Benin's Animal-Pulled Cart Road Rule: Donkeys Have the Right of Way

In the rural regions of Benin, there is an intriguing transport custom rooted in agricultural life: carts pulled by donkeys are said to have the right of way on certain country roads. While this custom is not codified in official traffic laws, it has been passed down through local tradition and is observed by many villagers to ensure respect and safety around these slow-moving but vital transport animals. Donkey-pulled carts are commonly used to transport goods and family members in areas where motorized vehicles are less accessible. This informal right of way helps prevent accidents and acknowledges the importance of livestock in everyday life. Visitors to these areas might find it surprising to see motor vehicles yielding to humble animal carts, reflecting Benin’s blend of modern and traditional mobility. Although this practice is more a local custom than a legal requirement, it highlights the unique ways communities adapt road use to their environment and culture.