It’s best to read up on some driving tips for Egypt if you are preparing for a trip to this historical country in the desert. Here we go over some general rules and regulations, speed limits, and other information you should know before renting a car here.
Rules and Regulations
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- 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 allowed drunk driving blood alcohol level is 0.05%.
- Traffic lights in Cairo do not always work. If that’s the case there will be police officers at intersections signaling what cars have right of way.
- Pedestrians always have right of way.
Speed Limits
These are the standard legal speed limits in Egypt for private vehicles without trailers.
| Within city limits | 60 kph (37 mph) |
| Outside city limits | 90 kph (56 mph) |
| Desert highway between Cairo & Alexandria | 100 kph (62 mph) |
What to Bring Along
- International driver’s license
- Warning triangle to put on the road in the event of an accident.
- A road map of the local area where you are planning to drive.
- A first-aid kit is required to be carried in the car.
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 are willing to help you park in exchange for a tip.
- The emergency services number is 122 for police, 123 for medical attention. The traffic police can be reached at 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, Alexandria, Sharm el-Sheikh as well as multiple branches in the capital city of Cairo.
