The recent traffic tickets issued to vehicles with international plates have nothing to do with the use of foreign-format license plates themselves, according to the Moroccan Ministry of Transport and Logistics. Instead, these citations were issued due to non-compliance with specific national regulations. The ministry felt compelled to clarify the matter following a wave of misinformation circulating on social media and various websites.
Officials emphasized that the vehicles in question violated rules set out in Articles 61 and 61-1 of Morocco’s Highway Code. These are further detailed in annexes 12, 13, and 14 of the ministerial decree from September 29, 2010, which outlines the standards for registering motor vehicles and trailers. The use of international-style plates is not prohibited, but their use is conditional—and in these cases, the problem wasn’t the plate format, but rather the failure to meet regulatory specifications.
To facilitate travel abroad and shield Moroccan motorists from penalties in other countries, the ministry had previously allowed the use of international license plates on a provisional basis. That authorization remains in effect while updates to Article 28 of the same 2010 decree are being finalized. The revisions are still underway, but until then, the temporary measure remains valid.
A directive reflecting this stance was sent to the Royal Gendarmerie and the General Directorate for National Security on July 8, 2025. It instructed law enforcement to apply this guidance during vehicle inspections, ensuring drivers are treated fairly under the temporary rules.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing the transport sector. This includes overhauling current legislation and strengthening road safety initiatives. It also reiterated its openness to engaging with the public and answering any questions about transportation and logistics procedures that may arise.
