Driving in Cameroon

If you are moving to Cameroon, you will definitely have to move from one place to another. For this, you will probably rent or buy a car. However, you have to make sure that you have the appropriate driver's license to be able to drive and be aware of the local road infrastructure conditions and of traffic regulations. In most cases, you will have to obtain an international driver's license prior to moving.

Good to know:

Most of Cameroon roads are quite dangerous due to lack of proper road infrastructure. You are therefore advised to be very careful while driving.

Traffic and road safety regulations

Most Cameroonian motorists drive without a driver's license. Hence the increasing number of road accidents occurring year after year. Foreigners having chosen to drive in the country have to be very cautious while driving, particularly due to others' carelessness. Moreover, you will notice a great lack of road signs across the country.

Good to know:

The main road connecting Douala to Yaoundé is known to be particularly dangerous, even deadly as many accidents have occurred there. You are strongly advised to avoid driving there in the evening and at night.

However, Cameroon's Rousseau traffic code has been formalized in early 2014 so as to adapt to the country's road infrastructure conditions.

Driver's license

International driver's licenses and driver's licenses having been issued by Central African States Economic and Monetary Community (CASEMC) are recognized in Cameroon. Moreover, Cameroon has signed a reciprocal agreement with several countries regarding the exchange of driver's licenses. Thus, you are allowed to exchange your national driver's license for a Cameroonian driver's license, and vice-versa. However, you first have to inquire if this agreement also applies to your home country.

Converting your driver's license

Citizens of some countries have to convert their national driver's license into a Cameroonian driver's license. For this, you will have to visit the Ministry of Transport's office along with required documents:

• a photocopy of your driver's license
• an authentication certificate issued by your home country's embassy or consulate in Cameroon
• a photocopy of your resident permit
• fees applies (some CFA 20,000).

Obtaining a local driver's license

You may also obtain your driver's license in Cameroon if you do not yet have it. Many driving schools are available in the country. Note that there are seven types of driver's licenses in Cameroon. These are classified as A, B, C, D, E, F and G according to different types of vehicles, that is motorcycles, cars, goods vehicles, heavy weight vehicles, etc.

Good to know:

The minimum eligibility age varies from 16, 18, 20 and 21 years according to the different categories of driver's licenses.

Moreover, in case of renewal of a driver's license, you will have to undergo a medical examination. Criteria of minimum age criteria also applies here.

Penalties

Your driver's license will be confiscated or suspended if you are found guilty of dangerous driving due to alcohol consumption or poisoning, severe or fatal accident, hit and run, refusal to cooperate, obstruction to traffic, etc. A report containing the minutes of objection to the offense will be sent by the agent to the competent committee. You will be eligible to a regulatory model receipt pending the committee final decision. Your driver's license will then be sent to the driver's license suspension committee's president.

A demerit point system has also been introduced in Cameroon January 2014 with the aim of reducing the number of road accidents. Thus, the progressive withdrawal of points can lead to the driver's license's suspension or withdrawal. Moreover, drivers arrested for driving without a license will be sued in court.

Emergency numbers

Police - 113

From a mobile phone - 117

From a land line - 17

Fire services

From a mobile phone - 118

From a land line ' 18

Useful link:

Ministry of Transport www.mint.gov.cm