stay under. Using a hand-held phone while driving carries a fine of EGP 300-500. Speed tiers run 60 km/h in town, 90 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways, and the minimum driving age is 18.
Speed limits are 60 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is zero. You must be at least 18 to drive.
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Emergency Numbers in Egypt
General Emergency: 122 | Police: 122 | Ambulance: 123 | Fire: 180
Save these numbers before you start driving. In Egypt, emergency calls are free from any phone.
Speed Limits in Egypt
The default speed limits for passenger cars in Egypt are 60 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways.
Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 60 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, and 80 km/h on motorways.
For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Israel (110 km/h).
Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.
Speeding Fines and Penalties
Speeding fines in Egypt escalate based on how far you exceed the limit. Exceeding by up to 10 km/h: EGP 300-500 (approx. EUR 6-10). Exceeding by 11-20 km/h: EGP 500-1,500 (approx. EUR 10-30). Over 20 km/h: EGP 1,500-3,000 (approx. EUR 30-60) + licence suspension or more.
Other common fines:
- Mobile phone use while driving: EGP 300-500 (approx. EUR 6-10)
- Running a red light: EGP 500-1,000 (approx. EUR 10-20)
- Seatbelt violation: EGP 100-300 (approx. EUR 2-6)
Traffic Rules and Regulations
Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.
Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is EGP 300-500 (approx. EUR 6-10). Use hands-free devices only.
Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.
Priority at intersections follows posted signs. When no signs are present, yield to traffic from the right.
Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits
Egypt enforces a zero-tolerance drink-driving policy. Any detectable alcohol in your blood while driving is illegal. There is no safe amount — even one drink can put you over the limit. Penalties include heavy fines, licence confiscation, and potential imprisonment.
The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.
Tyre Requirements and Regulations
Due to Egypt’s tropical climate, winter tyres are not required. Standard tyres suitable for wet and dry conditions are appropriate year-round.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.
Studded tyres are prohibited in Egypt.
For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Egypt guide.
Mandatory Vehicle Equipment
Vehicles in Egypt must carry the following:
Required:
- Warning triangle
- Fire extinguisher
Recommended:
- First aid kit
Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.
Driving License Requirements
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers in Egypt. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 3 months.
The minimum driving age is 18 years.
IDP required for foreign visitors. Valid for 3 months.
Parking and Fuel
Parking rules vary by city. Look for designated parking areas and always check signs for time limits and payment requirements.
Current fuel prices in Egypt: petrol approximately $0.35/litre, diesel $0.28/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.
Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.
Seasonal Driving Conditions
Egypt has a hot and arid conditions. The main driving hazard is heavy rainfall — roads can flood quickly and visibility drops sharply during downpours. Reduce speed in rain and avoid crossing flooded sections. Road surfaces may deteriorate during the wet season.
Useful Driving Phrases in Arabic
Knowing a few phrases in Arabic helps at fuel stations, toll booths, and during police checks:
| English | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Where is the nearest petrol station? | أين أقرب محطة وقود؟ |
| I need help | أحتاج مساعدة |
| I had an accident | تعرضت لحادث |
| Where can I park? | أين يمكنني ركن السيارة؟ |
| Speed limit | حد السرعة |
Download the Arabic language pack in your translation app for offline use.
Practical Driving Tips for Egypt
- Download offline maps of Egypt before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
- Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
- Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.
Speed Limits in Egypt
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks (>3.5t) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | 60 km/h | 60 km/h |
| Rural | 90 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Motorway | 100 km/h | 80 km/h |
Traffic Fines in Egypt
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Mobile phone use while driving | EGP 300-500 (approx. EUR 6-10) |
| No seatbelt | EGP 100-300 (approx. EUR 2-6) |
| Running a red light | EGP 500-1,000 (approx. EUR 10-20) |
| Speeding (1-10 km/h over) | EGP 300-500 (approx. EUR 6-10) |
| Speeding (11-20 km/h over) | EGP 500-1,500 (approx. EUR 10-30) |
| Speeding (21-30+ km/h over) | EGP 1,500-3,000 (approx. EUR 30-60) + licence suspension |
Penalties may vary by region and circumstances. Always check current local regulations.
Useful Driving Phrases in Arabic
| English | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Where is the nearest petrol station? | أين أقرب محطة وقود؟ |
| I need help | أحتاج مساعدة |
| I had an accident | تعرضت لحادث |
| Where can I park? | أين يمكنني ركن السيارة؟ |
| Speed limit | حد السرعة |
Mandatory Equipment in Egypt
Licence Requirements for Foreign Drivers
IDP required for foreign visitors. Valid for 3 months.
Emergency Numbers in Egypt
These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Tyre Laws in Egypt
Winter tyre requirements, tread depth rules, and studded tyre regulations.
View tyre regulationsAvoid a fine in Egypt
Who pays a driving fine abroad, the hire-car admin-fee trap, and how to appeal.
Read the fine guideDriving in Egypt on a foreign licence
Nationality-specific licence, IDP & rules — pick where your licence is from:
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Recent changes to this page
- Title and description tightened to the page's own data (title 50-60, description 140-155 characters).
- Title, description and introduction rewritten from this page's own data (no shared template wording).
- Replaced the speeding-fine calculator link: that tool covers 17 countries and Egypt is not one of them, so the link could not answer the question it promised. It now points to the speed-limit map, which does cover Egypt.
- Removed an equipment penalty that was actually the speeding fine copied from another field; countries.json has no equipment-fine value, so no figure is published.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Egypt, the default speed limits for passenger vehicles are: urban areas 60 km/h (37 mph), rural roads 90 km/h (56 mph), and motorways 100 km/h (62 mph). Always follow posted signs as limits may differ on specific roads.
In Egypt, traffic drives on the right side of the road. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the left side. If you are visiting from a country that drives on the left, take extra care at intersections, roundabouts, and when overtaking.
Foreign visitors to Egypt should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their valid national driving license. An IDP translates your license into multiple languages and is recognized internationally. Check with the embassy of Egypt for the most current requirements.
Winter tyres in Egypt are: Not Required. Regardless of legal requirements, winter tyres or all-season tyres with the appropriate markings (M+S or 3PMSF) are strongly recommended when temperatures drop below 7°C for improved safety and grip.
The general emergency number in Egypt is 122. These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, be prepared to state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited in Egypt. Hands-free systems (Bluetooth, speakerphone, or mounted devices) are permitted. Penalties for mobile phone use while driving typically include fines. For safety, always use hands-free solutions or pull over to use your phone.
When driving in Egypt, you should always carry: your valid driving license (and IDP if applicable), vehicle registration document, valid insurance certificate (Green Card for European countries), and your passport or national ID. Rental car drivers should also carry the rental agreement. Police may request these documents during routine checks.
The minimum age to drive a car in Egypt is 18 years old. Some categories of vehicles (such as motorcycles or heavy vehicles) may have different age requirements. Novice drivers may face additional restrictions during their first years of driving.
Driving in Egypt is generally safe for tourists who are prepared. Road infrastructure follows African standards. Before driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, road signs, and driving customs. Consider downloading offline maps, carrying emergency supplies, and purchasing comprehensive insurance. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas if possible.
Key fines in Egypt that catch tourists: mobile phone use while driving (EGP 300-500 (approx. EUR 6-10)), not wearing a seatbelt (EGP 100-300 (approx. EUR 2-6)). Police in some countries can demand immediate payment from foreign drivers. Always carry local currency or a credit card for potential fines.
For Egypt: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for non-EU licence holders. Your licence is valid for up to 3 months. Always carry your original licence alongside the IDP.
Get Driving Law Updates
Speed limits, fines and tyre laws change frequently. Get monthly updates for the countries you drive in.
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