NepalNepal

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Nepal. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Nepal

1. Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked South Asian country between India and China, stretching from the low Terai plains to the Himalayas. Traffic drives on the left. Road conditions vary considerably across Nepal, from congested city streets to steep, winding roads through hills and mountainous terrain, while the summer monsoon can bring landslides, flooding and temporary road closures. Distances that look short on a map can therefore take considerably longer than expected.

Nepal does not use a simple nationwide urban/rural/motorway speed-limit trio; the federal Act allows speed limits to be set and signed for particular public places, so posted limits are especially important. There is no national vignette: Roads Board Nepal collects tolls on selected roads and facilities, with N_TAG electronic tolling being introduced in 2026. Department of Roads standards use Nepali and English on many direction signs, while Nepalese law recognises international driving licences for the vehicle categories they cover.

Let's explore the traffic rules of Nepal.
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA

Can you drive after drinking alcohol in Nepal?

Nepal Traffic Police instructs drivers not to drink before driving or drive under the influence of drugs. The safest rule is to avoid alcohol entirely before driving.

🔗 traffic.nepalpolice.gov.np • Nepal Traffic Police, guidelines for car drivers, Alcohol and impairment

Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Nepal?

Nepal Traffic Police instructs drivers not to use a mobile phone while driving. If you need to make a call, move safely to the left and stop before using the phone.

🔗 traffic.nepalpolice.gov.np • Nepal Traffic Police, guidelines for car drivers, Mobile devices and attention

What should you check before driving in Nepal?

Carry your driving licence and vehicle registration document, obey traffic signs and permitted speed limits, and plan the journey around road and weather conditions. Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

🔗 traffic.nepalpolice.gov.np • Nepal Traffic Police, guidelines for car drivers, Documents, signs and safe driving

How should children travel safely in a car in Nepal?

Nepal Traffic Police advises securing children under 14 with a seat belt or approved child restraint. Use the child safety locks where fitted, and never install a rear-facing baby seat in front of an active airbag. Choose a restraint suitable for the child’s size.

🔗 traffic.nepalpolice.gov.np • Nepal Traffic Police, guidelines for car drivers

What does Nepal Traffic Police advise about driving when tired?

Start a journey well rested, plan regular breaks and avoid driving when sleepy. The police recommends a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving. Stop somewhere safe if you become tired; fatigue affects attention and judgement.

🔗 traffic.nepalpolice.gov.np • Nepal Traffic Police, guidelines for car drivers

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1 Nepal 2 Slope 3 Curve 4 Reversing 5 Police 6 Ambulance 7 Pothole 8 Path 9 Particulates 10 Air pollution 11 Rush hour 12 Road code 13 Street gutter 14 Cargo bike 15 Forestry vehicle 16 Construction vehicle 17 Semi-trailer truck 18 Trolleybus 19 Speed pedelec 20 Delivery vehicle 21 Idling 22 Tow truck 23 Four-wheel drive 24 Bicycle 25 Motorcycle equipment 26 Rail track 27 Caravan 28 Trailer 29 Tow hitch 30 Siren 31 Convoy 32 Emergency vehicle lighting 33 Agricultural machinery 34 Electric bicycle 35 Electric vehicle 36 Pedelec 37 Quadricycle 38 Microcar 39 All-terrain vehicle 40 Van 41 Recreational vehicle 42 Scooter 43 Trikke 44 Personal mobility device 45 Skateboard 46 Segway 47 Kick scooter 48 Roller skates 49 Mailman 50 Hitchhiker 51 Toddler 52 Child 53 Disability 54 Motorail 55 km/h 56 mph 57 Speedometer 58 Ride height 59 Dirt road 60 Driving 61 Start-stop system 62 Manual transmission 63 Automatic transmission 64 Throttle 65 Tachometer 66 Steering wheel 67 Power steering 68 Visual scanning 69 Mirror 70 Fuel 71 Fuel gauge 72 Petrol 73 Diesel 74 Diesel exhaust fluid 75 Car insurance 76 First aid kit 77 Fire extinguisher 78 High-visibility clothing 79 First aid 80 Concrete step barrier 81 Barriers 82 Vehicle lights 83 Street lights 84 Dipped beam 85 High beam 86 Fog lights 87 Front fog lights 88 Rear fog lights 89 Side lights 90 Turn signals 91 Hazard lights 92 Dashboard lights 93 Bicycle lighting 94 Bicycle bell 95 Headlight flashing 96 Seat belt 97 Child restraints 98 Head restraints 99 Airbag 100 ABS ...