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Cross-border route

South Africa Lesotho

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from South Africa into Lesotho: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Lesotho expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1949 Geneva Convention format. Both countries drive on the left, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The Maseru Bridge crossing links Lesotho's capital with the South African Free State.

Get my permit for Lesotho Lesotho requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromSouth Africa

ToLesotho

IDP in LesothoStrongly recommended

Accepted format1949 Geneva

Driving sideleft (no change)

Currency in LesothoLSL

Emergency number112 or 123 (police)

Top speed limit100 km/h main roads

South Africa → Lesotho

Crossing the border

The Maseru Bridge crossing links Lesotho's capital with the South African Free State.

Driving rules in Lesotho

Drive on the left.
Snow and ice on high passes in winter.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Watch for livestock and pedestrians.

Once you're driving in Lesotho

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

Foreign visitors may drive for up to one year on a valid foreign licence (if in English or accompanied by a certified translation) or on an International Driving Permit; rental firms generally expect the IDP alongside the original.

Tolls & road charges

Lesotho has no motorway toll or vignette system; there is no charge to use the road network itself, though you pay standard border-post and road-fund fees when bringing a South African rental in via gates such as Maseru Bridge.

Parking in the cities

Maseru uses attendant-managed and some metered street parking where marshals collect a small maloti fee; park in designated bays as illegal parking can be ticketed, and secure off-street parking is advised overnight.

Fines & camera enforcement

Speed limits are 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h open road and up to 120 km/h on the few highways; speeding, phone and seatbelt offences bring fines (often payable to police), with steeper penalties for serious breaches.

If you have an accident

Dial 123 or 124 for police (LMPS) and 121 for ambulance; do not move vehicles after an injury crash, report it to the Lesotho Mounted Police Service and get a police report for insurance.

Driving in the capital

Maseru drives on the left; watch the busy Maseru Bridge border approach and Kingsway roundabouts where minibus taxis stop abruptly, and stray livestock and pedestrians wander onto roads even within the capital.

Sources: internationaldrivingauthority.com · globalpetrolprices.com · anywhereweroam.com · lmps.org.ls

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from South Africa to Lesotho?

Yes — Lesotho commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Lesotho recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between South Africa and Lesotho?

No. Both South Africa and Lesotho drive on the left.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Lesotho?

In Lesotho, dial 112 or 123 (police) for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 100 km/h main roads, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Lesotho?

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.