Motor vehicle Laws Mauritania
In Mauritania, motor vehicle laws are designed to ensure road safety and regulate traffic effectively. Key aspects include:
Driving Side and Licensing:
Traffic Flow: Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Driver's License: The minimum age to drive is 18 years. To rent a car, drivers must be at least 25 years old and have held a valid driver's license for at least one year.
- Foreign visitors should carry both a valid national driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). While some sources may suggest that presenting only a native driver's license is acceptable, this is illegal and unreliable.
Speed Limits:
Urban Areas: 50 km/h
Non-Urban Roads: 90 km/h
Highways: 110 km/h
Seat Belts and Child Restraints:
Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, regardless of seating position. Front and rear seat belts are required in all new and imported cars.
Children under 12 years old are not permitted to travel in the front seat.
Children under six must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat.
Alcohol Limits:
- The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.00%. Mauritania enforces a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption while driving.
Mobile Phones:
- Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited; hands-free systems are acceptable.
Vehicle Import Regulations:
- Importation of left-hand drive vehicles is allowed. Used vehicles older than eight years are not permitted for import.
Road Conditions and Safety Tips:
- Driving in Mauritania can be treacherous due to roadway obstructions, hazards caused by drifting sand, animals, and poorly maintained roads. It's advisable to hire a trained local driver and exercise heightened caution at all times.
Vehicle Registration and Taxes:
Import taxes depend on the age of the vehicle:
New Vehicles: 78% of the car value
Used Vehicles: 50% of the car value
Vehicles older than 89 years cannot be imported.
For comprehensive and updated information, it's recommended to consult local authorities or official government sources upon arrival in Mauritania.
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