For driving in Cambodia, each driver must have a Cambodian driver license.  As to foreign visitors, they may be requested to take the driving test; in some cases, valid driver license from a home country may be sufficed. In spite of the fact that an  International driving permit is not recognized in Cambodia, it is recommended to have an International driving permit as an additional identification document.
To apply for a Cambodian driver license, foreign drivers have two ways:

• applying for driver license examination (like all Cambodians);
• exchanging their national driving permits for Cambodian driver licenses; in this case, their Cambodian driver licenses are valid for one year.

The drivers over 65 years of age are charged for medical general checkup. To obtain the Cambodian driver license, foreign driver must give:

• Copy of passport,
• Copy valid entry visa,
• 3 photos in the passport size,
• National driver license and a translation if driver license is not in English or French
• Medical certificate (if a driver is over 65 years old).

The main road traffic rules:

• Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road.
• The minimum driving age to drive vehicle is 18 years and motorcycle - 16.
• It is only permitted to drive on the left hand side when overtaking or stopping.
• Drivers and front seat passengers must wear seat belts.
• It is not required to drive with headlights on during daylight, except for visibility is impaired by heavy rain or fog.
• In towns with lighting from street lamps, using the high beam is not permitted.
• Motorcyclists must wear helmets.
• The speed limit in built up areas for motorbikes is 30 km/h, for cars 40 km/h. Outside of the built up areas, the maximum speed limit for bikes and cars is 90 km/h. The speed limit for trucks is 60 km/h; if a truck is pulling a trailer, the speed limit is 50 km/h. On motorway, the maximum speed in tows is 60 km/h and 100 km/h outside towns.
• The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.05%.
• It is not permitted to stop at the pedestrian crossing.
• Children less than 10 years are not permitted to sit in the front seat without an adult.
• Children under 4 years must be seated on the back seats in baby/child seats, secured with seat belts.
• While driving, driver may use a cell phone equipped by hands-free system. Using mobile phones without hands-free equipment is prohibited when driving.
• If a traffic sign shows that a right turn is allowed, it is permitted to turn right at red lights.
• Buses always have right of way and at the bus stops, all drivers must slow down and stop if it is necessary to allow the buses to move in or out.
• At roundabout, drivers who are already going anticlockwise round have priority.
• Drivers must give way to police vehicles, military vehicles, military police vehicles, fire engines, and ambulances if they use their horns or sirens and special flashing lights.
• Vehicles may be parked along roads on the right hand side in the same direction as traffic flows. On one way roads, cars can be parked on both sides.
• It is not permitted to park vehicles within 5 meters of junctions on normal roads and within 10 meters of junctions on main boulevards and any roads outside of towns.
• Parking is not permitted at the entrances or exits of public buildings and private house.
• It is not permitted to left vehicles on public roads for longer than 72 hours.
• Pedestrians always have a right of way even if there is not a pedestrian crossing so drivers must stop to allow pedestrians to cross a road safely.
• Drivers are permitted to sound their horns to inform other road users about danger at daytime only. Sounding horns is prohibited in built up areas after midnight.

 Additional information:

• The most roads in Cambodia are in a poor condition.
• Drivers should check carefully with the car rental company what insurance is included in the hire.
• Further to a driver license, each foreign driver should have passport with him/her always when driving.
• Foreign visitors are advised against driving outside of cities after dark as roads are dark and many cars, cycles, and bicycles drive at night without lights.
• If a traffic police officer wants to stop a car, he raises his right hand up (or sometimes both) with his palm opened straight towards a vehicle. At night, the traffic police use red light sticks.

Cambodia Road Traffic Signs

 Driving Overseas - Short Information