Morocco has introduced new rules for hearses and funeral transport, making them look neutral and meet strict health and safety standards. The rules were published on 12 February.
All hearses must now remove decorative signs, slogans, or religious symbols. Only two things can be written on the vehicle: “transport of the dead” and the owner’s name. Vehicles must also have two green stripes, warning lights, and a small alert sound.
The rules also set clear safety standards. Coffins must be kept in a separate, closed-off compartment that can’t be opened from the driver’s side. Surfaces must be easy to clean, and the compartment must be refrigerated. Stretchers of the right size are required, and vehicles must be disinfected after every trip. Drivers also need regular health check-ups.
The government says the goal is to make funeral services professional, safe, and respectful, while stopping informal or commercial misuse.
The new rules replace old ones from 1970 and bring Morocco closer to international standards for transporting bodies, including for international travel. They also set waiting times for exhumations: three years for cholera or tetanus, and more than five years for dangerous diseases like Ebola.
Breaking the rules can lead to vehicle seizure, driver’s license suspension, or fines. Most of the rules take full effect by mid-March 2026, though companies have some extra time to upgrade vehicles with expensive equipment.
To operate legally, funeral vehicles need approval from both the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Health. Vehicles are inspected for hygiene, safety, and proper licensing.
