Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
» Tree branches on the road are the local version of flares or hazard lights, and mean
there's a stopped vehicle, crater-sized pothole or similar calamity ahead.
ROAD RULES
» In theory, traffic in Mozambique drives on the left.
» Traffic already in a roundabout has the right of way (again, in theory).
» The driver and all passengers are required to wear a seatbelt.
» Other relevant provisions of Mozambique's traffic law include a prohibition on driving
while using a mobile phone, a requirement to drive with the vehicle's insurance certific-
ate, and a requirement to carry a reflector vest and two hazard triangles.
» Speed limits (usually 100km/h on main roads, 80km/h on approaches to towns and
60km/h or less when passing through towns) are enforced by radar.
» Fines for speeding and other traffic infringements vary, and should always be negotiated
(in a polite, friendly way), keeping in mind that official speeding fines range from
Mtc1000 up to Mtc24,000, depending on how much above the speed limit you are travel-
ling and where the infringement occurs.
» Driving on the beach is illegal.
Hitching
» As anywhere in the world, hitching is never entirely safe, and we don't recommend it.
This said, in parts of rural Mozambique, your only transport option will be hitching a lift.
Payment is usually not expected, but clarify before getting in. A small token of thanks is
always appreciated. If you do need to pay, it is usually equivalent to what you would pay
on a bus or
chapa
for the same journey.
» To flag down a vehicle, hold your hand out at about waist level and wave it up and
down; the Western gesture of holding out the thumb is not used.
» Hitching in pairs is safer. Women should avoid hitching alone.
» Throughout the country, the prevalence of drunk drivers makes it essential to try and as-
sess the driver's condition before getting into a vehicle.
