The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway is Cambodia's first modern expressway, provides a faster and more comfortable route for quick travel. To use the expressway with a motorbike, riders must meet specific requirements, including obtaining a special sticker from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT). This sticker is mandatory for motorbikes with an engine capacity of 500cc or more. Smaller displacements are not allowed.

Steps to Obtain the Expressway Sticker:

1. Visit the Ministry of Public Works and Transport

Apply for the sticker at the MPWT office located at:
Street 598 (H.E. Chea Sophara Street), Sangkat Chrang Chamres 2, Khan Russey Keo, Phnom Penh. An office at the back is dedicated to providing motorbike stickers.


2. Prepare the Required Documents

For All Applicants:

Motorbike Registration Card (with proof of Engine Capacity): The original registration document for your motorbike.

If the Motorbike Is Not Registered in Your Name:

Original Registration Card: The card made by the previous owner of the motorbike matching the plate number.

Document of Sale: A signed and dated sale agreement including your name and the name of the previous owner.


For Foreigners:

Passport and Visa: Your valid passport and visa to confirm your legal status in Cambodia.

Certificate of Residency: A residency certificate issued by the Sangkat office where you reside.


3. Application Process

Present all the required documents to the relevant department at the MPWT office and complete the necessary forms. After submission, you will sign the paperwork to finalize the process.


4. No Fee for the Sticker

There is no fee associated with obtaining the expressway sticker. Some users said there is no need to renew the sticker each year at the MPWT as per the Expressway info.


5. Processing Time

Once you’ve submitted all the required documents and signed the forms, it typically takes just 15 minutes to receive your sticker.

​
Important Regulations

Engine Capacity: Only motorbikes with an engine size of 500cc or larger are permitted on the expressway.

No Passengers: Riding with a pillion passenger is strictly prohibited.


By following these simple steps, you can obtain your sticker quickly and enjoy a smooth and legal journey on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway.

Watch KC MotoVlog for more.

​Cambodia's roads resonate with the hum of motorbikes, integral to the nation's daily life, commerce, and family dynamics. In the aftermath of the Pol Pot regime, personal transportation was scarce, with bicycles serving as vital lifelines during the country's rebuilding phase. Even today, the sight of old-fashioned cycle taxis in Phnom Penh, pedaled by elderly men, harks back to this era.

As Cambodia progressed, motorbikes became the primary mode of transport, reshaping daily routines and economic activities. Despite a burgeoning economy and the increasing presence of SUVs and pickup trucks, especially in rural areas, two-wheelers remain indispensable. It's common to witness families of six or seven, including children, sharing a single motorbike—a testament to its crucial role, particularly among those with limited means.

Dominating the streets are models like the Honda Dream and Honda Wave (100cc to 125cc). These reliable workhorses facilitate daily commutes, transport goods for vendors, and adeptly navigate both urban and rural terrains, thanks to their durability and fuel efficiency.

In urban centers like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, automatic scooters such as the Yamaha Nouvo, Mio, Suzuki Let's/Step, and Honda Icon are favored by the youth. Their ease of handling and automatic transmissions make them ideal for city navigation.

For heavier loads, robust models like the Taiwanese SYM and Sanyang motorbikes, along with the Honda MD, are prevalent. Ranging from 90cc to 150cc, these motorbikes often tow trailers laden with construction materials, produce, livestock, and furniture, supporting small businesses and farms, especially in areas with challenging road conditions.

Affordable models like the Suzuki Smash and Suzuki Viva are also widespread, appreciated for their straightforward mechanics and cost-effectiveness, serving both urban commuters and rural inhabitants.

Modern scooters such as the Honda Click, PCX, and Scoopy are gaining popularity, offering comfort, style, and safety features like ABS and ESP. The Yamaha Qbix, with its futuristic design, appeals to younger riders seeking advanced features. Premium options like modern Vespas and Lambrettas cater to those desiring a distinctive presence on the road.

The Thai brand GPX, along with some Chinese manufacturers and Indian brands like Bajaj and Royal Enfield, have entered the market, providing stylish and affordable alternatives and expanding consumer choices. Higher-end motorcycles from manufacturers such as KTM, BMW, Triumph, and Ducati are also becoming increasingly common on Cambodia's improving road network, appealing to riders seeking more performance and prestige.

For off-road adventures and weekend excursions, the Honda XR 250, CRF 250, Yamaha WR 250, or Kawasaki D-Tracker are essential. These capable machines conquer challenging terrain and remote trails with ease, though they are occasionally outmatched by skilled local riders on their more modest, V-shaped, semi-automatic motorcycles.

For tourists exploring Cambodia, a variety of motorbike options cater to different adventure preferences. For city navigation and short trips on well-paved roads, small scooters under 125cc, such as the Honda Scoopy or Yamaha Mio, are recommended for their ease of use and maneuverability. Those venturing beyond urban areas will find 250cc all-rounders (like the FTR, SL230, Big Boy 250, or similar models) or dirt bikes like the Honda CRF 250 or Yamaha WR 250 ideal for handling diverse terrains, regardless of road conditions. For more adventurous travelers, larger adventure models offer the comfort, power, and durability needed for extended journeys across Cambodia's varied landscapes.

Despite the rapid economic growth and the increasing presence of SUVs, two-wheelers continue to play a pivotal role in Cambodia's transportation landscape. Classic models like the Daelim City and Honda Cub (or MD), icons of the 1990s and early 2000s, remain common sights. Additionally, there's a growing trend of larger displacement motorcycles gaining popularity among enthusiasts for leisure riding and collecting, adding another dimension to Cambodia's vibrant motorbike culture amid swift modernization.

Whatever you choose to ride, ride safely, enjoy the trip, and adapt to Cambodia's sometimes smooth, sometimes erratic flow of traffic. What would be your ride on Cambodian roads?