Driving in Cambodia — rules, insurance, accident

In 3 bullets

• Drive on the right (like in France). 2015 highway-code law, in force 1 January 2016, fines tripled to quintupled by sub-decree of May 2020.
• Helmet + seatbelt mandatory, alcohol prohibited at the wheel, phone prohibited on motorbike and car.
• Third-party liability insurance (CTPL) legally mandatory, but poorly enforced in practice — taking out private insurance (Forte, Infinity) remains strongly recommended.

Eligibility — who can drive

To drive legally in Cambodia, you need:

• A valid licence: Cambodian licence (via exchange or exam), or international driving permit (IDP) from a Vienna Convention signatory country — tolerated for short stays but not officially recognised.
• Minimum age: 16 for motorbike (≤ 125 cc), 18 for car.
• Drive a registered vehicle with a valid Chhiek certificate.
• Hold a third-party liability insurance (legally required since 2025).

See the driver’s licence guide for FR licence exchange procedures.

Main highway code rules

Maximum speed (2015 law)

In practice, these limits are rarely respected by locals and little enforced by radar outside specific zones (Sihanoukville expressway, major-city outskirts).

Helmet and seatbelt

• Helmet mandatory for the driver AND passenger on a motorbike. Fine of 15,000 KHR per person without helmet (revised upwards since 2020).
• Seatbelt mandatory for the driver and front passenger in cars. No obligation in the back.
• Children on motorbikes must also wear a helmet (rarely enforced).

Alcohol and drugs

• Maximum alcohol level: varies by source, generally 0.25 mg/L of exhaled air for ordinary drivers (equivalent to ≈ 0.5 g/L of blood). Stricter for professional drivers.
• Zero tolerance in practice: if you’re checked after a few beers, the fine is high and vehicle confiscation possible.
• Narcotics: zero tolerance, criminal sanctions.

Phone and other

• Phone at the wheel prohibited (car and motorbike), hands-free included according to interpretation.
• Horn: regulated use (officially only in case of danger or to warn), in practice ubiquitous — no prosecution.
• Lights on mandatory at night and in poor visibility.
• U-turn prohibited at signposted intersections (“no U-turn” sign).

Direction of traffic

• Drive on the right (like France).
• Priority to the right at unmarked intersections (in theory — in practice, priority to the biggest / fastest).
• Roundabouts: vehicle already engaged has priority (like France).

Cost and duration — fines

May 2020 sub-decree on fines: 3 to 5× increase in previous amounts. Indicative rates (in practice, negotiable at the roadside — see “common pitfalls”):

Insurance — obligations and offers

CTPL (Compulsory Third-Party Liability)

Since 2025, third-party liability insurance (CTPL) is legally mandatory for all motor vehicles registered in Cambodia. It covers:

• Bodily and material damage caused to third parties.
• Not your own damage, nor that of the vehicle.

Indicative cost: 30 to 100 USD/yr for a car, ~10-20 USD for a motorbike.

Private insurance (recommended)

Beyond CTPL, take a comprehensive or extended third-party insurance with a recognised insurer:

• Forte Insurance — historic, most used by expats, forteinsurance.com. English customer service, 24/7 accident hotline.
• Infinity Insurance — solutions suited to expats, advises in French.
• AIA, Manulife, Prudential — for life + vehicle insurance packages.

Indicative costs new car (30,000 USD value):

• Third-party + theft + fire: 250 – 400 USD/yr.
• Comprehensive: 600 – 1,200 USD/yr.

Cross-border (Blue Card)

To drive in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, take an ASEAN Blue Card with Forte or IAC (iac.org.kh). Minimum third-party liability coverage in all ASEAN signatory countries.

What to do in case of an accident

1. Secure and record

1. Get to safety (roadside, hazard lights).
2. Check the injured (you, passengers, other parties).
3. Take photos: vehicles, plates, damage, context (signs, road markings).
4. Exchange details: name, phone, plate, other party’s insurer.

2. Call

3. Police and report

• In case of serious injury or significant damage: systematically call the police (117). Stay on site.
• In case of small material damage: a friendly arrangement is frequent, but don’t sign anything without understanding. Photograph everything and demand a minimal written exchange of details.
• The police may request an informal payment to draft a report. Document everything.

4. Insurance

• Forte / Infinity: declare the accident within 48 hours. Attach photos, details, police report if available.
• Without declaration within the contractual deadline, the claim can be refused.

Common pitfalls

FAQ

Can I drive on my FR licence in the first week?

Yes, in practice, especially with an IDP. Beyond that, you’re in a grey zone. Take an IDP in France before leaving and prepare the exchange as soon as you obtain a long-stay visa.

Does my French insurance cover me in Cambodia?

Probably not beyond a few days of a tourist trip. French insurers generally exclude regular driving outside the EU. Subscribe locally as soon as you buy a vehicle in Cambodia.

What if police confiscate my licence or papers?

Demand a written receipt mentioning retained documents, the reason and the office where to retrieve them. Without a receipt, it’s arbitrary confiscation — refuse politely or call your embassy (+855 23 998 110).

Is the French friendly accident report valid?

No. In Cambodia, fill out the local form of your insurer (Forte provides its own on the mobile app). Failing that, exchange name, phone, plate, insurer and take photos.

Do I need a police report for all claims?

For major claims (bodily, significant damage, theft): yes, essential. For small material bumps: not always, depending on the insurance policy — check your Forte / Infinity contract.

Is my Cambodian licence enough in Thailand or Vietnam?

No, except converted to a Cambodian international driving permit (KH IDP) via the MPWT (250,000 KHR). Otherwise, keep your IDP issued in France. For the vehicle, take the ASEAN Blue Card.