Priority signsNepal

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

Priority signs

A priority sign is a traffic sign that indicates the order in which vehicles shall pass intersection points. Vehicles often come into conflict with other vehicles and pedestrians because their intended courses of travel intersect, and thus interfere with each other's routes. The general principle that establishes who has the right to go first is called 'right of way' or 'priority'. It establishes who has the right to use the conflicting part of the road and who has to wait until the other does so. The vehicle that does not need to wait is said to 'have the right of way' or to 'have priority.'

What should I know about priority signs in Nepal?

The Department of Roads manual identifies A1 (STOP and Give Way) and A2 (Give Way) as mandatory regulatory controls. A1 requires a complete stop; A2 requires waiting until the way is clear without an automatic stopping duty.

🔗 dor.gov.np • Regulatory A1 and A2; complete stop versus giving way

🔗 traffic.nepalpolice.gov.np • Traffic Police — driver guidance: obey signs, permitted speed and safe driving

🔗 dor.gov.np • Department of Roads — 2018 Volume 2 drawings, edition visually checked

Stop and give way.

English • Traffic sign A1 • Stop and give way. Come to a complete stop and give way to traffic on the main road before proceeding.

नेपाली • A1 • रोक्नुहोस् र बाटो दिनुहोस्। अगाडि बढ्नुअघि पूर्ण रूपमा रोक्नुहोस् र मुख्य सडकको यातायातलाई बाटो दिनुहोस्।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A1 • PDF पृष्ठ 48

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2021-12-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Department of Roads Traffic Signs Manual 2018, Volume 2: Dor.gov.np • PDF page 5. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. The earlier manual is retained as supporting evidence.

Give way.

English • Traffic sign A2 • Give way. Give way to traffic on the main road, stopping if necessary.

नेपाली • A2 • बाटो दिनुहोस्। अगाडिको मुख्य सडकमा चलिरहेको यातायातलाई प्राथमिकता दिनुहोस्; आवश्यक भए रोक्नुहोस्।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A2 • PDF पृष्ठ 49

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2022-02-08. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Must you always stop when giving way in Nepal?

No automatic stop is required by the Give Way sign A2. Wait or stop as necessary and proceed only when the way is clear. The separate STOP and Give Way sign A1 requires a complete stop before proceeding safely.

🔗 dor.gov.np • Regulatory A1 and A2; complete stop versus giving way

🔗 traffic.nepalpolice.gov.np • Traffic Police — driver guidance: obey signs, permitted speed and safe driving

🔗 dor.gov.np • Department of Roads — 2018 Volume 2 drawings, edition visually checked

Give way.

English • Traffic sign A2 • Give way. Give way to traffic on the main road, stopping if necessary.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A2 • PDF पृष्ठ 49

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2022-02-08. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Stop and give way.

English • Traffic sign A1 • Stop and give way. Come to a complete stop and give way to traffic on the main road before proceeding.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A1 • PDF पृष्ठ 48

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2021-12-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.

1. Stop and give way

This traffic sign means stop and give way. You must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and give way to traffic that has priority. Proceed only when it is safe.

English • Traffic sign A1 • Stop and give way. Come to a complete stop and give way to traffic on the main road before proceeding.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A1 • PDF पृष्ठ 48

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2021-12-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. Give way

This traffic sign means give way. Slow down and give way to traffic that has priority. Stop if necessary and proceed only when it is safe.

English • Traffic sign A2 • Give way. Give way to traffic on the main road, stopping if necessary.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A2 • PDF पृष्ठ 49

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2022-02-08. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Crossroad ahead, give way

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a crossroad, give way. It alerts drivers that they are approaching an intersection where they must give way to traffic on the main road. Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop if needed.

English • Traffic sign B2 • Junction with a main road ahead. Prepare to give way.

नेपाली • B2 • अगाडि मुख्य सडक। अगाडि मुख्य सडकसँग जङ्क्सन छ। मुख्य सडकको यातायातलाई बाटो दिन तयार हुनुहोस्।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • B2 • PDF पृष्ठ 82

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2022-02-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Department of Roads Traffic Signs Manual 2018, Volume 2: Dor.gov.np • PDF page 39. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. The earlier manual is retained as supporting evidence.

4. Warning for a roundabout

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a roundabout. A roundabout lies ahead. Reduce speed and follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local roundabout rules when approaching and entering it.

English • Traffic sign B9 • Roundabout ahead. Slow down and check the traffic before entering.

नेपाली • B9 • अगाडि गोलचक्कर। अगाडि गोलचक्कर छ। गति घटाउनुहोस् र प्रवेश गर्नुअघि चलिरहेको यातायात हेर्नुहोस्।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • B9 • PDF पृष्ठ 89

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2020-03-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Department of Roads Traffic Signs Manual 2018, Volume 2: Dor.gov.np • PDF page 46. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. The earlier manual is retained as supporting evidence.

5. Priority at the junction

This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. A side road joins from the left, and traffic entering from that side road must give way.

English • Traffic sign B3 • Side road on the left. Watch for traffic at the junction.

नेपाली • B3 • बायाँतर्फ सहायक सडक। अगाडि बायाँतर्फबाट सहायक सडक जोडिन्छ। जङ्क्सनको यातायातप्रति सावधान रहनुहोस्।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • B3 • PDF पृष्ठ 83

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2022-02-17. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Department of Roads Traffic Signs Manual 2018, Volume 2: Dor.gov.np • PDF page 40. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. The earlier manual is retained as supporting evidence.

6. Priority at the junction

This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. A side road joins from the right, and traffic entering from that side road must give way.

English • Traffic sign B3 • Side road on the right. Watch for traffic at the junction.

नेपाली • B3 • दायाँतर्फ सहायक सडक। अगाडि दायाँतर्फबाट सहायक सडक जोडिन्छ। जङ्क्सनको यातायातप्रति सावधान रहनुहोस्।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • B3 • PDF पृष्ठ 83

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2022-02-17. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. Priority at the junction

This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. Side roads join from the left and right, and traffic entering from those side roads must give way.

English • Traffic sign B1 • Crossroads with minor roads on both sides. Slow down and watch for traffic from both sides.

नेपाली • B1 • अगाडि चौबाटो। अगाडि दुवैतर्फबाट सहायक सडक जोडिने चौबाटो छ। गति घटाउनुहोस् र दुवैतर्फको यातायात हेर्नुहोस्।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • B1 • PDF पृष्ठ 81

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2022-02-12. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Department of Roads Traffic Signs Manual 2018, Volume 2: Dor.gov.np • PDF page 38. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. The earlier manual is retained as supporting evidence.

8. Warning for a staggered junction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a staggered junction. Side roads join the main road at different points rather than directly opposite each other. Reduce speed and watch carefully for vehicles entering, leaving or crossing the main road.

English • Traffic sign B4 • Staggered junctions, first right then left. Watch for traffic at both junctions.

नेपाली • B4 • पहिले दायाँतर्फ सहायक सडक। अगाडि सहायक सडकहरू फरक स्थानमा जोडिन्छन्; पहिले दायाँ र त्यसपछि बायाँतर्फको जङ्क्सन आउँछ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • B4 • PDF पृष्ठ 84

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2022-02-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Department of Roads Traffic Signs Manual 2018, Volume 2: Dor.gov.np • PDF page 41. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. The earlier manual is retained as supporting evidence.

9. Warning for a staggered junction

English • Traffic sign B4 • Staggered junctions, first left then right. Watch for traffic at both junctions.

नेपाली • B4 • पहिले बायाँतर्फ सहायक सडक। अगाडि सहायक सडकहरू फरक स्थानमा जोडिन्छन्; पहिले बायाँ र त्यसपछि दायाँतर्फको जङ्क्सन आउँछ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • B4 • PDF पृष्ठ 84

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2022-02-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.

10. Warning for an uncontrolled T-junction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled T-junction. The road ends at an intersection where no traffic signs or signals assign priority. Reduce speed and follow the applicable default priority rules.

English • Traffic sign B5 • T-junction ahead. The road ends at a T-junction. Slow down and prepare to turn left or right.

नेपाली • B5 • अगाडि टी-जङ्क्सन। अगाडि सडक अर्को सडकमा समाप्त हुन्छ। बायाँ वा दायाँ मोड्नुपर्ने भएकाले गति घटाउनुहोस्।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • B5 • PDF पृष्ठ 85

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2022-02-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Department of Roads Traffic Signs Manual 2018, Volume 2: Dor.gov.np • PDF page 42. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. The earlier manual is retained as supporting evidence.

11. Warning for an uncontrolled Y-junction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled Y-junction. The road divides or meets another road at a Y-shaped intersection where no signs or signals assign priority. Reduce speed and follow the applicable default priority rules.

English • Traffic sign B6 • Y-junction ahead. The road divides in two directions. Follow your route carefully.

नेपाली • B6 • अगाडि वाई-जङ्क्सन। अगाडि सडक दुई दिशामा छुट्टिने जङ्क्सन छ। आफ्नो मार्गअनुसार सावधानीपूर्वक अघि बढ्नुहोस्।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • B6 • PDF पृष्ठ 86

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2020-03-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Department of Roads Traffic Signs Manual 2018, Volume 2: Dor.gov.np • PDF page 43. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. The earlier manual is retained as supporting evidence.

12. Mandatory roundabout direction

This traffic sign indicates the mandatory direction around a roundabout. Traffic must circulate in the direction shown by the arrows. The sign does not itself determine priority; follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local rules.

English • Traffic sign A31 • Mini-roundabout. Circulate clockwise in the direction of the arrows and give way to traffic from the right.

नेपाली • A31 • सानो गोलचक्कर। तीरको दिशामा घडीको दिशाअनुसार घुम्नुहोस् र दायाँबाट आउने यातायातलाई बाटो दिनुहोस्।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A31 • PDF पृष्ठ 78

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2021-12-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.