PotholeNepal

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

7. Pothole

A pothole is a hole or depression in the road surface caused by wear, weather, water, repeated traffic loads or deterioration of the pavement. Potholes can vary greatly in size and depth and may develop gradually or become worse after freezing, heavy rain or repeated vehicle traffic.

Potholes can affect steering, braking and vehicle stability and may damage tyres, wheels or suspension components. Drivers and riders should observe the road ahead, adapt their speed and avoid sudden or dangerous manoeuvres when encountering damaged road surfaces.

Car caught in a large pothole.
Wikimedia.org • State Farm • CC BY

What is a pothole?

A pothole is a hole or depression that develops in a road surface when the pavement becomes damaged or deteriorates.

🔗 somerset.gov.uk • Somerset Council, pothole formation

What should you do when you see a pothole?

Reduce speed when necessary, maintain control of the vehicle and avoid abrupt steering or braking. Only move around the pothole when this can be done safely without endangering other road users.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7, 11 and 13; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237; national guidance example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section A, surface, gradient, wind and other hazards; sign-system reference

Are potholes dangerous for cyclists?

Yes. Bicycle wheels can be strongly affected by deep holes or sharp edges, particularly when the cyclist has little time or space to avoid the hazard.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7, 11 and 13; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237; national guidance example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section A, surface, gradient, wind and other hazards; sign-system reference

Ambulance

Path

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 ...