Tanzania drives on the left side of the road. The country’s road regulations are managed by SUMATRA (Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority) and enforced by Tanzania Police. For self-drive hire vehicle visitors, Tanzania has several specific rules that differ from the other East Africa countries — most notably a tighter enforcement of the night driving restriction for hire vehicles and more comprehensive TRA (Tanzania Revenue Authority) checkpoint processing when entering from Kenya via Namanga. This guide covers every driving rule relevant to self-drive visitors for 2027/2028.
Speed Limits
- Urban areas (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi): 50km/h
- Open tarmac highway: 80km/h (not 100km/h as in Kenya — Tanzania’s limit is lower)
- School zones: 25km/h during school hours
- Park internal tracks: 25 to 40km/h depending on the specific park regulation (the Serengeti and Ngorongoro both set their own internal track speed limits — observe the signposted limits)
Tanzania Police operate speed traps with both fixed and mobile speed guns on the major highways. The A7 (Dar-Morogoro-Iringa highway), the A104 (Arusha-Moshi), and the Arusha-Namanga road are consistently monitored. Fines for speeding are issued on the spot with an official receipt — the amount varies from TZS 100,000 to 300,000 (approximately USD 40 to 120) depending on how much the limit is exceeded. Always request an official receipt for any fine paid at a checkpoint.
Night Driving: The Hire Vehicle Restriction
Tanzania has an elevated risk profile for road accidents at night — both from road condition factors and from pedestrian and livestock hazards on unlighted roads. Many Tanzania hire vehicle agreements explicitly prohibit night driving (typically defined as driving between 7pm and 6am). Driving in violation of this clause while having an accident can void the CDW coverage and create personal liability for full damage costs. Confirm your specific hire agreement’s position on night driving. The practical implication for safari planning: plan all driving to conclude before 6pm. If the day’s drive will arrive at accommodation after dark (common in wet season when road conditions slow progress), inform the hire company and confirm if there is a protocol for late arrival — some companies issue an explicit exception in writing for specific nights.
TRA Checkpoints
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) operates road checkpoints on major highways — these are specifically focused on vehicle import compliance, cargo manifests for commercial vehicles, and ensuring that the vehicle’s Temporary Import Permit is valid. At TRA checkpoints, stop when directed, present the TIP document and vehicle registration, and allow the officer to inspect the TIP validity dates. If your TIP is out of date (you have overstayed the permit), the fine is significant. Track your TIP expiry date carefully and exit Tanzania before the permit expires.
IDP Requirement
Tanzania enforces the International Driving Permit requirement more consistently than some other East Africa countries. Specifically, the Tanzania Police checkpoints on the Arusha-Namanga highway and the Dar es Salaam city exits have been known to specifically check IDP documents for foreign-licensed drivers in hire vehicles. Carry your IDP alongside your national licence at all times when driving in Tanzania.
Key Road Conditions Tanzania 2027/2028
- Dar es Salaam to Morogoro (A7): Good dual carriageway, 2.5 hours for 195km
- Morogoro to Iringa (A7): Good tarmac with some pothole sections, 3 hours for 300km
- Iringa to Ruaha Gate: Tarmac 30km then murram 100km, 2.5-3 hours
- Arusha to Tarangire/Manyara (A104): Excellent tarmac, 1.5-2 hours for 125km
- Karatu to Naabi Hill Gate (via NCA): Graded murram, 3 to 4 hours for 215km through the NCA
- Dar to Nyerere/Selous north gate: Tarmac to Kibiti junction, murram final 50km, 3-4 hours
