The Royal Cambodian Government has updated the traffic laws in the Kingdom in March 2020 and the fines for traffic violations.
In January 2020, Cambodian Interior Minister Sar Kheng had addressed the rising traffic incidents in the Kingdom. “[The number of accidents] is an alarming figure, which must be declared as emergency… 2020 must be year of enforcing [the] law and educating [the public],” he said.
According to the National Road Safety Committee, in 2019 there were 4,121 traffic accidents which represented a 26% increase compared to 2018. These included 1,981 deaths due to traffic accidents (12% increase), and 6,141 injuries (29% increase) compared to 2018.
What are the new Cambodia Traffic Laws in 2020?
Drink driving
To try and help clamp down on drink driving incidents, drivers can be charged between 250,000-800,000 riel (USD$60-200) for being a certain amount above the limit on the alcohol test.
In addition, the drivers won’t be allowed to complete their journey. (It did not specify the limit or how drivers can get home).
Motorbikes and tuk-tuks
As part of the updates to the Road Traffic Law, fines for motorcycle or tuk-tuk drivers and motorbike riders who fail to wear helmets or wear them incorrectly is now 60,000 riel ($15).
Other fines of 15,000 riel ($3.75) are for motorcycle and tuk-tuk drivers:
- Parking in places forbidden by the law.
- Carrying too many passengers.
- Driving up to 19km/h over the speed limit.
- Ignoring traffic signs.
Light and Heavy vehicles
- Fines of 75,000 riel and 150,000 riel ($18-36) will be issued if the correct documentation such as driving licence and business permits are shown when stopped.
- If drivers are caught talking on their phones while driving, fines of 120,000 ($30 USD) riel for light vehicles and 225,000 riel ($56) for heavy vehicles can be issued.
- Driving without a driver’s license or if the licence has been revoked or suspended can be a 1.2 million riel fine ($300), or 2.4 million riel ($600) if driving a heavy vehicle. If the offence is repeated with six months, drivers can face legal charges.
All vehicles
Other fines will make the owner/driver liable to pay between 180,000 and 375,000 riel ($45-95).
- Failing to conduct vehicle inspections.
- Changing the colour of the vehicle without permission.
- Placing stickers in inappropriate areas.
Illegal racing or drive exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h could result in fines between 300,000 and 625,000 ($75-160).
AIP Foundation country director Kim Pagna said that “The news is being monopolised by the Covid-19 issue, so many people will probably miss learning about these amendments. I ask the government to share this information widely so that everyone is aware. I also ask the authorities and police officers to implement the law correctly and transparently.”
