Rules of the Road and Traffic Regulations
Which side, which lane
Mauritius drives on the left. Keep left except when overtaking, turning right, or when lane markings direct otherwise. Overtake on the right, and never at a pedestrian crossing, on a bend, at a junction, or anywhere a continuous line forbids it.
Speed and stopping distance
Default limits are generally 40 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside them and 100 km/h on motorways for light vehicles, but posted signs and school, hospital and hazard limits always take priority. Drive at a speed from which you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
Junctions and roundabouts
At an unsigned junction, give way to traffic approaching from your right. At a roundabout, traffic already circulating has priority: approach slowly, give way to your right, signal left to leave, and never change lanes across an exit.
People and priorities
Give way to pedestrians on zebra crossings and to anyone already crossing. Never overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing. Give emergency vehicles using sirens and blue lights a clear path, without breaking the law or mounting the pavement to do it. Seat belts are compulsory for front and rear occupants where fitted, motorcyclists must wear an approved helmet, and hand-held phone use while driving is prohibited.
Worked example
You want the third exit of a four-arm roundabout. Keep left on approach unless signs allocate lanes to exits; if you take the right-hand lane, stay in it until you have passed the exit before yours, then signal left, check your left mirror and blind spot, and leave. If a car is already circulating from your right, you wait.
Traps
Entering a roundabout without giving way; signalling right the whole way round and forgetting the exit signal; overtaking a bus stopped at a bus stop; believing a give-way sign or green light removes your duty to look; drifting over 40 km/h because the road looks open.