Road rules

[blairntv650]

Hi I find your site very helpfull for planing my big ride, thankyou for doing it.

I was wondering if there is anywhere (I haven't found it yet) that has road rule veriants for different countries.
Yes i understand this is a hard one for people to add info to because, if you are like me, you haven't actually check the road rules for countries your going to or you're old enough to have forgotten what the rules where 20 years ago when you got your licences (they will have changed since then too).
As with most driving the Golden rule is

NEVER TRUST ANYTHING, EVER.

This rule has keep me alive even after 5yrs of being a motorbike courier in London.
The sort of road rules I'm talking about are, for example in Australia (where i stay ish). If you are turning left from a standard road and someone is turning into the same road (right hand turn) from the opersite direction you do not have to give way to them. But in New Zealand (where i'm from) you do it's a simple move but that sort of change in road rules can course an accident.

I also understand from my trip around western europe a while ago that driving on the other side of the road can be confusing. And changing from countries that are miles per hour to kilometers per hour has had me pulled before too.

You have traveled more than me so I thought I would ask you all what you think. Obviously most road rules are the same but the small differences can cost you health and/or money.

Enjoy your ride

[beddhist]

Kia Ora,

In a "Western" country you could go the nearest Automobile Club and ask there. In some countries (like NZ) they have a brochure detailing the most important rules. In most other places you learn by observing.

Yes, changing to the other side can be lethal. I found that it is the most dangerous after some time riding on the other side. Then you pull out of a car park or service station, etc. onto a quiet road. Automatically you want to ride/drive on the wrong side. Happened to me several times.

[ilesmark]

I agree re the changing sides thing and thank god I never forgot on my trip. It's a very easy mistake to make!

Have a look at the Overland Travel Tips section of my site - overlandcruiser.net for some info on this - dunno where you are planning on going, but some of it might be useful.

[blairntv650]

I've had no trouble in Vietnam and Cambodia driving on the right but when i go to Thailand and Malaysia they are left and i'm worried about it a bit i'm use to the right now. Then i have to go back to the right for Loas and Vietnam top end.
Enjoy your life. I am