Mozambique Drives Left Even Though Portugal Doesn't (2026)

Mozambique drives on the left even though Portugal, the colonial power that once ruled it, switched to the right back in 1928 — every country on Mozambique’s border, from South Africa to Tanzania, also keeps left-hand traffic, so the exception stuck. Urban roads are capped at 60 km/h and both rural roads and motorways at 120 km/h. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.06%, and the law requires two warning triangles in every car.

Speed limits are 60 km/h within towns and 120 km/h outside towns. The blood alcohol limit is 0.06% BAC. You must be at least 18 to hold a car licence.

Mozambique drives on the left even though Portugal, its former colonial power, switched to the right back in 1928 — Mozambique was granted an exception because every country it borders (South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania) also drives on the left. Coming from a right-hand-traffic country, take extra care at the land border crossings, such as EN6 into South Africa.

Emergency Numbers in Mozambique

General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112 | Fire: 198 | Ambulance (if 112 does not connect): 848888 or 823388

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

Speed Limits in Mozambique

Mozambique’s Codigo da Estrada sets a two-tier default for passenger cars: 60 km/h within towns and 120 km/h outside towns — there is no separate, higher motorway figure, so the 120 km/h limit also applies on trunk roads like the EN1.

Heavy vehicles and trucks are subject to lower limits than cars, posted on signs for the relevant stretch of road.

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 are fixed by Article 33 of the Código da Estrada and depend on where you were caught and by how much. For a car or motorcycle:

The top two bands are classed as serious (grave) offences, which can bring a driving ban on top of the fine. Drivers who have held their licence for less than a year are capped at 90 km/h everywhere. If an officer fines you without a clear reason, the UK FCDO’s advice is to ask for a written fine you can pay at a police station.

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the left side of the road. Overtake on the right. At roundabouts, traffic flows clockwise — give way to vehicles already in the roundabout.

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.

Every motor vehicle must carry two reflective warning triangles and a reflective vest (Código da Estrada). If you break down, set out the triangles and wear the vest while you do it — the UK FCDO repeats the same requirement, and traffic police check for it at roadside stops.

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

The legal blood alcohol limit in Mozambique is 0.06% 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 Mozambique’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 Mozambique.

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

Driving License Requirements

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

The minimum driving age for a car (category B) is 18 years, per Article 130 of the Codigo da Estrada.

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 Mozambique: petrol approximately $1.12/litre, diesel $1.08/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

Mozambique 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.

Useful Driving Phrases in Portuguese

Knowing a few phrases in Portuguese helps at fuel stations, toll booths, and during police checks:

Download the Portuguese language pack in your translation app for offline use.

Practical Driving Tips for Mozambique

• If switching from right-hand traffic, concentrate on turns and roundabouts — these are where most mistakes happen.
• Download offline maps of Mozambique 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.