Driving in Cameroon | africatourvisa

Driving in Cameroon can be a challenging and potentially risky undertaking, especially for foreigners. While it offers flexibility for exploring, it comes with significant caveats regarding road conditions, traffic laws, and safety.

1. Driving Requirements for Tourists

Here's a comprehensive overview:

• International Driving Permit (IDP): This is essential and legally required to drive in Cameroon. Your national driving license alone is generally not sufficient, as the IDP serves as a translation and official validation. You must carry both your national license and your IDP.
• Duration: An IDP is typically valid for up to one year in Cameroon. If you plan to stay longer, you would need to obtain a local Cameroonian license from the Delegation of Transport.
• Legal Driving Age: The legal driving age in Cameroon is 16, but to rent a car, you must generally be at least 25 years old and have held your license for a minimum of one year. Some rental companies may have different policies or surcharges for drivers under 25.
• Documents to Carry: Always carry your, Valid Driver's License (national). International Driving Permit (IDP). Passport (or a certified copy with a valid visa). Vehicle Registration Documents. Proof of Insurance

2. Road Conditions

• Poor Quality: Roads in Cameroon are generally in poor condition, especially outside of major cities. Many are heavily potholed, unpaved, and can become impassable quagmires during the rainy season.
• Lack of Lighting: Street lighting is often inadequate or non-existent, making night driving particularly hazardous.
• Hazards: Be extremely cautious of:
  • Potholes: They can be very large and cause significant damage to vehicles.
  • Pedestrians and Stray Animals: These are frequent hazards on roads, often without sidewalks or proper crossings.
  • Poorly Maintained Vehicles: Many local vehicles are old, poorly maintained, and may have defective or non-existent lights.
  • Overloaded Vehicles: Trucks and other vehicles are frequently overloaded.

3. Traffic Laws and Driving Standards

• Right-Hand Drive: Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. Urban areas: Typically 50 km/h (some sources say 60 km/h). Rural areas: Around 80-100 km/h. Highways: Up to 110 km/h.
• Seatbelt Laws: Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for all passengers.
• Mobile Phone Use: Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited.
• Alcohol Limit: The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit is 0.05% (some sources say 0.08%). Drunk driving is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties.
• Right of Way: Drivers must give way to vehicles in roundabouts and pedestrians at crosswalks.
• Traffic Signals: Be aware that "turning right at a red light is mandatory" in some interpretations, as green filter arrows may not exist. However, exercise extreme caution and prioritize safety.
• Aggressive Driving: Local driving standards can be poor. Drivers may be aggressive, disregard rules, and overtake dangerously.

4. Roadblocks and Police/Gendarmerie

• Common: Police and gendarmerie roadblocks are common throughout Cameroon, both in urban and rural areas.
• Document Checks: You will likely be asked to show your passport (or a certified copy), driving license, IDP, and vehicle registration documents.
• Bribery Attempts: There are frequent reports of uniformed security forces stopping motorists for minor or non-existent violations to extort small bribes.
  • Recommendation: While difficult, it is generally advised not to pay bribes. Instead, politely insist on a formal ticket for the alleged offense, which you can pay at a local court. This can sometimes diffuse the situation, but it requires patience and firmness.

5. Night Driving

• Strongly Advised Against: It is highly recommended to avoid driving at night, especially outside major cities and in rural areas. This is due to: Poor road conditions and lack of lighting. Poorly lit or unlit vehicles. Increased risk of accidents. Increased security risks (carjacking, armed robbery in certain areas).

6. Car Rental:

• Requirements: To rent a car, you'll need: Valid Driver's License (national and IDP), Passport Valid credit card (in the same name as the driver's license), Minimum age of 25 (or possibly a surcharge for 21-24), Proof of sufficient driving experience (e.g., minimum one year)
• Insurance: Ensure any car you hire is adequately insured. Get written confirmation from the insurance company rather than just the rental firm.
• Driver for Hire: Many travelers opt to hire a car with a driver. This is often a safer and less stressful option, as local drivers are familiar with the roads, traffic nuances, and police checkpoints. If hiring a driver, clarify the terms of liability for accidents or damage.

7. Specific Road Risks:

• Dangerous Roads: Some roads are particularly notorious for accidents or crime, such as the Yaoundé-Douala road.
• Border Areas: Roads close to the borders with Central African Republic, Chad, and Nigeria (e.g., Bamenda-Banyo, Bafoussam-Banyo, Yaoundé-Garoua, Boulai-Ngaoundere roads) have incidents of carjacking, criminal kidnapping, and armed robbery. These areas are often subject to "avoid all travel" advisories.
• Anglophone Regions: Driving in the Northwest and Southwest regions is highly dangerous due to ongoing conflict and violence.

Overall Recommendation:

While self-driving offers freedom, the challenges and risks associated with driving in Cameroon are significant. For most tourists, especially those unfamiliar with African road conditions and local customs, hiring a car with a local, experienced driver is strongly recommended. This allows you to relax, enjoy the scenery, and benefit from local expertise in navigating roads, traffic, and security checkpoints. If you choose to drive yourself, proceed with extreme caution, plan your journeys carefully, avoid night travel, and be prepared for frequent stops and potential difficulties.