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.