Road Safety Law, Licensing and Penalties
The legal framework
Driving in Bhutan requires a valid licence for the class of vehicle. Learners drive only under supervision and display learner plates. You must carry your licence and vehicle documents and produce them on demand to police. Vehicles must be registered, insured and roadworthy, with valid road tax and fitness certification.
Core legal duties
Every driver must obey traffic signs, signals and police directions, drive without carelessness, and stop after any accident involving injury or damage. Failing to stop and render assistance is a serious offence. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited, and police may require a breath test. Seat belts are mandatory where fitted, and helmets are required for motorcyclists.
Penalties and demerit points
Offences carry fines, demerit points and possible suspension or cancellation of the licence. Serious offences - drink driving, dangerous driving, hit-and-run - carry heavier penalties and possible prosecution. Accumulating demerit points can lead to suspension. Repeat offences escalate.
Traps in exam questions
- A learner may not drive alone; supervision is required.
- "I did not know the limit" is not a defence.
- Leaving the scene after a minor collision is still an offence.
- Insurance does not excuse careless driving; it only covers liability.
- Documents must be produced when requested, not "within a month".
Rule of thumb
Treat the licence as a privilege with conditions: valid class, valid documents, sober, belted, and stop after any collision. If a question offers an answer that avoids responsibility, it is almost certainly wrong.
Note: specific fine amounts and demerit thresholds change and vary; learn the principles and confirm current figures with the official licensing authority.