Latest news with #NARSA
Morocco World
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Morocco World
NARSA Calls Out Driving Schools for Unfair Practices, Misleading Ads
Rabat – The National Road Safety Agency (NARSA) recently exposed troubling practices within some driving schools, warning that misleading advertisements and undervalued training fees threaten the integrity of the driving education sector. These practices besmirch the reputation of the profession, disrupt fair competition, and ultimately harm both learners and reputable institutions. In an official statement published this week, NARSA reminded the public that the fees for theoretical and practical training are strictly regulated by Ministerial Decision No. 1673.18, issued by the Ministry of Equipment and Transport. The decision sets reference prices for the different categories of driving licenses to ensure consistency and quality among all the training providers. For instance, the training fees for Class A and A1 licenses are set at MAD 2,100, while Class B and E(B) licenses require a fee of MAD 2,250. More advanced categories, such as Class C and D, carry fees of MAD 4,150, and the higher categories E(C) and D(E) require MAD 4,550. These tariffs are the standard, and NARSA requires all driving schools to follow these rates so that the rights of both learners and schools are protected. Read also: Driving Exam: Moroccan Road Safety Agency Reports Surge in Success Rates The agency confirmed it will take firm action against establishments that fail to comply with these regulations. NARSA plans to use all available legal and administrative tools to sanction offenders and ensure the sector operates under fair and transparent conditions. NARSA also lamented unapproved online content relating to driver's education. Some websites have been sharing inaccurate and unofficial information that could mislead candidates preparing for their driving tests. In response, the agency has initiated legal proceedings against the owners of these sites to halt the spread of such misinformation. Mohamed Ait Arjdal, head of NARSA's driving education sector, explained that these measures aim not only to enforce rules but also to safeguard fairness in the industry. He pointed out that undervaluing training fees and disregarding contractual obligations undermine trust and reduce the overall quality of driver education. 'This effort guarantees equal opportunities for candidates and maintains a fair environment for schools that follow the law,' Ait Arjdal told SNRTnews. He urged learner drivers to be wary of unrealistically low prices and misleading ads, stressing the importance of choosing schools that adhere to official norms to be well prepared and pass the driving license examination. Tags: driving licensedriving license examMorocco driving licenseNARSA
Ya Biladi
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's road safety agency urges caution ahead of Eid al-Adha travel rush
The National Road Safety Agency (NARSA) has urged road users to exercise heightened vigilance and take necessary safety precautions ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebrations on Saturday. The advisory follows the decision to declare Monday, June 9, a public holiday for government offices and local authorities. This period is expected to bring heavy traffic across the national road network, requiring extra caution and strict adherence to road safety rules—especially with the high demand for intercity public transport, which plays a vital role in citizen mobility, NARSA noted in a statement. The agency advises drivers to conduct mechanical inspections and check key safety systems—such as tires, brakes, lights, shock absorbers, and windshield wipers—before traveling. It also stresses the importance of getting adequate rest to avoid fatigue, which can impair concentration and reaction time. Luggage should be securely fastened and vehicles must not be overloaded, particularly in the case of goods and public passenger transport. While on the road, drivers are urged to reduce speed, adapt to traffic and weather conditions, and strictly observe the Highway Code—especially on curves, slopes, and steep roads. Maintaining a safe following distance, particularly on national roads and highways, is crucial, as is caution when overtaking or driving at night. Children under ten must ride in the back seat, and seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, including those on public buses. NARSA also reminds road users to avoid convoy driving, use signals when overtaking or stopping, and refrain from abrupt maneuvers—especially after dark.
Morocco World
01-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Revamps Transport Sector with New Safety and Service Quality Standards
Rabat – Morocco's Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, recently launched a comprehensive reform plan aimed at modernizing the country's transport sector. The project focuses on improving public safety, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing service quality across various transport modes. The reform includes the renewal of the intercity bus fleet, professional training for drivers, and support for the rural and tourism transport sectors, as well as the car rental industry. The reforms were presented during a series of steering committee meetings held in Rabat from April 28 to 30, bringing together key stakeholders from public passenger transport, rural mixed transport, tourism transport, and driverless car rental services. Officials from the Ministry and the National Road Safety Agency (NARSA) also participated in the discussions, reflecting a strong push for a coordinated and participatory approach. Central to the new strategy is the 'Safe Autocar' program, which seeks to replace outdated intercity buses with modern, safer vehicles. Backed by an annual budget of MAD 200 million ($19.6 million), the fleet renewal initiative will run from 2024 to 2026, aiming to raise public transport's attractiveness and reliability. The plan also addresses the need to professionalize the transport tourism sector by encouraging structured investment and improving service standards. Additionally, a dedicated vehicle renewal program aims to enhance safety and connectivity for remote communities in rural and mountainous regions. Acknowledging the rapid expansion of Morocco's driverless car rental industry, fueled by tourism and the seasonal return of Moroccans living abroad, Kayouh announced an extension of the transitional period for rental agencies to comply with the new regulatory framework that was implemented in April of 2024. He also asserted his ministry's commitment to digitalizing procedures to build a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable transport system. On Tuesday, Kayouh unveiled a bold MAD 96 billion ($9.6 billion) investment plan to modernize Morocco's railway infrastructure by 2030. The minister detailed that the plan is designed to significantly enhance rail connectivity, improve service quality, and support Morocco's broader goals for sustainable and efficient transport. Tags: Abdessamad Kayouhtransporttransport reformtransport sector
Morocco World
21-03-2025
- Automotive
- Morocco World
Taxis, InDrive, E-Scooters, Highway Code: Morocco Revamps Transport Ahead of World Cup 2030
Rabat – The Moroccan government has endorsed a decree introducing adjustments to traffic fines and administrative procedures in the Highway Code. Under the new provisions, individuals who commit infractions can choose where to reclaim their driving license, vehicle registration certificate, or property title, either at their place of residence or where they pay the fine. Authorities now have the power to seize a vehicle's ownership title, in addition to a driving license or registration certificate, with a 30-day deadline for document recovery once the fine is settled. The decision, taken during the weekly government council meeting on Thursday, is in response to efforts to harmonize regulations with recent legislative changes. Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka presented the decree on behalf of Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh. The measure revises aspects of Law No. 52.05, which governs road regulations, incorporating updates from Law No. 116.14. Government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas explained that the amendments look to clarify procedures for handling traffic violations and streamline the retrieval of confiscated documents. The decree also brings legal references in line with the creation of the National Road Safety Agency (NARSA). Mentions of the ministry in key articles of the Highway Code will be replaced with NARSA, further proving its role in road safety enforcement. During the same session, officials postponed discussions on another decree on maritime investigations into fishing vessel incidents. However, the government decided to allow more time to refine the text before moving ahead. Morocco is making efforts to improve road safety by updating regulations and simplifying procedures. The reforms express a commitment to less ambiguous rules and stronger enforcement to make the system more efficient for drivers and authorities as well. Ride-hailing apps vs taxis These reforms come amid broader challenges in Morocco's transport sector, particularly tensions between traditional taxis and ride-hailing services like inDrive. During a parliamentary session in January 2025, Minister of Interior Abdelouafi Laftit acknowledged the urgent need to regulate ride-sharing apps. He even announced that the government is conducting a study to legalize these services in the near future. The minister admitted that ride-hailing apps operate in a legal gray area but recognized their growing presence. 'We cannot formally integrate ride-hailing cars yet, but we also cannot pretend they do not exist,' he stated. The ongoing discussions are looking to develop solutions that allow citizens to choose their preferred mode of transport while addressing concerns from traditional taxi operators. Taxi unions have strongly opposed these digital platforms, and even escalated, more than once, their efforts to curb their influence. Earlier this month, professional taxi unions petitioned Morocco's High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) to stop airing an inDrive advertisement on the public television channel 2M. They denounced it as a provocation since the application operates without proper licensing. The unions described the advertisement as 'a flagrant violation of national laws' and 'a serious threat to the taxi sector's interests.' Their appeal referenced multiple legal frameworks, including Royal Decree No. 1.63.260 and Interior Ministry Circular No. 19959, which mandates monitoring illegal transport activities. This latest confrontation adds to the ongoing heated struggle between Morocco's traditional taxi services and digital ride-hailing platforms. Electric scooters: new regulations on the horizon Discussions are not limited to taxis and ride-hailing apps. The rapid rise of electric scooters has also prompted regulatory changes. Electric scooters have become a common sight in Morocco's cities, but their unregulated use poses risks to riders and pedestrians alike. The Ministry of Transport is preparing to amend Law No. 52.05 to address safety concerns and reduce road accidents linked to these vehicles. Under the proposed law, individuals with a standard driving license (Class B) will need to complete additional training at a driving school before being allowed to operate an electric scooter. This measure may not sit well with thousands of riders who already use scooters for daily transport. Preparing for FIFA World Cup 2030 As Morocco prepares to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, the need for a well-functioning transport system has become more pressing now than ever. Large-scale sporting events attract millions of visitors and put significant pressure on infrastructure and mobility services. Authorities are working to ensure an ideal transport experience for locals and international guests in order to avoid congestion and logistical setbacks. From updating traffic laws to regulating emerging transport services, Morocco's efforts reflect a broader push to modernize regulations, improve road safety, and enhance efficiency. The upcoming tournament serves as a catalyst for authorities to refine these policies, invest in infrastructure, and streamline public and private transportation. Yet, with ongoing disputes over ride-sharing services, concerns over traditional taxis, and the speedy rise of alternative transport options, can Morocco strike the right balance between regulation, innovation, and accessibility before the FIFA World Cup arrives in 2030?
