Madagascar 2026: Drive on the Right, 0.08% Alcohol, 100 km/h

Madagascar drives on the right, so the steering wheel sits on the left and overtaking is done on the left — worth a deliberate first hour if you have flown in from Tanzania or another left-hand country. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways, with the blood-alcohol limit at a loose 0.08% and a legal tread minimum of 1.6 mm.

Your case: Booked a 4x4 or anything over 3.5 tonnes? Those limits drop to 50, 70 and 80 km/h instead — both sets are laid out in the Madagascar speed-limit section.

Emergency Numbers in Madagascar

Police: 117 | Ambulance: 117 | Fire: 118

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Madagascar, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Madagascar

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Madagascar are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways.

Lorries and other vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits in Madagascar, but we could not confirm the figures in an official source, so follow the signs posted for heavy vehicles.

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 Madagascar vary based on how much you exceed the posted limit. Fines increase sharply for higher violations and may include licence points or driving bans for serious offences.

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 prohibited. Hands-free systems are permitted.

Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.

At unmarked intersections, traffic from the right generally has priority unless signs indicate otherwise.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

The legal blood alcohol limit in Madagascar is 0.08% BAC. This is higher than Eritrea (0.04% BAC). Exceeding this limit results in fines, licence suspension, and possible criminal charges. For novice drivers and professional drivers, stricter limits may apply.

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 Madagascar’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 Madagascar.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Madagascar guide.

Driving License Requirements

Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted.

Parking and Fuel

Parking rules vary by city. Look for designated parking areas and always check signs for time limits and payment requirements.

We do not hold a verified, dated fuel price for Madagascar, so check a local price app or the board at the station before you budget.

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

Madagascar has a diverse terrain from coastal to highland. 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.

Practical Driving Tips for Madagascar

• Download offline maps of Madagascar 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.