Prohibitory 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

Prohibitory signs

A prohibitory sign is a traffic sign that tells drivers what is not allowed on that specific road or in that situation. These signs impose restrictions such as no entry, no overtaking, no parking, speed limits, or bans on certain types of vehicles. Their purpose is to clearly indicate actions that are forbidden to ensure safety, maintain traffic flow, and protect vulnerable road users.

Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited.

Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.

Vehicles longer than indicated prohibited.

Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited.

Vehicles exceeding the axle-load limit prohibited.

How are prohibitory signs classified in Nepal?

Prohibitory signs give instructions about actions drivers must not take, including speed or manoeuvre restrictions.

🔗 dor.gov.np • Nepal — Department of Roads manual, actual sign/marking meaning and separate regulatory controls

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

What does a no-turn sign prohibit in Nepal?

It prohibits the left, right or other turn shown at the junction or position controlled by the sign in Nepal. Follow any supplementary panel or authorised direction and choose another legal route.

🔗 dor.gov.np • Nepal — Department of Roads manual, actual sign/marking meaning and separate regulatory controls

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

Can a no-turn restriction apply only to certain vehicles or hours in Nepal?

Yes, where the local sign system provides a supplementary condition or exemption, such as a vehicle class, time or authorised access. Without a valid exception, comply with the prohibited movement shown.

🔗 dor.gov.np • Nepal — Department of Roads manual, actual sign/marking meaning and separate regulatory controls

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

1. No entry

This traffic sign means no entry. Drivers may not enter from the direction in which the sign is placed.

English • Traffic sign A3 • No entry. Vehicles may not enter from this direction.

नेपाली • A3 • प्रवेश निषेध। यस दिशाबाट सवारी प्रवेश गर्न निषेध छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A3 • PDF पृष्ठ 50

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2022-01-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. Pedestrians prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that pedestrians are prohibited. Pedestrians may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign A8 • No pedestrians. Pedestrians may not use this section of road.

नेपाली • A8 • पैदलयात्री निषेध। यस सडक वा खण्डमा पैदलयात्रीको प्रवेश निषेध छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A8 • PDF पृष्ठ 55

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2021-11-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Trucks prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that trucks are prohibited. Trucks covered by the sign may not enter or continue beyond it. Any applicable weight threshold or vehicle-category limitation is determined by the sign, supplementary information and local rules.

English • Traffic sign A5 • No goods vehicles. Goods vehicles may not use this road.

नेपाली • A5 • मालवाहक सवारी निषेध। यस सडकमा मालवाहक ट्रकको प्रवेश निषेध छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A5 • PDF पृष्ठ 52

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2020-02-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. Handcarts prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that handcarts are prohibited. People using handcarts may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign A6 • No handcarts. Handcarts may not use this road.

नेपाली • A6 • हाते गाडा निषेध। यस सडकमा हातले चलाइने गाडाको प्रवेश निषेध छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A6 • PDF पृष्ठ 53

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2025-06-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Department of Roads Traffic Signs Manual 2018, Volume 2: Dor.gov.np • PDF page 10. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. The earlier manual is retained as supporting evidence.

5. Horsecarts prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that horsecarts are prohibited. Horse-drawn vehicles may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign A7 • No ox carts. Ox carts may not use this road.

नेपाली • A7 • गोरुगाडा निषेध। यस सडकमा गोरुगाडाको प्रवेश निषेध छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A7 • PDF पृष्ठ 54

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2025-06-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Department of Roads Traffic Signs Manual 2018, Volume 2: Dor.gov.np • PDF page 11. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. The earlier manual is retained as supporting evidence.

6. Motorcycles and cars prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that motorcycles and cars are prohibited. Motorcycles and cars may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign A4 • No motor vehicles. This prohibition applies to all motor vehicles, not just cars and motorcycles.

नेपाली • A4 • मोटर सवारी निषेध। यस सडकमा सबै मोटर सवारीको प्रवेश निषेध छ। यो प्रतिबन्ध कार र मोटरसाइकलमा मात्र सीमित छैन।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A4 • PDF पृष्ठ 51

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2020-02-17. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Department of Roads Traffic Signs Manual 2018, Volume 2: Dor.gov.np • PDF page 8. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. The earlier manual is retained as supporting evidence.

7. Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles wider than indicated are prohibited. A vehicle or vehicle combination whose overall width, including its load, exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

English • Traffic sign A11 • Maximum width: 1.8 m. Vehicles whose width, including their load, exceeds 1.8 m may not enter.

नेपाली • A11 • अधिकतम चौडाइ १.८ मिटर। सवारी र त्यसको मालसहितको चौडाइ १.८ मिटरभन्दा बढी भए प्रवेश निषेध छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A11 • PDF पृष्ठ 58

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2025-06-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.

8. Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles higher than indicated are prohibited. A vehicle or vehicle combination whose overall height, including its load, exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

English • Traffic sign A10 • Maximum height: 4.4 m. Vehicles whose height, including their load, exceeds 4.4 m may not enter.

नेपाली • A10 • अधिकतम उचाइ ४.४ मिटर। सवारी र त्यसको मालसहितको उचाइ ४.४ मिटरभन्दा बढी भए प्रवेश निषेध छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A10 • PDF पृष्ठ 57

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2012-09-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

9. Vehicles longer than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles longer than indicated are prohibited. A vehicle or vehicle combination whose overall length, including its load, exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

English • Traffic sign A9 • Maximum length: 10 m. Vehicles or vehicle combinations whose total length exceeds 10 metres may not enter.

नेपाली • A9 • अधिकतम लम्बाइ १० मिटर। सवारी वा जोडिएका सवारीको कुल लम्बाइ १० मिटरभन्दा बढी भए प्रवेश निषेध छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A9 • PDF पृष्ठ 56

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2025-06-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.

10. Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles heavier than indicated are prohibited. Vehicles or vehicle combinations exceeding the displayed mass limit may not continue beyond the sign. The legally relevant mass is determined by the applicable local rules.

English • Traffic sign A12 • Maximum gross weight: 17 tonnes. Vehicles whose actual total weight, including their load, exceeds 17 tonnes may not enter.

नेपाली • A12 • अधिकतम कुल तौल १७ टन। सवारी र मालसहितको वास्तविक कुल तौल १७ टनभन्दा बढी भए प्रवेश निषेध छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A12 • PDF पृष्ठ 59

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2025-06-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.

11. Vehicles exceeding the axle-load limit prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles exceeding the indicated axle-load limit are prohibited. A vehicle whose load on an axle exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

English • Traffic sign A13 • Maximum axle load: 4 tonnes. Vehicles with a load exceeding 4 tonnes on any axle may not enter.

नेपाली • A13 • अधिकतम एक्सल तौल ४ टन। कुनै एक्सलमा पर्ने तौल ४ टनभन्दा बढी भए प्रवेश निषेध छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A13 • PDF पृष्ठ 60

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2025-06-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Department of Roads Traffic Signs Manual 2018, Volume 2: Dor.gov.np • PDF page 17. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. The earlier manual is retained as supporting evidence.

12. Turning left prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that turning left is prohibited. A left turn may not be made where the sign applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign A19 • No left turn. Turning left is prohibited at this location.

नेपाली • A19 • बायाँ मोड्न निषेध। यस स्थानमा बायाँ मोड्न निषेध छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A19 • PDF पृष्ठ 66

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2020-02-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

13. Turning right prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that turning right is prohibited. A right turn may not be made where the sign applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign A18 • No right turn. Turning right is prohibited at this location.

नेपाली • A18 • दायाँ मोड्न निषेध। यस स्थानमा दायाँ मोड्न निषेध छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A18 • PDF पृष्ठ 65

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2020-02-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

14. Turning around prohibited (U-turn)

This traffic sign indicates that turning around (making a U-turn) is prohibited. A U-turn may not be made where the prohibition applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign A20 • No U-turn. Turning your vehicle around to travel in the opposite direction is prohibited at this location.

नेपाली • A20 • यू-टर्न निषेध। यस स्थानमा सवारी फर्काएर विपरीत दिशामा जान निषेध छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A20 • PDF पृष्ठ 67

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2020-02-12. Wikimedia original unmodified.

15. Overtaking prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that overtaking is prohibited. The vehicles covered by the prohibition and any categories that may still be overtaken depend on the applicable local rules.

English • Traffic sign A16 • No overtaking. Overtaking a motor vehicle ahead is prohibited on the section covered by this restriction.

नेपाली • A16 • ओभरटेक गर्न निषेध। यो प्रतिबन्ध लागू हुने खण्डमा अगाडिको मोटर सवारीलाई उछिन्न निषेध छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A16 • PDF पृष्ठ 63

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2012-09-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

16. Start of a speed limit

This traffic sign indicates the start of a speed limit. The displayed value is the maximum permitted speed from this point. The limit remains in force until it ends or is replaced according to the applicable traffic signs and local rules.

English • Traffic sign A22 • Maximum speed: 40. The maximum speed is 40 kilometres per hour. Road conditions may require a lower speed.

नेपाली • A22 • अधिकतम गति ४०। अधिकतम गति ४० किलोमिटर प्रतिघण्टा छ। सडकको अवस्था अनुसार अझ कम गति आवश्यक हुन सक्छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A22 • PDF पृष्ठ 69

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2020-02-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

17. End of the speed limit

This traffic sign indicates the end of the previously indicated speed limit. From this point, follow any newly posted limit or the applicable default speed rules for the road and vehicle category.

English • Traffic sign A23 • End of the 40 speed limit. The previously imposed special limit of 40 kilometres per hour ends here. This does not mean that all other restrictions end.

नेपाली • A23 • ४० को गति सीमा समाप्त। पहिले लागू गरिएको ४० किलोमिटर प्रतिघण्टाको विशेष गति सीमा यहाँ समाप्त हुन्छ। यसले अन्य सबै प्रतिबन्ध समाप्त भएको जनाउँदैन।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A23 • PDF पृष्ठ 70

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2020-02-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

18. Using the horn prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that using the horn is prohibited. The horn or other audible warning device may not be used where the prohibition applies, except where an applicable local rule permits or requires it.

English • Traffic sign A21 • No use of the horn. Sounding the horn is prohibited in the area covered by this sign.

नेपाली • A21 • हर्न बजाउन निषेध। यो संकेत लागू हुने क्षेत्रमा हर्न बजाउन निषेध छ।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A21 • PDF पृष्ठ 68

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2020-02-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

19. Entry prohibited (checkpoint)

This traffic sign indicates a checkpoint with restricted entry. Road users may not proceed beyond the checkpoint unless they are authorised or permitted to continue according to the applicable rules and instructions.

English • Traffic sign A17 • Stop for the specified purpose. Stop before proceeding at the checkpoint or for the purpose specified on the sign. Follow the relevant instructions.

नेपाली • A17 • निश्चित कार्यका लागि रोक्नुहोस्। जाँच चौकी वा संकेतमा तोकिएको कार्यका लागि अगाडि जानुअघि रोक्नुहोस्। सम्बन्धित निर्देशन पालना गर्नुहोस्।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A17 • PDF पृष्ठ 64

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2020-02-17. Wikimedia original unmodified.

20. Parking prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that parking is prohibited. Vehicles may not be parked in the area covered by the sign unless an exception applies. Brief stopping to pick up or drop off passengers or to load or unload goods may still be permitted where local rules allow it.

English • Traffic sign A14 • No parking. Parking is prohibited where this sign applies. Read any supplementary plate specifying times or the area covered.

नेपाली • A14 • पार्किङ निषेध। यो संकेत लागू हुने ठाउँमा सवारी पार्क गर्न निषेध छ। थप प्लेटमा समय वा क्षेत्र तोकिएको भए त्यसलाई पनि पढ्नुहोस्।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A14 • PDF पृष्ठ 61

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2020-02-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

21. Parking and stopping prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that parking and stopping are prohibited. Vehicles may not stop or park voluntarily where the restriction applies, except where an applicable rule provides an exemption or stopping is required by traffic conditions.

English • Traffic sign A15 • No stopping. Stopping is prohibited where this sign applies. Read the instructions on any supplementary plate.

नेपाली • A15 • रोक्न निषेध। यो संकेत लागू हुने ठाउँमा सवारी रोक्न निषेध छ। थप प्लेटका निर्देशन पनि पढ्नुहोस्।

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dor.gov.np • सडक विभाग • Traffic Signs Manual, 1997 • A15 • PDF पृष्ठ 62

SVG source: Nepali Department of Roads • Public domain • Original revision 2022-01-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.