There’s a new law in the works that, if enforced, will change Cambodia’s chaotic traffic beyond recognition.
The draft law on road traffic, passed by the Council of Ministers last Friday, will require virtually all motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear helmets; front-seat car passengers to wear seatbelts; and all drivers to remain sober and refrain from honking their horns wildly.
It states that “drivers must always be careful, and their vision must not be blocked by crowded passengers or heavy loads.” It also states that children younger than 10 cannot sit in the front seat, and bulldozers or tanks can’t drive on roads.
In a country where a share taxi often crams eight or nine adults into a car built for five, these are big changes.
The decree mentions no penalties. Sin Khandy, chief of cabinet for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said it must first be approved by the National Assembly. Once that happens, a circular will be issued giving people a deadline to buy helmets and install seat belts in cars. Fines will take effect after that deadline.
The new law covers all vehicles with engine capacity of 49 cc or greater. The helmet law does not apply to passengers on remorques, the motorcycle-pulled carts that can carry up to 20 people.
“I support [the law], because it cares for our safety, but I will not buy the helmet until it is strictly enforced,” said Teng Ninh, a motor-taxi driver.
Fellow moto-dop Chum Meng said helmets cost about $10. “I’ll have to save for at least 15 days to get one. And if my moto breaks down, I’ll have to fix that first.”
Car driver Hong Lyseng said there are already many cars breaking the law because they have no license plates or tax certificates.
“This law, without a fine, will not be enforced,” he said. “It’s a very good law, so why don’t they set fines? Especially for drunk driving, driving without plates, not paying taxes, or driving without a license.”
