Bangladesh Has No Motorways and a Zero-Alcohol Rule (2026)
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4 min readBangladesh drives on the left side of the road. The minimum driving age is 18. The general emergency number is 999. Foreign drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their valid national licence.
Traffic in Bangladesh flows on the left. Left-hand traffic requires extra attention from right-side drivers. See the full rules with our interactive tools below.
Bangladesh's BAC limit is zero tolerance (any detectable alcohol) and a 20+ km/h speeding ticket runs a fixed roadside fine. Police routinely set checkpoints on Friday and Saturday nights around Dhaka.
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Twenty-five kilometres an hour is the urban speed ceiling in Bangladesh — well below what most European or North American drivers expect. Rural roads allow up to 35 km/h, and there are no motorways in the country at all, so national highways carry every long-distance journey. The blood-alcohol limit is zero, and the minimum age to hold a car licence is 18.
The blood alcohol limit is zero. You must be at least 18 to drive.
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Unlike neighboring Afghanistan, Bangladesh drives on the left — take extra care if crossing the border.
Emergency Numbers in Bangladesh
General Emergency: 999 | Police: 999
Save these numbers before you start driving. In Bangladesh, emergency calls are free from any phone.
Speed Limits in Bangladesh
The default speed limits for passenger cars in Bangladesh are 25 km/h in built-up areas, 35 km/h on rural roads, and there are no motorways. Note: No motorways; national highways have lower limits.
Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.
Speeding Fines and Penalties
Speeding fines in Bangladesh vary based on how much you exceed the posted limit. Fines increase sharply for higher violations and may include licence points or driving bans for serious offences.
Traffic Rules and Regulations
Drive on the left side of the road. Overtake on the right. At roundabouts, traffic flows clockwise — give way to vehicles already in the roundabout.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.
Using a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited. Hands-free systems are permitted.
Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.
Priority at intersections follows posted signs. When no signs are present, yield to traffic from the right.
Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits
Bangladesh enforces a zero-tolerance drink-driving policy. Any detectable alcohol in your blood while driving is illegal. There is no safe amount — even one drink can put you over the limit. Penalties include heavy fines, licence confiscation, and potential imprisonment.
The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.
Tyre Requirements and Regulations
Winter tyres are not required in Bangladesh. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.
Studded tyres are prohibited in Bangladesh.
For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Bangladesh guide.
Driving License Requirements
Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted.
The minimum driving age is 18 years.
Parking and Fuel
Parking in major cities can be limited and expensive. Shopping centres and commercial areas usually have dedicated car parks. Read signs carefully to avoid towing.
Current fuel prices in Bangladesh: petrol approximately $1.05/litre, diesel $0.95/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.
Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.
Seasonal Driving Conditions
Bangladesh has hot climate with monsoon seasons. Check weather forecasts before long journeys and adjust your driving to conditions. Road surfaces and visibility can change quickly with weather.
Practical Driving Tips for Bangladesh
- If switching from right-hand traffic, concentrate on turns and roundabouts — these are where most mistakes happen.
- Download offline maps of Bangladesh before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
- Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
- Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.
Related tools
Speed Limits in Bangladesh
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks (>3.5t) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | 25 km/h | 25 km/h |
| Rural | 35 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Motorway | No motorways; national highways have lower limits | — |
Note: No motorways; national highways have lower limits
Emergency Numbers in Bangladesh
These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Tyre Laws in Bangladesh
Winter tyre requirements, tread depth rules, and studded tyre regulations.
View tyre regulationsAvoid a fine in Bangladesh
Who pays a driving fine abroad, the hire-car admin-fee trap, and how to appeal.
Read the fine guideDriving in Bangladesh on a foreign licence
Nationality-specific licence, IDP & rules — pick where your licence is from:
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Frequently Asked Questions
In Bangladesh, the default speed limits for passenger vehicles are: urban areas 25 km/h (16 mph) and rural/highway roads 35 km/h (22 mph). Bangladesh has limited expressway infrastructure. Always follow posted signs as limits may differ on specific roads.
In Bangladesh, traffic drives on the left side of the road. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the right side. If you are visiting from a country that drives on the right, take extra care at intersections, roundabouts, and when overtaking.
Foreign visitors to Bangladesh should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their valid national driving license. An IDP translates your license into multiple languages and is recognized internationally. Check with the embassy of Bangladesh for the most current requirements.
Winter tyres in Bangladesh are: Not Required. Regardless of legal requirements, winter tyres or all-season tyres with the appropriate markings (M+S or 3PMSF) are strongly recommended when temperatures drop below 7°C for improved safety and grip.
The general emergency number in Bangladesh is 999. These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, be prepared to state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited in Bangladesh. Hands-free systems (Bluetooth, speakerphone, or mounted devices) are permitted. Penalties for mobile phone use while driving typically include fines. For safety, always use hands-free solutions or pull over to use your phone.
When driving in Bangladesh, you should always carry: your valid driving license (and IDP if applicable), vehicle registration document, valid insurance certificate (Green Card for European countries), and your passport or national ID. Rental car drivers should also carry the rental agreement. Police may request these documents during routine checks.
The minimum age to drive a car in Bangladesh is 18 years old. Some categories of vehicles (such as motorcycles or heavy vehicles) may have different age requirements. Novice drivers may face additional restrictions during their first years of driving.
Driving in Bangladesh is generally safe for tourists who are prepared. Road infrastructure follows Asian standards. Before driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, road signs, and driving customs. Consider downloading offline maps, carrying emergency supplies, and purchasing comprehensive insurance. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas if possible.
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