Tunisia car rental guide
Driving Rules and Speed Limits in Tunisia
Tunisia drives on the right, and the general speed pattern is familiar to most European visitors: lower in towns, higher on open roads, highest on the motorway. What actually needs attention is the routine police checkpoints on main routes and the narrow, sometimes chaotic streets inside old medina centers, not the speed numbers themselves.
Speed limits at a glance
| Road type | Typical limit |
|---|---|
| Built-up areas / towns | Around 50 km/h |
| Open roads outside towns | Around 90 km/h |
| A1 motorway (Tunis-Sousse-Sfax) | Up to 110 km/h |
Signposted limits always take priority over these general figures, and they drop sharply through smaller towns along the coastal route between Tunis, Hammamet and Sousse.
Police checkpoints are routine
Police checkpoints on main routes are a normal, frequent part of driving in Tunisia, not a sign that something is wrong. Officers may ask for your license, passport and rental papers — keep them together and easily reachable rather than digging through bags at the roadside.
Seatbelts and phones
Seatbelts are mandatory in front seats and recommended throughout. Using a handheld phone while driving is not allowed. Local driving style around Tunis and in busier towns can be assertive, with less consistent lane discipline than some visitors expect — stay alert rather than assuming other drivers will follow the same rules you do.
The A1 motorway and tolls
The A1 motorway connecting Tunis, Hammamet, Sousse and Sfax is the fastest way to cover distance along the coast, and it charges tolls at staffed booths. Keep cash on hand for tolls in addition to the cash deposit covered in what documents you need to rent a car in Tunisia.
Medina streets and parking
Old medina centers in Tunis, Sousse and Hammamet have narrow streets that are often impractical or restricted for cars. Plan to park outside the medina and walk in rather than trying to drive through — it's usually faster and avoids getting stuck in a lane that turns out to be pedestrian-only.
FAQ
What side of the road does Tunisia drive on?
The right-hand side, the same as most of continental Europe.
Are police checkpoints common in Tunisia?
Yes, they're a routine part of driving on main routes. Keep your license, passport and rental documents together and easily accessible.
What is the speed limit on Tunisia's motorway?
Typically up to 110 km/h on the A1 motorway, though signposted limits always take priority and can be lower on specific sections.
Can I drive into the old medina in Tunis or Sousse?
Usually not practically — the streets are narrow and often restricted. Park outside and walk in instead.
The rules themselves are straightforward. What actually needs attention is treating checkpoints as routine and leaving the car outside the medina rather than trying to drive through it.