![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
11 May 2015
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
Just to add to what Dave wrote above, regarding speed traps:
I left Morocco yesterday, after having spent 10 days there riding from north to south and back again. I saw lots and lots of police check-points, but at every single one, I was waved through. I think that the Moroccan police have no interest in stopping tourists at these checkpoints, or perhaps they might have even been directed from upon high to leave the tourists alone.
But...
As I drove the final 200 miles north to Tanger Med port, I was just astonished at the number of manned 'radar traps' on the highways, especially on the high speed toll roads. Jeepers, there must have been a radar speed checkpoint every 15 to 20 km. Normal practice was for the person with the radar device to hide in the bushes, then radio ahead to colleagues who would have a presence a few kilometers up the road - typically at the next exit.
Personally, I'm kind of grateful for all this police presence, because I found Morocco to be a remarkably safe country to ride in, so far as traffic is concerned. But, if you have to travel up to Tanger Med to buy your insurance, do not under any circumstances exceed the speed limit!
Lastly - be aware that when you buy the moto insurance, you have to declare whether it is for 1, 2, or 3 (3 being a sidecar) seating positions on the moto. You used the word 'we' in your original post - this suggests to me that you will have to specifically ask for coverage for 2 people on the moto.
Michael
Last edited by Chris Scott; 13 May 2015 at 14:11.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
11 May 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,474
|
|
or they could be in a 4x4....................however now I remember, they are on a bmw bike
going rate for a speeding ticket last time I got caught was 300dH. North of the ws checkpoints will wave through tourists but speed traps are very different and they will stop you if speeding.
Anyway has the op got sorted out yet?
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
12 May 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: East Sussex, England
Posts: 173
|
|
Very true about the manned speed-checks on the motorway to Tangiers. Seeing the cop hiding in the bushes in the central reservation was quite amusing.
I was stopped for crossing a solid white line on an overtake. I hadn't crossed it - I'd actually been consciously delaying for the broken line.
The cop was friendly and accepted my argument. but he let me sweat for a few minutes wondering if I'd missed a speed limit sign.
That was the only time I was stopped by a checkpoint - in the north. In the south it's a different kettle of prawns - oh yes!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
12 May 2015
|
![Tim Cullis's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar15097_3.gif) |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,083
|
|
It used to be 400 dh for speeding, now it's 300 dh, 700 dh or 1000 dh depending on amount of excess speed.
The technology has been tightened up, now for every photo image from the radar gun the cops are expected to collect the relevant fine, so no more 'half price deals'.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
12 May 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,461
|
|
Many different views on the speed traps, some Moroccans say they never pay, they ask to be taken to headquarters and then wait it out. Many people actually like the tight speed checks, and it makes sense since they have only had the freeways with high speeds for a decade or so and drivers are still adapting to (in 2007 there were donkeys and people walking on the four-lane to Marrakech. Things have changed, a lot). They think it is necessary to keep accidents down.
As for checkpoints, those are for security and with the presence of ISIS recruiters in the north it is a good thing. One small town I forgot the name, there was noone in the street but they did have _four_ check points. Probably for a reason.
They are of course looking for smugglers and regular crimials too.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
12 May 2015
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by priffe
...Many people actually like the tight speed checks...
|
Yeah, to be honest, I actually came to appreciate the rather heavy traffic police presence in Morocco after riding there for a few days. The drivers in Morocco are a lot better behaved than drivers in many 'fully developed' countries, for example, Canada and the USA, and I am pretty sure this is due to the very conspicuous presence of the traffic cops.
I found myself paying a lot more attention to speed limit signs than I ever did before, and to tell you the truth, it didn't really cramp my style much.
The police were VERY polite to me, as an obvious tourist... they always waved me through the spot-checks, and on a few occasions, when I stopped to ask them for directions or local advice, they were extremely helpful and courteous, absolutely first class in every respect.
Michael
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|