Guide to Traffic Rules and Tips for Foreigners Driving in Cambodia

Cambodia has strengthened its traffic rules and fine cost in this recent years. There are many important things to know if you're planning to drive by yourself in Cambodia. So in this post, I will answer some of the common questions to need to know to drive as a foreigner in Cambodia.

Is Cambodia Left-hand or Right-hand drive?

Cambodia is following the Right-hand traffic rule which applies to about 2/3 of the world's countries and territories. 

The country became a protectorate of France from 1863-1953. During the 90 years period, Cambodia was influenced in many sectors and the RHT (Right-Hand Traffic) came to Cambodia since then.

Can foreigners drive in Cambodia?

Foreigners can drive in Cambodia only if they have a Cambodian Driver's License. But there are many ex-pats who are driving every day in Cambodia without a license. In this case, they need to know the streets well and avoid long-distance traveling. If you're planning to travel a lot on your own in Cambodia, a driver's license will save you in many cases. 

I included the links for more detail to get a Cambodian Driver's License down at the bottom of this article. 

What are common traffic violations and fine costs in Cambodia?

The fine for traffic violations has increased a lot in recent years and the country has strengthened the traffic rules with more traffic officers in any spots, especially in Phnom Penh. The most common traffic violations and fines in Cambodia are:

• Riding Motorbikes without a helmet or rear mirrors will cost you $15. If you're traveling with your friend be sure to both have the helmets
• Motorbikes without plate numbers or holding phones while riding will cost $30 and more
• Driving under the influence of alcohol will be fined 1 million riels (about $250) so be careful if you drink, don't drive. It is said to be negotiable depending on the situations
• Driving without a seatbelt on is also a frequent case 
• Another case to be aware of is that the officer will ask for a driving license, especially for foreigners

These are common rules to be aware of and obey if you get caught there are no words you can complain it would just make the situation more difficult.

How to avoid traffic violations and fines in Cambodia

I have been thinking if I should say this or not. The fact that you as foreigners are more sensitive to traffic violations. Local people know the streets and some tricks to be okay, but you have to be more careful. So here are some guidelines for avoiding traffic violations in Cambodia:

• Be sure to get Cambodian Driver's License before you drive on your own in Cambodia
• Learn about the signs and follow the rules 
• Don't Overspeed and obey the traffic light even though you see people go
• Look carefully the local Cambodians often refer to traffic officers as the invisible man you couldn't see him until you reach the point of no return
• Be sure to have your helmet and seatbelt 
• If you rent a motorbike be sure it has a plate number
• Don't drive when you are drunk this is also for your safety here

Obeying the rules and avoiding getting caught is difficult at first, but as you stay long enough you'll have the special ability to foresee danger and travel smoothly on the streets you know like the back of your hand.

Types of Vehicle and Driver's License in Cambodia

There are different types of Driver's License in Cambodia that are used for driving different kinds of vehicles as below:

• Type A1: Driver's license for motorcycles and scooters from 49-125cc
• Type A2: License for motorcycles larger than 125cc
• Type B: License for cars with a capacity of fewer than 9 passengers including the driver.
• Type C: License required for goods transportation vehicle
• Type D1: License for a vehicle with a capacity of 10 to 20 passengers including the driver and trailers with less than 0.75 tons.
• Type D2: License for a vehicle with a capacity of over 20 passengers including the driver and trailers with less than 0.75 tons
• Type E: License for vehicles under types B, C, and D with a total weight of more than 075 tons.

What is the minimum age to be able to drive in Cambodia?

The minimum age to drive in Cambodia is in accordance with the type of  vehicle and driver's license as below:

1. At least 16 years old for type A1 which refers to 49-125cc motorbikes and scooters
2. At least 18 years old for type A2 and B ( motorbike larger than 125cc)
3. Above 22 years old for type C and D1
4. Above 24 years old for type D2 and E

As the locals, we often see students younger than 16 years old on their motorbikes from home to school. But most of them are grown enough that can't be judged by the eyes that they are younger than 16 and the police would not just stop every student.

For more detail on How to get a Cambodian Driver's License, you can check these helpful articles:

Move to Cambodia - Getting a Cambodian Driver's License 

How to get Cambodian Driver's License in 2021