When driving in Egypt, remember that you need to drive on the
right side of the road, which is something you will need to get adjusted to quickly if you are coming from a country that drives on the left.
Speed Limits in Egypt
Speed limits vary depending on where you are driving in Egypt. The speed is measured in kilometers per hour (kph), which might be a bit confusing for someone who's not used to the metric system.
Speed limits in Egypt are:
- Urban areas: 50 kmph (31 mph)
- Open roads: 90 kmph (55 mph)
- Motorways or Expressways: 100 kmph (62 mph)
In general, speed limits in Egypt are strongly enforced, and radar traps are frequent, so it is very important to follow the above limits at any time.
Collection of on the spot fines in cash is illegal in Egypt although many traffic police units will try. If you feel you must hand over cash, always get a receipt written in English. Normally, you'll be given a ticket and told to pay it at a local police station or at a bank.
Roads
Driving age
The minimum age requirement for driving in Egypt is 18 years.
Drinking and Driving
The amount of legally allowed alcohol in the blood is 0.5 mg/ml.
Mobile Phones
Only 'hands free' mobile telephones can be used whilst driving.
Documentation
Remember to carry important documentation with you at all times. Documents you should have with you:
- Vehicle Registration
- Driver's license - The information in your driving licence must be written in a Latin alphapet or accompanied by a translation by a reliable source or an international driving licence. If your license does not incorporate a photograph, ensure you carry your passport to validate the license.
- Certificate of Motor Insurance
Right of way
Safety Belts
Egypt requires the use of either seatbelts or a safety seat for everyone in the car, both at the front and back.
Driving with Children
Children under the age of 0 are prohibited from travelling in the front seat, and must be seated at the rear with a seatbelt tightly fastened or in a safety seat (depending on the child's age). The law in Egypt requires children car seats for all children at all ages. The safety seat should be a rear-facing seat, a forward-facing seat or a booster seat based on the exact age and weight of the child.
The Police
Additional Required Equipment
All cars in Egypt must be equipped with the following equipment:
Parking
There seems to be no formal parking regulations in Egypt. Commonly, people leave the handbrakes off their cars on flat ground to allow others to push their cars to and fro to be able to park.
Additional Issues
