Road Traffic Law in Cambodia
Everything you need to know about driving rules and penalties in Cambodia
Road Traffic Law in Cambodia
The Cambodian road traffic law includes the latest legal amendments and penalties introduced in 2020 and 2022. These updates focus on stricter driving license regulations, the introduction of the points-based driving license system, vehicle registration rules, driver responsibilities, and expanded police enforcement powers. Penalties have also increased for major risk factors such as drunk driving, speeding, and failure to wear a helmet.
The new road traffic law in Cambodia aims to improve safety on roads known to be particularly dangerous.
Traffic Offense Updates - June 2022
Previously, drivers were systematically fined for certain types of traffic violations. Today, the law allows for warnings in some cases, while other offenses still result in fines. However, since the official implementation of the driving license points system, many of these violations now lead to points being deducted.
Details available on the private Members Site.
Speed Limits in Cambodia
When No Speed Limit Sign Is Present
In Urban Areas:
- 30 km/h for motorcycles and vehicles limited to 40 km/h (tuk-tuks, agricultural vehicles)
- 40 km/h for all vehicles with a maximum speed over 40 km/h
Outside Urban Areas:
- 40 km/h for tuk-tuks, motorcycles, and vehicles limited to 40 km/h
- 60 km/h for motorcycles up to 125cc
- 70 km/h for motorcycles over 125cc and heavy trucks
- 80 km/h for cars
- 90 km/h for cars on four-lane highways
On the Highway
Currently, Cambodia has only one highway, connecting Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.
Causes of Road Accidents
Most road accidents in Cambodia result from violations of traffic laws. The main causes include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Ignoring road signs and markings
Approximately 70% of recorded fatalities and injuries involve motorcyclists who were not wearing helmets. Only 30% of accidents are related to vehicle or road conditions.
To address these issues, the National Road Safety Committee drafted a new sub-decree:
“Fines and penalties have been increased to ensure compliance with the law.”
Points-Based Driving License in Cambodia
The points-based driving license system has been in effect since September 1st, 2022.
- Each license starts with 12 points
- Depending on the offense, 1 to 6 points may be deducted
- No more than 8 points can be removed at once
- Once all 12 points are lost, the driving license is cancelled, and the driver must retake the driving test
Point-Based Driving License In Cambodia
Main Road Traffic Rules in Cambodia
- Traffic drives on the right-hand side
- Minimum driving age: 18 years for cars, 16 years for motorcycles
- Driving on the left is only allowed when overtaking or stopping on the right
- Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and front passengers
- Daytime headlights are not required unless visibility is reduced by rain or fog (no longer penalized)
- High beams are prohibited in well-lit urban areas
- Helmets are mandatory for motorcyclists
- Legal alcohol limit: 0.25 mg/l of breath air or 0.50 mg/l of blood
- Children under 10 may not sit in the front seat without an adult
- Children under 5 must be seated in child safety seats in the back
- Hands-free phone use is allowed while driving
- Handheld phone use while driving is prohibited
- Right turns are allowed at red lights when indicated by road signs
- Buses always have priority
- Vehicles already in a roundabout have right of way
- Emergency vehicles always have priority when using sirens and flashing lights
- Parking is allowed on the right side in the direction of traffic
- No parking within 5 meters of intersections (10 meters on major roads)
- Parking is prohibited at building entrances and exits
- Vehicles cannot remain parked on public roads for more than 72 hours
- Pedestrians always have right of way even without a crosswalk
Full Access Reserved for Members
BUSINESS CENTER CAMBODIA reserves full access to this information for its members only.
To continue reading and access the complete legal regulations