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

Left-hand traffic, a flat 0.0% alcohol limit and a road network with no motorways at all — Nepal combines three adjustments that catch out many visiting drivers at once. Urban roads are capped at 40 km/h and rural roads at 60 km/h. The minimum driving age is 16, younger than in most of Europe.

The blood alcohol limit is zero. You must be at least 16 to drive.

Emergency Numbers in Nepal

General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112

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

Speed Limits in Nepal

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Nepal are 40 km/h in built-up areas, 60 km/h on rural roads, and there are no motorways. Note: No motorways; road conditions limit practical speeds.

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 Nepal 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

Nepal 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 Nepal. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres are prohibited in Nepal.

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

Driving License Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for foreign drivers in Nepal. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 3 months.

The minimum driving age is 16 years.

IDP recommended. Foreign licence may be accepted with IDP. Drives on the left.

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 Nepal: petrol approximately $1.08/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

Nepal 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.

Useful Driving Phrases in Hindi

Knowing a few phrases in Hindi helps at fuel stations, toll booths, and during police checks:

Download the Hindi language pack in your translation app for offline use.

Practical Driving Tips for Nepal

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