Cambodia (KH)
Affordable Southeast Asian base with easy daily life, a large Phnom Penh and Siem Reap expat scene, strong NGO/tourism/education networks, fast digital payments, and visa rules that are flexible but increasingly document-driven.
Driving in Cambodia
Licence exchange, road rules, fines, buying a car, and cycling.
Driving in Cambodia is governed by the Law on Land Traffic (Krech No. 27 ANS/K) and administered by the General Commissariat of National Police. Cambodia drives on the right. Motorbikes are the dominant vehicle; car driving is safer but chaotic traffic, unexpected pedestrians and animals, poor road markings, nighttime driving risks and police checkpoints require constant defensive attention. Strict nationwide traffic law enforcement was reinstated in February 2026 after a 160-day period of reduced enforcement saw accidents rise sharply. Currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR) — USD is also widely accepted.
Driving Licence Exchange
Long-term residents should obtain a Cambodian driving licence through the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) or General Commissariat of National Police. Foreign licences are typically accepted for short-term use (tourist/business visa stays) with an IDP. All categories (car, motorcycle) are licensed separately in Cambodia.
Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei
ASEAN licence holders may benefit from simplified conversion procedures under the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Driving Licences, where implemented. Apply to the MPWT or authorised test centre with your ASEAN licence, passport, visa/stay permit, photos, eye test and applicable fee. Confirm current ASEAN MRA implementation status with MPWT before attending.
ASEAN MRA implementation status varies. Car and motorcycle categories are assessed separately. Bring originals and certified translations if your licence is not in Khmer, English or French.
UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany
Holders of licences from these countries can generally convert their foreign licence to a Cambodian licence with a translation, medical/eye check and document review at an authorised test centre. A theory test may be required at the examiner's discretion. Bring: original foreign licence, certified Khmer/French/English translation, passport, visa/residence permit, photos and fee.
Motorcycle and car categories are separate. If you plan to ride a motorcycle, obtain a Category A licence specifically. Many expats use agency support for the process.
If your licence is not from a recognised country, complete the full Cambodian licensing process at an authorised test centre: eye test and medical check, theory exam (Khmer/English/French), practical test. For short-term visitors: your valid foreign licence plus an IDP is accepted by police for tourist-length stays. Enforce the IDP requirement strictly — the reinstatement of full traffic enforcement in February 2026 means police are more likely to check documentation.
Use officially authorised test centres only — unofficial agents for driving licences are common. Carry all documents on every trip after the February 2026 enforcement reinstatement.
Road Rules
Urban areas: 40 km/h. Rural roads: 60–80 km/h depending on road class. National highways: 100 km/h. Village and school zones: 20–30 km/h. Speed cameras and police radar are used on major routes. Enforcement was reinstated nationwide from February 2026.
0.05% BAC (50mg per 100mL blood). DUI penalty: fine up to KHR 800,000 plus licence suspension and possible court process. Police conduct breathalyser checks, especially at weekend checkpoints and after community events. Practical advice: zero alcohol before driving in Cambodia.
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited under the Land Traffic Law. Fine: KHR 50,000–200,000 (varies). Police enforce this at checkpoints, particularly since the February 2026 enforcement reinstatement.
Mandatory for driver and front-seat passengers in cars. Fine for non-compliance: KHR 50,000–100,000. Seatbelt use in rear seats is recommended but enforcement is less consistent.
No specific mandatory child-seat regulation with defined standards enforced in 2026, but the general duty to transport children safely applies. Bring ECE-certified child seats from home — locally available quality is inconsistent. Taxis and tuk-tuks rarely provide child seats.
Traffic Fines (Bußgeldkatalog)
Traffic fines are enforced by the General Commissariat of National Police and municipal traffic police. Fines are in KHR (Cambodian Riel) or USD equivalent. Nationwide enforcement was reinstated from February 2026 after a pause — police checkpoints are more frequent. Always request an official receipt (biét chbap) for any fine. Unofficial on-the-spot demands without a receipt are corruption — request official documentation.
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (exceeding posted limit) | KHR 300,000–625,000 | — |
| Drink driving (above 0.05% BAC) | Up to KHR 800,000 + licence suspension | — |
| Using handheld mobile phone while driving | KHR 50,000–200,000 | — |
| No valid driving licence or expired licence | KHR 50,000–200,000 + possible vehicle detention | — |
| Running a red light | KHR 50,000–150,000 | — |
| No motorcycle helmet | KHR 15,000–30,000 | — |
| Vehicle without valid registration or insurance | KHR 50,000–200,000 + possible impoundment | — |
| Wrong-way driving or dangerous manoeuvre | KHR 50,000–300,000 + possible criminal charges for injury | — |
Buying a Car
Used vehicles dominate Cambodia's market — Japanese reconditioned vehicles (primarily Toyota and Lexus) are most common. Import duties are significant. Verify all documents, customs clearance and the vehicle's registration. Facebook Marketplace Cambodia and local dealers are the main channels; there is no major dedicated car platform.
- 1.Search via Facebook Marketplace Cambodia, local dealer networks, or expat community groups.
- 2.Verify the seller is the registered owner: check the vehicle registration card (samnap srakam) and confirm VIN/chassis match.
- 3.Commission an independent mechanic inspection before purchase.
- 4.Verify customs clearance — for grey-market imports, confirm duty has been paid.
- 5.Sign a written sale agreement (chbap lak).
- 6.Pay via bank transfer for amounts above USD 5,000; cash with signed receipt for smaller amounts.
- 7.Transfer ownership through the transport authority with sale agreement, registration card, both parties' IDs and fees.
- 8.Arrange mandatory insurance before driving.
- •Vehicle registration card (samnap srakam) — confirm seller is registered owner and VIN matches.
- •Customs clearance certificate for imported vehicles.
- •Outstanding fines or detention orders — check before purchase.
- •Valid insurance — mandatory before driving on public roads.
- •Flood/accident damage inspection — flooding is common in Cambodia.
Budget for: purchase price (used Japanese SUV: USD 8,000–30,000; compact: USD 5,000–15,000), customs duty if buying a newly imported vehicle (35–70%+ of vehicle value), registration transfer fee (~USD 20–100), mandatory insurance (~USD 100–500/year), and ongoing fuel and maintenance.
Registration, Insurance & Tax
Vehicle registration is administered by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. On ownership transfer: submit the sale agreement, both parties' passports or national IDs, current registration card and fee. Processing takes 1–3 working days at MPWT offices in Phnom Penh and provincial capitals.
Third-party motor liability insurance is mandatory before any vehicle is driven on public roads. Comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended. Available from CAMCO Insurance, Forte Insurance, Infinity Insurance and others. Annual premiums for private cars: approximately USD 100–500 depending on vehicle and cover.
Annual road tax / vehicle licence fee is collected by the Ministry of Economy and Finance / General Department of Customs. The rate depends on vehicle type and engine size. Example: a standard private car pays approximately USD 50–200/year. Non-renewal affects registration renewal.
Vehicle roadworthiness inspection requirements apply for commercial vehicles and taxis — annual inspection mandatory. For private passenger cars, periodic inspection is required at vehicle registration renewal. Conducted at MPWT-authorised inspection centres. Keep lights, brakes, tyres, horn and exhaust in good condition regardless of formal inspection requirements.
Cycling
Cycling around Angkor Wat (Siem Reap), along the Mekong riverside in Phnom Penh, and in Kampot are the most popular expat cycling experiences. Urban cycling in Phnom Penh requires constant vigilance due to moto-dops, tuk-tuks and unpredictable traffic. Infrastructure is minimal.
- •Cyclists must ride on the right side of the road.
- •Lights (front white, rear red) are required at night.
- •Helmet is strongly recommended — not legally mandatory but essential given traffic conditions.
- •Do not cycle on major national highways at night — road lighting is absent.
- •Cycling under the influence of alcohol: 0.05% BAC limit applies.
- •Siem Reap temple complex: cycling is the classic way to see Angkor — flat, scenic and well-established.
- •Phnom Penh riverside (Sisowath Quay) and riverside park are the safest cycling routes in the capital.
- •Kampot and Kep: excellent cycling in cooler months (November–February).
- •Ride early morning (6–8 am) in cities to avoid heat and peak traffic.
- •Lock with a quality D-lock — bicycle theft is common in cities.