ຂປລ
The Lao Government has submitted a revised Road Traffic Law to the National Assembly for consideration, aiming to strengthen road safety, modernise transport management and clarify responsibilities between central and local authorities.
(KPL) Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklai Sivilay presented the proposed amendments during the second extraordinary session of the 10th National Assembly on October 16, 2026, in Vientiane.
The existing law, enacted in 2012, has provided the legal basis for road traffic management. However, rapid socio-economic development and changes in the transport sector have exposed gaps in the current framework, including outdated regulations, the absence of a unified national traffic database and overlapping responsibilities between central and local authorities.
According to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the revision is intended to address these shortcomings and improve coordination, monitoring and enforcement nationwide.
The revised legislation comprises 12 parts, 11 chapters and 100 articles, including 31 newly drafted articles and 69 amended articles. The previous law contained 89 articles.
The drafting process involved relevant ministries, legal experts, local authorities in northern and southern provinces, and international counterparts, including Vietnam’s Directorate for Roads.
The government expects the revised law to support implementation of the National Road Safety Strategy for 2021–2030 by strengthening enforcement, reducing road accidents and congestion, and protecting lives and property.
It is also intended to align Laos’ road traffic regulations with sub-regional, regional and international standards, improve the division of responsibilities between administrative levels, and strengthen public and investor confidence in the country’s transport system.
The proposed law is now under consideration by the National Assembly.
KPL
