No Motorways, Left-Hand Traffic: Driving in Tanzania (2026)

Tanzania’s road network has no motorways at all — the fastest legal routes are trunk roads capped at 80 km/h, falling to 50 km/h in towns. Traffic drives on the left, the reverse of most mainland neighbours to the west. The alcohol limit is 0.08%, and the car should carry a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and warning triangle. Police and general emergencies share the 112 line, while ambulance and fire use 114.

The blood alcohol limit is 0.08% BAC. You must be at least 18 to drive.

Unlike neighboring Comoros, Tanzania drives on the left — take extra care if crossing the border.

Emergency Numbers in Tanzania

General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112 | Ambulance: 114 | Fire: 114

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

Speed Limits in Tanzania

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Tanzania are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and there are no motorways. Note: No motorways; trunk roads maximum 80 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 Tanzania 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 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.

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 Tanzania 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 Tanzania’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 Tanzania.

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

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Tanzania must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Recommended:

• Reflective vest (high-visibility)

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 Tanzania. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 6 months.

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

IDP required. Temporary permit available. Drives on the left.

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 Tanzania: petrol approximately $1.10/litre, diesel $1.02/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

Tanzania 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 Tanzania

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