Rules & Regulations
Please read through this guide before you start driving in Egypt.
- Drive on the right-hand side.
- The use of seat belts is mandatory in Egypt for all occupants of the vehicle.
- Children under 7 years of age are not allowed to sit in the front seats.
- The use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, with the exception of a hands-free system.
- The drink driving Blood alcohol level allowed is 0.05.
- Traffic lights in Cairo do not always work, if that’s the case there will be police officers at intersections signalling what cars have right of way.
- Pedestrians have right of way.
Please make sure that you are aware of all the road regulations before you start your trip in Egypt.
Speed Limits
The Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private vehicles without trailers when driving in Egypt are as follows:
- 60 kph in built-up areas.
- 90 kph on motorways.
- 100 kph on the desert highway between Cairo and Alexandria.
Things to Bring Along
Here’s a breakdown of some things to take along when driving in Egypt:
- Full UK Driving licence
- International driver’s licence
- Warning triangle in case of an accident.
- A road map of the local area that you are planning to drive in.
- A first-aid kit inside a car is required.
Additional Information
There are some toll roads in Egypt, the most relevant one being the Cairo-Alexandria road. There are also a handful of other toll roads in the country.
Parking in Egypt can be difficult particularly in big cities. There are plenty of people who can help you in exchange for a tip.
The emergency services number is 122 for police, 123 for medical attention. The Traffic Police can be reached on 128.
Motorway signs are similar to those in Europe and have a green background.
Egyptian drivers tend to use their car horns much more often than in other countries and may just be using them to greet each other.
Road accidents are quite common in Egypt, make sure you drive with extra caution and care particularly at night.
Sixt has branches in the cities of Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh as well as two branches in the capital city of Cairo.
After reading the Sixt tips for driving in Egypt check out some of the other countries we have covered including Albania and Bahrain.
