Zero Alcohol, Left-Hand Traffic: Driving in Brunei (2026)

Switching to left-hand traffic is the first adjustment for most visiting drivers in Brunei; the second is the alcohol law, set at a flat 0.0%. Motorways top out at 100 km/h, falling to 80 km/h on rural roads and 50 km/h in towns. The minimum driving age is 18, and tyres must clear 1.6mm of tread.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is zero. You must be at least 18 to drive.

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Unlike neighboring Philippines, Brunei drives on the left — take extra care if crossing the border.

Emergency Numbers in Brunei

General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Brunei, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Brunei

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Brunei 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.

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 Brunei 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

Brunei 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

Due to Brunei’s tropical climate, winter tyres are not required. Standard tyres suitable for wet and dry conditions are appropriate year-round.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres: restricted.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Brunei 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.

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

Brunei has a tropical heat and monsoon rains. The main driving hazard is heavy rainfall — roads can flood quickly and visibility drops sharply during downpours. Reduce speed in rain and avoid crossing flooded sections. Road surfaces may deteriorate during the wet season.

Practical Driving Tips for Brunei

• If switching from right-hand traffic, concentrate on turns and roundabouts — these are where most mistakes happen.
• Download offline maps of Brunei 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

• Speeding Fine Calculator
• Tyre Pressure Calculator
• Emission Zone Checker
• Vignette Calculator