Traffic Rules & Road Signs
The essentials every driver in Nepal should know — and useful practice for the licence test.
Rules of the road
Keep to the left
Nepal follows left-hand traffic. Drive on the left and overtake on the right when it is safe and legal.
Carry your documents
Always keep a valid driving licence, the vehicle registration (bluebook) and valid insurance with you.
Wear a helmet
A helmet is compulsory for both the motorcycle rider and the pillion passenger.
Wear a seatbelt
The driver and front-seat passenger must wear seatbelts in a car or jeep.
Never drink and drive
Nepal enforces a zero-tolerance policy on drink-driving. Do not drive after consuming alcohol.
No phone while driving
Do not use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. Pull over safely if you must take a call.
Obey traffic signals
Stop at a red light behind the stop line. Move only on green when the way is clear.
Give way to pedestrians
Pedestrians have priority at zebra crossings — slow down and stop to let them cross.
Give way at roundabouts
At a roundabout, give way to traffic already circulating, which comes from your right.
Make way for emergencies
When an ambulance, fire engine or police vehicle sounds its siren, pull to the left and let it pass.
Understanding road signs
Red circle
Prohibitory signs
Tell you what you must NOT do.
e.g. No Entry, No Overtaking, No Parking, No Horn.
Blue circle
Mandatory signs
Tell you what you MUST do.
e.g. Turn Left, Keep Left, Ahead Only, Compulsory route.
Red triangle
Warning signs
Warn you of a hazard ahead so you can slow down.
e.g. Sharp Bend, Steep Descent, Pedestrian Crossing, School Ahead.
Blue / green rectangle
Informatory signs
Give useful information and directions.
e.g. Hospital, Petrol Pump, Parking, Direction & Place names.
Ready to test yourself?
Practice real-style questions for the Nepal written (Likhit) exam.
Frequently asked questions
Which side of the road do you drive on in Nepal?
Nepal drives on the left-hand side of the road, and you overtake on the right. Vehicles are right-hand drive.
What are the speed limits in Nepal?
Limits vary by area and vehicle: typically around 40 km/h in urban and built-up areas and higher on open highways, with lower limits for buses and trucks. Always follow the posted signs, which override the general limits.
Do I need a licence to ride a scooter or motorbike in Nepal?
Yes. You need a valid category-A (two-wheeler) driving licence to ride any scooter or motorbike legally. Riding without one carries a fine and possible impounding.
Are helmets and seatbelts mandatory in Nepal?
Helmets are mandatory for both the rider and the pillion passenger on two-wheelers, and seatbelts are required for front-seat occupants of cars. Traffic police issue on-the-spot fines for violations.
What do the different road-sign shapes and colours mean?
Broadly, circular signs give orders (mandatory or prohibitory), triangular signs warn of hazards ahead, and rectangular signs give information — see the “Understanding road signs” section above for examples.
How do I prepare for the Nepal driving-licence written exam?
Learn the traffic rules and road signs on this page, then practise with RoadSewa’s free mock exam, which uses real-style questions for the written (Likhit) test.