The Bangladesh Highway Code

A Guide for Expats

RS Thompson

Introduction

If you have finally decided to take the plunge and drive yourself in Dhaka, instead of relying on the services of your driver, you may, from time to time, find yourself slightly confused as to the rules of the road.

They are in fact very simple, although there are some minor variations from area to area.

If you bear the following rules in mind however, your time spent driving in the city, as well as out of town, should be enjoyable and free of stress.

The author takes no responsibility whatsoever for incidents arising out of the use of these simple rules. They are intended for guidance only, and should form a basis for an intelligent and educated assessment of the situation, and adoption of appropriate measures.

Driving Test

In order to maintain the high standards required by the Authorities in Bangladesh, it is necessary for all expatriate drivers to undergo a rigorous driving test.

This is broken down into several sections intended to test the intelligence, initiative, patience and aptitude of the candidate:-

1. Finding the right forms

2. Filling in the forms

3. Finding the test centre

4 Discussing cricket with the examiner

5. Answering three questions on the highway code. Note:It is not essential to give the right answer, merely to exhibit humour and enthusiasm.

6. Paying the appropriate fees

Other methods include:-

1. Sending your driver to get a license for you

2. See (6) above

Bangladeshi drivers are forbidden by law from taking the test themselves, as this would give the better drivers an unfair advantage. Local companies have been set up who for a small fee will obtain the necessary permits, and if absolutely necessary, take the test itself.

In any case, Bangladeshi drivers are deemed totally suited by reason of birth to excel on the roads in Bangladesh.

Police

Bangladeshi police are well known for their fondness of expatriate drivers, and tolerance of foreign driving methods. They will often encourage the expatriate with rapid blasts on the whistle, often accompanied by a waving of the hand, particularly when negotiating red traffic lights.

In order to understand signals from a policeman on point duty, the following should be remembered:-

1. A raised hand or stick, or a blow on the roof or bonnet indicate that the driver should stop.

2. Total indifference means that it is safe to proceed (or that the officer is asleep, or 'on something').

Priorities/Right of Way

There are several ways to ensure that you have right of way at junctions, roundabouts and so on. Most are obvious, and similar to Europe, but it may be helpful to list some of the minor differences:-

Get there first

Get there fastest

Have the loudest horn

Drive a bus or lorry

Not be a rickshaw puller(but see below)

Roundabouts

Successfully negotiating a busy roundabout can be a rewarding experience. Rules are simple. Vehicles with more than three wheels usually travel clockwise, whereas those with three or less can select whichever direction they prefer. Vehicles entering the roundabout have right of way (but see 'priorities' above).

Lane Discipline

Under normal circumstances, the vehicle should remain in the outside lane (but see 'Turning Right'). Other exceptions include when the outside lane is full, in which case any lane may be used.

When approaching oncoming traffic, it is common practice to pass on the left, (ie, right to right) although this is by no means mandatory.

Turning Right

To turn right, two possible methods are acceptable:-

1. Get as close as possible to the nearside kerb prior to moving swiftly across the lanes to the right. This is essential especially when driving a slow‑moving vehicle.

2. In the case of heavy oncoming traffic, where it would be difficult to cross all oncoming traffic in one movement, it is necessary to begin the manoeuver well ahead of the junction, and to cross one lane of oncoming lines of vehicles at a time, taking care not to reduce speed, since this would be taken as a sign of lack of commitment by other drivers.

Turning Left

Traffic turning left has priority at all times, and is not required to obey traffic signals or give way signs. When entering a main road, all traffic, no matter how close to the junction, nor how fast it is traveling, will give way to entering traffic. After joining the main road, it is essential to move immediately to the outside lane, preferably without looking.

Dual Carriageway

You should generally stay in the left‑hand carriageway unless you prefer the right.

You should not try to cross the central reservation except in cases of emergency or when expedient.

Single Carriageway

Traffic travelling in both directions should keep to the crown of the road. The oncoming vehicle will always give way.

Junctions

Under no circumstances should you slow down at junctions. Three short blasts on the horn will ensure a safe passage. This applies particularly in quiet residential areas, between the hours of 11pm and 7am.

Buses and Trucks

As in most countries, bus and truck drivers are specially bred in centres throughout the country. Generations of inbreeding Have ensured that necessary characteristics are passed on to the next generation.

Nevertheless, they still undergo extensive training, to enable them to totally ignore other traffic, road conditions and the like.

It should be noted that all bus and truck drivers have 20/20 vision, as can be inferred from the fact that they are never seen wearing spectacles.

Care should be taken, however, since some unscrupulous individuals try to pass themselves off as bus or truck drivers by chewing betel, or having half the brain surgically removed.

Hand Signals

Hand signals should only be used in extreme circumstances, and in no case should the hand extend more than 4 inches (100cm) outside the vehicle.

To turn right -extend right hand, palm downwards, and wiggle the fingers

To turn left -ditto

To wave someone past -ditto, but palm up

To Slow down -never slow down

Speed Limits

The speed limit on any road is helpfully displayed either in kph or mph, in Bengali script. It is interesting to note that the most common speed limit sign indicates an 80mph speed limit, and this is strictly enforced in built up areas, and close to schools, hospitals and the like.

The Use of the Horn

Vehicles in Dhaka are fitted with three types of horn:-

1. Some older vehicles are fitted with normal 'expat' type horns, which are normally silent, and which can be sounded by pressure on a button.

2. Modern vehicles however are fitted with a labour saving device, which ensures that the horn sounds constantly, and which require pressure on the button to silence them. This only requires effort from the driver when he wishes to emphasis the horn by using an 'on-off' action. Many buses and trucks have had these installed as an accessory.

3. Some vehicles have a 'little black box' instead of a button, which constantly and randomly sounds the horn. This reduces the conscious effort required by the driver to the absolute minimum.

It is interesting to note, that no matter how ancient and damaged the vehicle, the horn is always in perfect working order.

Traffic Lights

Traffic lights in Bangladesh consist of groups of red, green and yellow lights, which are illuminated in random combinations.

It is necessary to stop at most red traffic lights. Exceptions include:-

1. If you are driving a rickshaw, bus or HGV

2. When turning left

3. When you expect the light to change within one minute

4. If you think the opposing lights are red

5. If no one (or almost no one) else stops

6. If you stopped at the previous three sets of lights

7. During Ramadan

8. If there is a policeman nearby

9. If you don't see them

10. When you do not think it necessary

If you are forced to stop at traffic lights, you should form up in as many lanes as the entire carriageway can accommodate, as this will discourage drivers in the oncoming lane from making racing starts.

You should sound your horn and start to creep forward at least 5 seconds before the lights change to green. It should be noted that at this time, any pedestrians, including those with severe physical handicaps will leap, hop, roll or crawl quickly out of the way, so no additional precautions are required.

Parking

You should always park where you will cause the most disruption to moving traffic. The following guidelines should be of assistance.

Always park :-

1. Opposite other vehicles, bus stops, roadworks

2. At least 6ft (2m) from the kerb (At cross roads, this should be on the diagonal, in which case the distance doubled.) This one of the few rule is particularly obeyed by rickshaw drivers.

What to do in case of an accident

In case you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident do not worry. The Authorities allow two courses of action in the case of an accident, and you should quickly assess the situation to determine which is appropriate.

Method 1. You should stop and exchange details of insurance companies with the other party. You will be vociferously supported by the crowd of passers by which will quickly gather.

Method 2. Method 1 is particularly to be recommended when there is no means of escape. The option is to locate a suitable gap and accelerate swiftly away. This action will be greeted with cries of encouragement from the local populace, and occasionally by blasts on police whistles.

Special Rules for Rickshaw Drivers(Pullers)

There are no rules for rickshaw pullers

Special Rules for Pedestrians

Pedestrians are recommended to stay on the footpath, if there is one, and unless absolutely essential to be somewhere else.

Pedestrians should enter the carriageway boldly, making appropriate gestures with the fingers, to indicate to speeding drivers which side to pass. From time to time the pedestrian should stop, and move quickly backwards and forwards, since this allows both lanes of traffic an equal opportunity not to slow down.