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Driving Differences: Australia vs. Cambodia Explained

As you prepare for your journey from Australia to Cambodia, understanding the distinct driving regulations is essential for ensuring your safety on unfamiliar roads. Key differences include Australia’s left-side driving versus Cambodia's right-side approach, as well as varied speed limits and lane usage norms. Equip yourself with this vital knowledge for a secure travel experience.

Lanes

Driving Side
australia:
Left
cambodia:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
australia:
Not commonly used; can indicate the left edge in tunnels.
cambodia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
australia:
Not commonly used; may mark reversible lanes.
cambodia:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
australia:
Allowed
cambodia:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
australia:
Not allowed except on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
cambodia:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
australia:
Use leftmost lane.
cambodia:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
australia:
Yes
cambodia:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
australia:
Reserved for buses and taxis; usage by others restricted.
cambodia:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
australia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS LANE'; often with road signs.
cambodia:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
australia:
Yes
cambodia:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
australia:
Minimum two or more occupants
cambodia:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
australia:
Yes
cambodia:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
australia:
Electronic signs display current limits.
cambodia:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
australia:
50 km/h
cambodia:
30-40 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
australia:
40 km/h
cambodia:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
australia:
80-100 km/h
cambodia:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
australia:
80-100 km/h
cambodia:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
80-100 km/h
cambodia:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
australia:
100-110 km/h
cambodia:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
australia:
100-110 km/h
cambodia:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
90-100 km/h
cambodia:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
australia:
Yes
cambodia:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
australia:
Electronic signs display current limits.
cambodia:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
australia:
Common; may vary by area.
cambodia:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
australia:
Not commonly used.
cambodia:
N/A
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
australia:
Signal when entering and exiting
cambodia:
Signal when exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
australia:
English; symbols are standard
cambodia:
Khmer and English; symbols are standard

Turns

Right Turn On Red
australia:
Not allowed, except where signage permits.
cambodia:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
australia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs.
cambodia:
Varies, check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
cambodia:
International Driving Permit required
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
cambodia:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
australia:
Varies by state; proof may be required
cambodia:
Mandatory; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
australia:
Displayed on license plate or windshield in some states
cambodia:
Displayed on the vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
australia:
Not mandatory
cambodia:
Recommended but not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
australia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
cambodia:
Frequent use as means of communication
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
australia:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
cambodia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
australia:
0.02%
cambodia:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
australia:
0.00%; zero tolerance in all states.
cambodia:
0.00%; zero tolerance for underage drivers
Enforcement: Random Checks
australia:
Common; roadside breath testing often conducted
cambodia:
Common; checkpoints used
Enforcement: Fines
australia:
Varies by state; can be substantial
cambodia:
Strict and substantial

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
australia:
Signal right if intending to turn immediately
cambodia:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
australia:
Signal left when preparing to exit
cambodia:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Left
australia:
Use for subsequent exits, move to left lane before exit when safe
cambodia:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
australia:
000
cambodia:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
australia:
Varies by state; contact local police
cambodia:
117
Contact: Roadside Assistance
australia:
Check with your insurance provider or NRMA
cambodia:
Check with your insurance provider

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
australia:
Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible
cambodia:
Varies; fines are substantial
Common Fines: Seat Belts
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 500, demerit points possible
cambodia:
Varies; penalties applied
Common Fines: Phone Use
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible
cambodia:
Varies; penalties applied
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
australia:
AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible
cambodia:
Varies; substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
australia:
Yes; varies by jurisdiction.
cambodia:
Yes, on the spot payment
Payment: Deadline
australia:
Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay
cambodia:
Varies; typically within a specified period