Cambodia drives on the right: 40 km/h in towns, 60 rural, 100 on motorways, alcohol 0.05%, age 18. But check the IDP rule — it is required and covers three months.
Cambodia Driving Rules 2026: Right Side, 40 km/h in Town
Data verified:
4 min readCambodia drives on the right side of the road. The minimum driving age is 18. The motorway speed limit is 100 km/h. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% BAC. Visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national licence.
Using a mobile phone behind the wheel in Cambodia costs a stiff roadside fine — often more than a speeding fine. The rule covers handling the device even at traffic lights, which surprises many visitors.
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Cambodia drives on the right, with towns capped at 40 km/h, rural roads at 60 km/h and motorways at 100 km/h. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%, the minimum driving age is 18, and foreign visitors need an International Driving Permit, which covers them for up to three months.
Your case: Hired a pick-up or a minibus? Anything over 3.5 tonnes drops to 40, 50 and 80 km/h instead — the two sets of figures sit side by side in the Cambodia speed-limit section.
💡 Try it yourself: World Speed Limit Map — Cambodia’s limits by road type, next to 194 other countries, free.
If you are arriving from Thailand (which drives on the left), be especially careful during your first hours on the road.
Emergency Numbers in Cambodia
Police: 117 | Ambulance: 119 | Fire: 118 or 666
Save these numbers before you start driving. In Cambodia, emergency calls are free from any phone.
Speed Limits in Cambodia
The default speed limits for passenger cars in Cambodia are 40 km/h in built-up areas, 60 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways.
Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 40 km/h urban, 50 km/h rural, and 80 km/h on motorways.
For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Thailand (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 Cambodia 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 right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.
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
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 Cambodia’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 Cambodia guide.
Driving License Requirements
The minimum driving age is 18 years.
IDP required for foreign visitors. Local enforcement varies.
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.
We do not hold a verified, dated fuel price for Cambodia, so check a local price app or the board at the station before you budget.
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
Practical Driving Tips for Cambodia
- Download offline maps of Cambodia 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 Cambodia
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks (>3.5t) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | 40 km/h | 40 km/h |
| Rural | 60 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Motorway | 100 km/h | 80 km/h |
Licence Requirements for Foreign Drivers
GOV.UK: 1949 IDP may be needed to hire a car or motorbike over 125cc; Cambodian licence needed for a private car or long-term rental. Canada: visitors must have and carry a Cambodian licence.
Emergency Numbers in Cambodia
These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Tyre Laws in Cambodia
Winter tyre requirements, tread depth rules, and studded tyre regulations.
View tyre regulationsAvoid a fine in Cambodia
Who pays a driving fine abroad, the hire-car admin-fee trap, and how to appeal.
Read the fine guideDriving in Cambodia on a foreign licence
Nationality-specific licence, IDP & rules — pick where your licence is from:
Renting a Car in Cambodia?
Compare prices from all major rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare Car Rental PricesSome links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How our affiliate links work.
Recent changes to this page
- Undated, unsourced fuel price estimate removed.
- Emergency-number box, FAQ and checklist aligned with the verified country record.
- Opening rewritten as a direct answer to the driving-side and speed-limit questions this page is found for. Removed the vignette and European emission-zone links, neither of which covers Cambodia, and pointed the reader at this page's own speed-limit table instead.
- Title and description tightened to the page's own data (title 50-60, description 140-155 characters).
- 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 Cambodia 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 Cambodia.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Cambodia, the default speed limits for passenger vehicles are: urban areas 40 km/h (25 mph), rural roads 60 km/h (37 mph), and motorways 100 km/h (62 mph). Always follow posted signs as limits may differ on specific roads.
In Cambodia, traffic drives on the right side of the road. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the left side. If you are visiting from a country that drives on the left, take extra care at intersections, roundabouts, and when overtaking.
The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Cambodia is 0.05% (0.5mg/ml). Stricter limits often apply to novice drivers and commercial vehicle operators. Penalties for exceeding the limit can include heavy fines, license suspension, and imprisonment.
Foreign visitors to Cambodia 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 Cambodia for the most current requirements.
Winter tyres in Cambodia 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 emergency numbers in Cambodia are police 117, ambulance 119 and fire 118 or 666. 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 Cambodia. 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 Cambodia, 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 Cambodia 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 Cambodia is generally safe for tourists who are prepared. 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.
For Cambodia: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for non-EU licence holders. Your licence is valid for up to 3 months. Always carry your original licence alongside the IDP.
Get Driving Law Updates
Speed limits, fines and tyre laws change frequently. Get monthly updates for the countries you drive in.
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