Driving in Laos

Driving around

A regular reminder of why we need guardian angels. Lao cities, especially Vientiane, have grown rapidly and the pace seems to be picking up. The preferred mode of transportation is by motorbike although a staggering number of people have purchased vehicles often at 2-3 times what they’d cost abroad.

Since welcoming the joint Korean-Lao "KoLao" company, Laos has been flooded with small to medium cars by Kia and Hyundai. So much so that in 2016, KoLao was said to have 40% of the market. Other small cars from Chinese and Vietnamese companies such as BYD and Chery are also popular.

Unfortunately the roads were not built with this growth in mind so traffic jams occur around 8-9am, 12 noon and 5-7pm – only a taste of things to come.

Traffic rules

Traffic rules exist and are often enforced especially along the main routes. However, many drivers ignore them so “defensive driving” is far more meaningful here than back home. You soon get used to checking your blind spot repeatedly, looking both ways before crossing a one-way road, expecting to get cut off, etc. If you do make a mistake and get pulled over, don't panic. Be polite but firm with the police officer who will ask for your driving license and possibly your insurance and technical documents as well. Usually you will be asked to return to the scene of the 'offence', then go to the central police station to pay your fine, return with the receipt and collect your driving license. You can pay the fine on the spot. If you bargain politely, this should end up around 20,000 kip for a motorbike and 50,000 kip for a car.

Note: As of late 2016, the free right turn rule no longer applies. Stop at traffic lights and don't encroach over the white line (a favourite offence for getting a ticket). Although it may seem that everyone else runs the light at amber and even red, don't risk it. The police are often waiting for easy pickings like you.

A handy explanation of Lao road signs regarding parking: Parking signs in Lao

Accidents

If you do get in an accident, you will probably find yourself shouldering the blame (and the bill) regardless of the circumstances simply because you are a foreigner. After all, if you weren’t there than the accident would not have happened! This logic may sound funny, but it can be devastatingly serious in the event of a traffic fatality or serious injury. Be careful!

Particulars

If you're planning on driving, you'll need your international driver's license or a Lao license which costs 90,000 kip without taking a test if you have a valid driver’s license from your home country. This lasts for a year. Be sure to get insurance (very cheap, but only 3rd party for 2nd hand cars). If you drive to Thailand, you’ll need to get Thai insurance as well (fully comp is available).

Costs
Vientiane is the place for purchasing a car although Pakse seems to have more and more dealerships nowadays. There are 2nd hand cars for sale everywhere and dealerships offering new and used cars. Old and unreliable SUVs (1993-2003) can be purchased for between $5,000-12,000 although the norm seems to be around the $9000 mark. It's a good idea to get the car checked out at a reliable garage before purchase ($10-$100 depending on thoroughness!). It's worth keeping an eye on the vehicle ads at the Vientiane International School, Phimpone or Simeung Markets or online:

Facebook: Buy & Sell in Vientiane
findinlaos.com

When purchasing a vehicle, you will need to consider if it's worth the drawn-out procedure of changing the registration plates or doing things Lao style and not bothering. Word on the street is that a change of plate amounts to 1% of the purchase price although this has never been a hard and fast rule. To do the paaperwork right though, you'll need to run documents and your passports with fees past yours and the seller's local village headmen.

Motorbikes
Motorbikes are often the best way to go for singles or couples. The most popular ones are Hondas which cost around $1600. KoLaos are decent as well and cost half that. Avoid the even cheaper Chinese ones as you'll need the time for repair at inopportune times. Fuel costs for a motorbike should be around the $10 mark. You can park a motorbike anywhere since sidewalks/pavements are still considered parking spaces (and lanes).

Registration plates (Lao vehicle plates)

Gov, embassy and NGO cars are tax free so make sure you know what's involved when purchasing!

Lao car owners: Yellow with black lettering
Foreigners: Gold with blue lettering
Embassy vehicles: White with blue lettering
Business vehicles: White with black lettering
Police: Red.
Government: Blue with white lettering

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