Background
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport published formal operating speed guidance for the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville expressway as part of road traffic regulation for national high-speed corridors. The guidance establishes numeric minimum and maximum speeds differentiated by vehicle class and indicates that posted maximum-speed signs take precedence over the default ranges.
Under the published guidance, the default speed ranges are set at 60–120 km/h for family and light vehicles, 60–100 km/h for heavy vehicles, and 60–80 km/h for vehicles with semi-trailers or passenger-coach configurations. Drivers entering curved sections and access ramps to the expressway are required to reduce speed to 40 km/h before accelerating to the applicable limit, and rumble-stripe markings are specified at locations where speed reduction is necessary to warn approaching drivers.
Scope of Application
The regulation applies to the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville expressway and establishes default minimum and maximum speeds by vehicle category for that corridor. Where a dedicated maximum-speed traffic sign is posted on the expressway, the posted limit supersedes the default speed ranges set by MPWT.
Key Provisions or Decisions
- Default speed ranges by vehicle class: family/light vehicles; heavy vehicles; and semi-trailer or passenger-coach type vehicles, with corresponding minimum and maximum values as published.
- Access-ramp and curved-section requirement: initial speed limit of 40 km/h on entry to certain ramps or curves, after which drivers may accelerate toward the applicable corridor limit.
- Installation of rumble-stripe markings at locations that require reduced speed to provide tactile and audible warnings to drivers.
- Explicit instruction that drivers must obey any posted maximum-speed signs, which replace the default ranges in those locations.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
Transport operators and logistics companies using the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville expressway will need to align vehicle operating procedures and fleet speed governors with the published speed ranges and ramp-entry requirements. Road asset managers and concessionaires are required to ensure signage, rumble-strip installation, and speed-limiting measures are in place where specified, to meet the operational expectations set by MPWT.
Official Source
Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) public notice on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpwt.gov.kh/posts/pfbid02KNwWCoB47Gvm7VnkCHaG46GxYncdE6TEUHKTW1ecMjTqJjkmicUYJQSPbMzJJnavl
