Background
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) prescribes minimum and maximum speed bands for vehicles on national expressways, including the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville route. Passenger cars and light trucks on the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville expressway are assigned an operational speed range of 60–120 km/h.
Separate speed bands are established for vehicle classes: heavy trucks without semi-trailers and motorcycles of 500cc/27 kW or above are set at 60–100 km/h, while buses, semi-trailers and recreational passenger trailers are limited to 60–80 km/h. Posted maximum-speed signage on the expressway supersedes the generic bands, and motorists must reduce speed to 40 km/h when entering curved sections or access ramps before accelerating up to the expressway baseline of 60 km/h; rumble stripes are installed at locations that require speed reduction.
Scope of Application
The speed provisions apply to the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville expressway and differentiate by vehicle class as specified by MPWT. Where a posted maximum speed sign is present, the posted limit applies instead of the generic bands listed for each vehicle category.
Key Provisions or Decisions
Minimum and maximum speed bands published by MPWT for the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville expressway are as follows:
- Passenger cars and light trucks: 60–120 km/h.
- Heavy trucks without a semi-trailer and motorcycles of 500cc (or 27 kW) and above: 60–100 km/h.
- Buses, semi-trailers and recreational passenger trailers: 60–80 km/h.
Additional operational rules include obeying posted maximum-speed signs, limiting speed to 40 km/h on curved sections and access ramps before accelerating to 60 km/h, and using rumble stripes at locations designated to prompt speed reduction.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
Transport and logistics operators using the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville expressway must align vehicle operations with the defined speed bands and follow any posted signage on the route. Fleet managers may need to update driver guidance and route procedures to reflect the expressway’s differentiated speed bands for compliance and operational planning.
Official Source
Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/mpwt.gov.kh/posts/pfbid0ZtsdunfGUK7oA8nPkmSiT39MpoMcUaxuTd1UadPD9M5cSTubZr54mmYkww68YbHUl
