Background
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) administers the application process for permits that authorise travel on Cambodia’s expressway network for higher-powered vehicles. The MPWT requires a permit to operate on Cambodia’s expressway for vehicles with cylinder capacity of 500cc or engine power of 27 kW and above. Applicants must attach vehicle registration and owner identity documents when applying for the expressway permit; foreign applicants must additionally provide a valid passport and visa plus a residence confirmation issued by commune or sangkat authorities.
The MPWT’s guidance specifies required supporting documents, locations where applications are accepted, and the cost status for the permit application. The public notice lists three designated public service centres where applicants may submit documents and a hotline number for enquiries.
Scope of Application
The requirement applies to motor vehicles and motorcycles that meet or exceed the stated engine-size threshold (500cc) or gross engine power (27 kW). The guidance differentiates documentation required from Cambodian nationals and foreign nationals for the same permit application process.
Key Provisions or Decisions
- Engine threshold: vehicles with cylinder capacity from 500cc or engine power 27 kW and above require an expressway permit.
- Documents required for Cambodian nationals: vehicle registration document and the owner’s identity card.
- Documents required for foreign nationals: vehicle registration document; valid passport and visa; and a residence confirmation letter issued by commune (mekhum) or sangkat authorities.
- If the permanent address differs from the address on the identity card, applicants must also attach a family book or a residence booklet as supporting evidence.
- Application fee: the MPWT notice states that the permit application is provided free of charge.
- Designated submission points: MPWT public service centre at the ministry headquarters (Road No. 598), Public Service Centre at AEON Mall Mean Chey (1st floor), and Public Service Centre at Olympia Mall (4th floor).
- Enquiries: hotline 1275 for additional information.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
Transport operators, vehicle rental companies, and private owners must prepare the specified documents before submitting an application to avoid administrative delays at MPWT service centres. Because the MPWT has specified both citizen and foreigner document sets, companies that manage cross-border drivers should collect passport/visa and commune/sangkat residence confirmations for foreign personnel in advance. The free-of-charge application indicates the policy is administrative rather than revenue-generating, so compliance focuses on correct documentation and designated submission locations.
Official Source
Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) Facebook post, MPWT Public Service Centres and hotline 1275: source.
