Studded Tyres Are Restricted in Left-Hand Bhutan (2026)
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4 min readBhutan drives on the left side of the road. The motorway speed limit is 100 km/h. The general emergency number is 112. Foreign drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their valid national licence.
Driving in Bhutan means left-hand traffic with rules that differ from home. Left-hand traffic requires extra attention from right-side drivers. Full guide with penalty calculator below.
Enforcement in Bhutan runs moderate and police typically allow 5 km/h over the posted limit — go 20 km/h over and you pay a fixed roadside fine. Tourists get caught most often on the motorway corridor near Thimphu.
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Studded tyres carry restrictions in Bhutan rather than an outright ban or a free pass. Traffic keeps to the left, matching its Indian border crossings. Speed tiers run 50 km/h in town, 80 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on the country’s fastest routes.
Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways.
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Unlike neighboring Afghanistan, Bhutan drives on the left — take extra care if crossing the border.
Emergency Numbers in Bhutan
General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112
Save these numbers before you start driving. In Bhutan, emergency calls are free from any phone.
Speed Limits in Bhutan
The default speed limits for passenger cars in Bhutan are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways.
Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 70 km/h rural, and 80 km/h on motorways.
For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Pakistan (120 km/h), India (120 km/h).
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 Bhutan 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.
At unmarked intersections, traffic from the right generally has priority unless signs indicate otherwise.
Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits
Drink-driving is illegal in Bhutan. Check the current legal blood alcohol limit with local authorities before driving. As a rule, do not drink any alcohol if you plan to drive.
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 Bhutan. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.
Studded tyres: restricted.
For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Bhutan guide.
Driving License Requirements
Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted.
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.
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
Bhutan 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 Bhutan
- If switching from right-hand traffic, concentrate on turns and roundabouts — these are where most mistakes happen.
- Download offline maps of Bhutan 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 Bhutan
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks (>3.5t) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Rural | 80 km/h | 70 km/h |
| Motorway | 100 km/h | 80 km/h |
Emergency Numbers in Bhutan
These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Tyre Laws in Bhutan
Winter tyre requirements, tread depth rules, and studded tyre regulations.
View tyre regulationsAvoid a fine in Bhutan
Who pays a driving fine abroad, the hire-car admin-fee trap, and how to appeal.
Read the fine guideDriving in Bhutan on a foreign licence
Nationality-specific licence, IDP & rules — pick where your licence is from:
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Recent changes to this page
- Title, description and introduction rewritten from this page's own data (no shared template wording).
- Replaced the speeding-fine calculator link: that tool covers 17 countries and Bhutan is not one of them, so the link could not answer the question it promised. It now points to the speed-limit map, which does cover Bhutan.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Bhutan, the default speed limits for passenger vehicles are: urban areas 50 km/h (31 mph), rural roads 80 km/h (50 mph), and motorways 100 km/h (62 mph). Always follow posted signs as limits may differ on specific roads.
In Bhutan, 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 Bhutan 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 Bhutan for the most current requirements.
Winter tyres in Bhutan 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 Bhutan is 112. 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 Bhutan. 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 Bhutan, 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.
Driving in Bhutan 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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