BangladeshBangladesh
Traffic rules
Bangladesh
1. Bangladesh
Bangladesh lies in South Asia, bordered mainly by India, with Myanmar to the southeast and the Bay of Bengal to the south. Traffic drives on the left. Much of the country is low-lying and crossed by major rivers including the Padma, Jamuna and Meghna, so bridges, floodplains and river crossings are an important part of road travel. The summer monsoon can bring prolonged heavy rain and flooding, while urban driving—particularly around Dhaka and Chattogram—often involves dense mixed traffic. Bangla is the national language, but official route signs display destinations in both Bangla and English, normally with Bangla above the English name.
Bangladesh does not use a nationwide motorway vignette; instead, tolls apply to individual bridges, expressways, tunnels and other designated infrastructure. Speed limits are unusually dependent on both road class and vehicle type. Under the national 2024 speed guideline, ordinary cars and buses may travel at up to 80 km/h on expressways, while motorcycles and freight vehicles have lower limits. Three-wheelers are prohibited on expressways and national or regional highways. During the monsoon, flooding and waterlogged roads can significantly affect travel, making temporary restrictions and local traffic directions especially important.
AI
Which side of the road do you drive on in Bangladesh?
Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. Follow lane markings, traffic signs and police directions where traffic is being controlled.
What is the emergency number in Bangladesh?
Call 999 for the national emergency service. It operates 24 hours a day and can provide access to police, fire and ambulance assistance.
What is the alcohol limit for driving in Bangladesh?
Driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicants is prohibited. The latest WHO legislative review records a general blood-alcohol limit of 0.3 g/l (0.03 g/dl); the safest practical rule is not to drink alcohol before driving.
What is the speed limit in urban areas in Bangladesh?
There is no single urban limit because speeds depend on the road and vehicle type. For ordinary cars and similar light passenger vehicles, the maximum is generally 40 km/h on main or internal urban roads and 30 km/h on narrow or shared urban roads. Lower signed limits must be obeyed.
What is the speed limit on expressways in Bangladesh?
Under the national speed guideline, the maximum on an expressway is 80 km/h for cars and passenger vehicles, 60 km/h for motorcycles and 50 km/h for freight and articulated vehicles, unless a lower limit applies.
What is the speed limit on Category A national highways in Bangladesh?
On a Category A divided national highway, the maximum is generally 80 km/h for cars and passenger vehicles, 50 km/h for motorcycles and 50 km/h for freight vehicles.
What is the speed limit on Category B national and regional highways in Bangladesh?
The maximum is generally 70 km/h for cars, buses and other passenger vehicles, 50 km/h for motorcycles and 45 km/h for freight and articulated vehicles.
What is the speed limit on district roads in Bangladesh?
The maximum is generally 60 km/h for cars and passenger vehicles, 50 km/h for motorcycles and 40 km/h for freight and articulated vehicles.
Do motorcycles have lower speed limits in Bangladesh?
Yes. Motorcycle limits are generally 60 km/h on expressways, 50 km/h on national, regional and district roads, 30 km/h on main urban roads and 20 km/h on narrow or shared urban roads.
Can lower speed limits be imposed on individual roads in Bangladesh?
Yes. The authorities may establish lower speed limits according to the road and local conditions. Always follow the posted speed limit even when it is below the general maximum for that road category.
Are three-wheelers allowed on expressways and national highways in Bangladesh?
No. Under the national speed guideline, three-wheelers are prohibited on expressways and Category A and B national or regional highways. Their movement on some lower-class roads may be subject to permission.
Do you need a motorway vignette in Bangladesh?
No. Bangladesh does not use a nationwide motorway vignette for passenger cars. Road charges are instead collected at particular tolled infrastructure.
Are there toll roads, bridges or tunnels in Bangladesh?
Yes. Tolls apply to selected infrastructure, including major bridges, expressways and tunnels. Examples include the Padma and Jamuna bridges, Dhaka Elevated Expressway and Karnaphuli Tunnel.
Are seat belts compulsory in Bangladesh?
Yes. A driver must fasten the seat belt, and passengers must comply with the applicable seat-belt requirements. The latest WHO legislative review records the national seat-belt law as applying to both front and rear occupants.
Does Bangladesh have a national child-restraint law?
The latest WHO legislative review reports no nationwide child-restraint-use law or national age or height threshold for child seats in Bangladesh. Using an appropriate child restraint remains strongly recommended whenever one can be fitted safely.
Are motorcycle helmets compulsory in Bangladesh?
Yes. Both the motorcycle rider and passenger must wear helmets properly. The national helmet law applies to riders and passengers on all road types.
How many passengers can a motorcycle carry in Bangladesh?
A motorcycle may carry no more than one passenger in addition to the rider, and both must wear helmets properly.
Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Bangladesh?
No. The Road Transport Act states that a driver must not use a mobile phone or similar device while driving.
Can you drive on the wrong side of the road in Bangladesh?
No. The Road Transport Act expressly prohibits driving a motor vehicle in the opposite direction to the prescribed traffic flow.
Can you park or stop anywhere in Bangladesh?
No. Vehicles must use designated parking and stopping places where these have been established, including designated places and times for picking up or dropping off passengers or goods.
Can you use the horn in a quiet area in Bangladesh?
No. Drivers must not sound the horn in an officially declared quiet area. Emergency-service vehicles using authorised warning devices are subject to specific exceptions.
Can you use high-beam headlights when approaching other traffic at night?
Drivers must not use high beams in a way that causes difficulty for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.
Where should pedestrians cross the road in Bangladesh?
Where provided, road users must use designated zebra crossings, footbridges, underpasses or similar crossing facilities for crossing a road or highway.
Does the monsoon affect driving in Bangladesh?
Yes. The monsoon can bring very heavy rain, flooding and waterlogged roads. Drivers should reduce speed, allow more stopping distance and follow temporary road closures or instructions from the authorities rather than attempting to enter unsafe flooded sections.
What languages are used on road signs in Bangladesh?
Official route signs display destination names in Bangla and English, normally with Bangla above the English wording. Most regulatory and warning signs also use symbols that can be understood without reading the text.
