The basic rules
In Tunisia you drive on the right and overtake on the left. Road signs are bilingual (Arabic and French) on the main roads.
- Usual speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on roads, 110 km/h on motorways. Always follow the signs, which may set lower limits.
- Seat belts are compulsory in the front and rear.
- Using a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited.
- Alcohol: tolerance is low and checks are frequent. The simplest rule: don't drink if you drive.
Right of way and roundabouts
At many roundabouts, priority to the right still applies: vehicles entering may have priority over those already on the roundabout. Slow down, watch carefully and stay predictable.
In town, expect lane changes without indicators, pedestrians crossing outside crossings and taxis stopping suddenly. Keep your distance.
Police checkpoints
Road checks are frequent, especially at the entrance to towns. Slow down, stay calm and show your documents if asked:
- your driving licence and passport;
- the rental agreement and vehicle papers, provided by TCAR and kept in the glovebox.
At night, switching on the interior light as you approach a checkpoint makes things easier.
Motorways, tolls and fuel
Motorways link Tunis with Cap Bon, Hammamet, Sousse, Sfax and Bizerte. They are toll roads: keep some change in dinars.
Petrol stations are plentiful on main roads, further apart in the south and inland. Fill up before long drives. The car is supplied with a full tank and must be returned full.
Driving at night
If possible, avoid long night drives on secondary roads: uneven lighting, carts and poorly lit two-wheelers, animals on the road. On motorways and in towns, night driving is not particularly difficult.
Our tips for a stress-free drive
- Add the GPS option or download offline maps before you set off.
- Use guarded car parks in towns and tourist areas.
- Keep the TCAR assistance number handy: +216 23 557 966, available 24/7.
- In case of an accident or breakdown, don't move the car before calling assistance, unless it is dangerous to stay.