PHNOM PENH: A driver caught zig-zagging his car down the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway last Thursday, 27 October, was summoned by the traffic police, issued a fine, deducted points from his license, educated and made to sign a contract so that he would not repeat such disorderly driving again.

After a video showing a Toyota Prius erratically changing lanes was brought to attention, traffic police identified the vehicle and summoned the owner to pay a fine, have points deducted from his driver’s license, and to sign a contract promising to not conduct such road behavior again.

The driver was deducted four points from his license over two charges: for erratically driving in the opposite lane and for having an expired driver's license.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) once again reminds all motorists, regardless of what highway or road they are driving on, to strictly obey the traffic laws and safety principles in order to avoid accidents and maintain safety in travel.

They stress that the expressway is divided into three lanes one way and three lanes another way. Drivers of all types of vehicles must drive on the right lane of the freeway, which is the lane for normal traffic.

When overtaking a vehicle, drivers must give the left turn signal for at least five seconds first before turning into the left lane designated for overtaking. The driver must then give a right turn signal to return to the lane for normal traffic.

When there is heavy traffic, drivers can use both lanes, however, heavy vehicles must stay using the right lane for normal traffic. In cases of heavy traffic, vehicles driving in either the left or right lane will not be overtaking any others, so the vehicles behind must use warning light.

There is also a lane for emergency stops, only to be used when a vehicle is damaged or is facing other problems.

The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway is open for the free trial from 1-31 October 2022, making today, Monday, the last day that drivers can use the expressway for free.

At a press conference reflecting on the “Work Results of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport over the Past Five Years" on the morning of 27 October 2022, the Minister of Public Works, Senior Minister, Sun Chanthol stated that he would discuss with Chinese companies to continue allowing drivers to use the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway for free until the end of the upcoming Water Festival.