Traffic Laws, Licensing, and Penalties
Driving in Bangladesh requires a valid licence of the correct class for the vehicle. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) issues licences; learners hold a learner licence and must display learner plates, drive only with a qualified supervisor, and follow the conditions attached to that licence. A non-professional licence covers private driving; professional licences are needed for commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks, and taxis. Documents to carry include the licence, vehicle registration certificate, fitness certificate, tax token, and insurance where required.
Key legal concepts: driving without a valid licence, driving under the influence, and driving an unfit vehicle are offences. Penalties can include fines, licence suspension or cancellation, and imprisonment for serious offences. The Motor Vehicles Ordinance framework governs these matters, and BRTA may require medical fitness certificates, especially for professional drivers and older applicants. Renewal must be done before expiry; driving on an expired licence is an offence.
Question traps: candidates confuse a learner licence with a full licence, or assume a non-professional licence permits driving a bus. Another trap is thinking that carrying a photocopy satisfies the law - originals or officially accepted digital versions are expected. Also remember that a licence can be endorsed or suspended after serious traffic offences.
Worked example: A question asks whether a non-professional licence holder may drive a commercial truck. The answer is no - a professional licence is required.