Taxis are available, but meters and fixed rates do not exist. Drivers speak little or no English. Most taxis are old and poorly maintained. Traffic is increasing, particularly motorcycles, and local operators remain undisciplined. Pedestrians and drivers should exercise great caution at all times.
Drivers often operate poorly maintained vehicles on crowded, potholed streets.
Theoretically, the traffic moves on the right, but most cars, like pedestrians and bicycles, use all parts of the street. Cyclists pay little or no heed to cars on the road, and bicycles are rarely equipped with functioning lights or reflectors. This makes driving particularly dangerous at dusk and at night. Defensive driving is necessary. The U.S. Embassy in Vientiane advises its personnel to wear helmets, gloves, and sturdy shoes while operating motorcycles.