Tunisia 2026: Your Home Licence Is Valid for 12 Months

Paperwork is the part of a Tunisian road trip travellers get wrong: an EU or EEA licence is accepted for up to 12 months and an International Driving Permit is recommended rather than universally required, but police checks expect the original licence, the registration document, insurance and your passport together. On the road the limits are 110 km/h on motorways, 90 on rural roads and 50 in towns, with a blood alcohol ceiling of 0.03 — low enough that a single drink is out of the question, and backed by fines, suspension or imprisonment. A warning triangle and a reflective vest are compulsory, the minimum legal tread is 1.6 mm, winter tyres are not required anywhere, and 112 reaches every emergency service.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.03% BAC. You must be at least 18 to drive.

Emergency Numbers in Tunisia

General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112

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

Speed Limits in Tunisia

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Tunisia are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, and 90 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Sudan (100 km/h), Libya (100 km/h), Egypt (100 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 Tunisia 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 Tunisia is 0.03% BAC. This is higher than Sudan (0.00% (zero tolerance) 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 Tunisia’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 Tunisia.

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

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Tunisia must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle
• Reflective vest (high-visibility)

Recommended:

• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for foreign drivers in Tunisia. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 12 months.

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

Foreign licence valid for tourists. IDP recommended.

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 Tunisia: petrol approximately $0.72/litre, diesel $0.62/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

Tunisia 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:

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

Practical Driving Tips for Tunisia

• Download offline maps of Tunisia 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.