Every year when January rolls around, there's something that happens all across Morocco. It's not the New Year celebrations I'm talking about—though those are wonderful. No, it's the sudden rush of people realizing they forgot to pay their car vignette!
You know that feeling when you wake up on January 2nd and think, "Wait, didn't I need to do something important?" Well, if you own a car in Morocco, that "something" is probably your Morocco car vignette—the annual vehicle tax that every driver needs to pay. Let me share what I've learned about this system after watching countless friends scramble at the last minute each year.
What Exactly Is the Morocco Car Vignette?
The vignette, officially called the TSAV (Taxe Spéciale Annuelle sur les Véhicules), is Morocco's annual vehicle tax. Think of it as your car's yearly membership fee to legally drive on Moroccan roads. Every vehicle owner must pay it, and there's no getting around it—well, unless you drive an electric or hybrid vehicle, but I'll get to that in a moment.
When I first moved to Morocco, I was confused about this system. Why January? Why all at once? But after a few years here, I've come to understand it's actually quite straightforward once you know the rules.
The 2026 Morocco Car Vignette: What You Need to Know
Here's the good news—the rates for 2026 haven't changed from last year. The amount you pay depends on two things: your car's fiscal horsepower (CV) and what type of fuel it uses. The Moroccan government keeps these rates relatively stable, which makes planning easier.
Important Dates for Your Morocco Car Vignette
The payment window opens on January 1st and closes on January 31st. That's it—just 31 days to get it done. Mark your calendar now, set a reminder on your phone, write it on a sticky note and put it on your fridge. Trust me, you don't want to forget this deadline.
One piece of good news for 2026: If you've just bought a new car, you now have 60 days from receiving your car registration receipt to pay the vignette. This is an improvement from the previous 30-day deadline. The government realized that getting all your paperwork sorted for a new car can take time, especially with how busy the administrative offices can get.
Who Gets a Free Pass? Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Here's something that makes me excited about Morocco's future—electric and hybrid vehicles are completely exempt from the vignette tax!
This is Morocco's way of encouraging cleaner transportation. As someone who's watched Marrakech and Casablanca grow increasingly congested over the years, I think this is a smart move. Every time I see a Tesla or a hybrid rolling through the medina, I know that's one less vignette payment and one step toward cleaner air for our beautiful country.
How to Pay Your Morocco Car Vignette (The Easy Way)
Gone are the days when you had to stand in long lines at government offices. Now, paying your vignette is actually quite convenient. Let me walk you through your options:
Online Payment (My Personal Favorite)
Visit mavignette.ma—the official government website. You can pay from your couch while drinking your morning coffee. The site is available in Arabic and French, and the process takes just a few minutes. You'll need your car registration details and a way to pay online.
Through Your Bank
Most Moroccan banks now let you pay through:
- Their mobile apps (I use mine all the time)
- Online banking websites
- ATMs (GAB machines)
Just look for the vignette payment option in your banking app. It's usually right there on the main menu.
In Person at Bank Branches
If you prefer the traditional way or don't trust online payments, you can still visit any partner bank agency or authorized payment point. The staff can help you complete the payment and give you your receipt right there.
The Golden Rule: Keep Your Receipt!
Here's something crucial that catches people off guard—there's no more sticker for your windshield.
A few years ago, you'd get a little sticker (macaron) to put on your car's windshield as proof of payment. Not anymore! Now, your payment receipt (quittance) is your only proof. Police can check the system electronically during traffic stops, but it's still smart to keep a copy of your receipt in your car, just in case.
I keep mine in my glove compartment with my other car documents. Simple, safe, and always there when I need it.
What Happens If You Forget? The Penalty System
Life gets busy, I understand. But forgetting to pay your Morocco car vignette comes with consequences that aren't fun.
After January 31st, here's what happens:
- First month late: 15% penalty added to your vignette cost
- Additional months: 0.5% added for each extra month you're late
- Minimum penalty: 100 dirhams, no matter how small your vignette amount
Let me give you a real example. Say your vignette costs 300 dirhams. If you pay in February (just one month late), you'll pay 345 dirhams instead. Wait until March? Even more. These penalties add up quickly, and they're completely avoidable.
One time, my neighbor forgot until March. The guilt and the extra cost bothered him all year. He set five different reminders for the next January—I'm not kidding!
Why January 1st? A Little Context
You might wonder why Morocco chose January 1st as the universal deadline. It's actually quite practical—the start of the calendar year makes it easy to remember (though clearly not easy enough for everyone!).
It also helps the government organize its annual budget and road maintenance planning. All those vignette payments go toward maintaining Morocco's roads, traffic systems, and transportation infrastructure. When you pay your vignette, you're contributing to the highways that connect Tangier to Agadir and everything in between.
My Personal Vignette Payment Routine
I've developed a system that works perfectly for me. On December 28th each year (a few days before the deadline opens), I set aside time to pay my vignette. I log into my bank app, navigate to the vignette section, complete the payment in about three minutes, and immediately download and save the receipt to three places:
- My phone
- My email
- A printed copy in my car
This might seem excessive, but it gives me peace of mind for the entire year. No scrambling, no penalties, no stress.
Tips for First-Time Vignette Payers
If this is your first year paying a Morocco car vignette, here's my advice:
Don't wait until the last week of January. The online system can get slow when everyone rushes to pay at once. Early January is much smoother.
Have your car registration number ready. You'll need this information to complete your payment, whether online or in person.
Save confirmation screenshots. When you pay online, take screenshots of every confirmation page. Technology can glitch, and having proof of your payment process can be helpful.
Check your spam folder if you're expecting an email receipt. Sometimes these official emails end up in spam.
Looking Ahead: Morocco's Vehicle Tax System
Morocco's vehicle tax system is actually quite modern compared to many countries. The move to digital payments, the exemption for eco-friendly vehicles, and the streamlined process all show that Morocco is adapting to make things easier for drivers.
There's talk of further digitalization in the coming years. Maybe one day we'll have automatic annual renewals or payment reminders sent directly to our phones. For now, though, it's up to us to remember that January deadline.
Don't Let January 1st Catch You by Surprise
The Morocco car vignette is one of those things that seems minor until you forget it. Then suddenly, it becomes a headache you didn't need. But now you're prepared! You know the dates, the payment methods, and the penalties to avoid.
My challenge to you? Set your reminder right now. Seriously, pull out your phone and set a reminder for December 30th, 2025, that says "Pay Morocco car vignette!" Your future self will thank you.
And if you're reading this in late January with a sinking feeling in your stomach—don't panic. Pay it as soon as possible to minimize the penalties, and then set those reminders for next year!
Have you paid your Morocco car vignette yet? Do you have any tips or experiences to share about the payment process? Drop a comment below—I'd love to hear your stories, especially if you've found easier ways to remember or pay. Let's help each other navigate life in Morocco together!