Driving information — Lao PDR

Reviewed summary

A qualifying domestic driving licence issued by another ASEAN country may be recognised for temporary driving in Lao PDR under the ASEAN driving-licence recognition framework and Lao national law, subject to licence validity, the authorised vehicle class or type, and applicable Lao road-traffic law.

Legal basis

1985 Agreement on the Recognition of Domestic Driving Licences Issued by ASEAN Countries; Lao PDR Instrument of Accession dated 16 October 1997; Lao PDR Law on Road Traffic (Amended) No. 23/NA of 12 December 2012, particularly Articles 5, 6, 8, 12, 16, 17 and 18; and the 1997 Protocol to Amend ASEAN Agreements.

Licence conditions

The domestic driving licence must be valid and must authorise the class or type of vehicle being driven. Temporary, provisional and learner licences are excluded under the ASEAN Agreement. If the licence is not drawn up in English, the certified English translation requirement in Article 3 of the ASEAN Agreement applies. Article 17 of the Lao Road Traffic Law provides a reciprocal-recognition route for foreign licences; the law provisions reviewed here do not establish a separate visitor-specific expiry period for an ASEAN domestic licence.

Other destination-country information

The recognised domestic licence must authorise the corresponding vehicle class or type. Under Article 16 of the Lao Road Traffic Law, Category B covers light vehicles with a gross weight below 3,500 kg and no more than nine seats including the driver.

The ASEAN Agreement applies to licence holders intending only a temporary stay in another ASEAN country. The Lao Road Traffic Law provisions reviewed here do not state a separate fixed maximum number of days for an ASEAN visitor relying directly on a recognised domestic driving licence.

Drivers remain subject to Lao road-traffic law while driving in Lao PDR. Article 12 requires drivers to carry the driving licence and relevant vehicle documents and cooperate with inspections. Drivers and front-seat occupants of vehicles with four or more wheels must wear seat belts. Lao domestic driving-licence application or testing procedures should not be presented as requirements for an ASEAN visitor relying directly on a recognised home-country licence.

Reviewed summary

A qualifying domestic motorcycle driving licence issued by another ASEAN country may be recognised for temporary riding in Lao PDR under the ASEAN driving-licence recognition framework and Lao national law, subject to licence validity, the authorised motorcycle class or type, and applicable Lao road-traffic and motorcycle-safety law.

Legal basis

1985 Agreement on the Recognition of Domestic Driving Licences Issued by ASEAN Countries; Lao PDR Instrument of Accession dated 16 October 1997; Lao PDR Law on Road Traffic (Amended) No. 23/NA of 12 December 2012, particularly Articles 5, 6, 8, 12, 16, 17 and 18; and the 1997 Protocol to Amend ASEAN Agreements.

Licence conditions

The domestic motorcycle driving licence must be valid and must authorise the class or type of motorcycle being ridden. Temporary, provisional and learner licences are excluded under the ASEAN Agreement. If the licence is not drawn up in English, the certified English translation requirement in Article 3 of the ASEAN Agreement applies. Article 17 of the Lao Road Traffic Law provides a reciprocal-recognition route for foreign licences; the law provisions reviewed here do not establish a separate visitor-specific expiry period for an ASEAN domestic motorcycle licence.

Other destination-country information

The recognised domestic licence must authorise the corresponding motorcycle class or type. Under Article 16 of the Lao Road Traffic Law, Category A covers two-wheel motorcycles not exceeding 125 cc, while Category A1 covers two-wheel motorcycles from 125 cc upward.

The ASEAN Agreement applies to licence holders intending only a temporary stay in another ASEAN country. The Lao Road Traffic Law provisions reviewed here do not state a separate fixed maximum number of days for an ASEAN visitor relying directly on a recognised domestic motorcycle licence.

Motorcycle riders remain subject to Lao road-traffic and motorcycle-safety law. Article 12 requires drivers to carry the driving licence and relevant vehicle documents and cooperate with inspections. Article 18 requires motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear compliant helmets and regulates passenger capacity. Lao domestic driving-licence application or testing procedures should not be presented as requirements for an ASEAN visitor relying directly on a recognised home-country motorcycle licence.