Types of heavy vehicles regulated for entry and exit within Phnom Penh’s jurisdiction. Phnom Penh Municipal Administration
The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration has updated traffic regulations for heavy transport vehicles entering and exiting the capital, warning that non-compliance could result in indefinite detention of vehicles.
A directive issued on December 2 outlined adjustments to previous guidelines, which had set specific routes and schedules for large vehicles to maintain public order, reduce congestion and prevent road accidents.
The administration highlighted that Phnom Penh’s growing population and increasing vehicle numbers have turned previously quiet areas into densely populated zones, leading to frequent traffic jams and accidents, many involving heavy trucks.
To tackle these issues, the administration has revised the routes, schedules and classifications of vehicles allowed in the capital.
Heavy trucks are now divided into two categories. Category 1 includes vehicles with two axles and a maximum weight of 16 tonnes. These are permitted to operate within Phnom Penh except during restricted hours: 5-9am and 4-9pm in Daun Penh, Chamkarmon, 7 Makara, Tuol Kork and Boeung Keng Kang districts.
Category 2 includes vehicles with three or more axles and a gross weight of 21 tonnes or more. These vehicles may only use the third ring road. They are allowed to enter or exit Phnom Penh between 9pm-5am but are banned from operating in the previously mentioned districts and on specific roads and bridges within the capital.
Vehicles transporting construction materials such as sand, soil, stone and concrete for construction or repair projects will be granted priority permits, with specific times and routes designated based on requests submitted to the municipal administration.
Passenger buses of all types will also have separate guidelines specifying operating times and routes within Phnom Penh.
The directive states that vehicles entering or passing through Phnom Penh during restricted hours must park at designated locations outside the capital. These include parking areas at entry points along six national roads (NR1-NR6). Parking on public roads during restricted hours is strictly prohibited.
“Vehicles found violating this directive will be detained indefinitely to educate their owners on proper transport operations within Phnom Penh,” the municipal administration warned.
Phorn Rim, spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, noted that more than 7.5 million vehicles have been registered with the ministry since 1990. This includes 6,443,694 motorcycles, 842,565 light and 300,253 heavy vehicles.
