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The Vietnamese Highway Code

VIETNAM | Sunday, 20 May 2007 | Views [3478] | Comments [3]

The rules of driving in Vietnam differ somewhat from the UK.  Here, through use of a translator is the Vietnamese Highway Code.

Motorcyclists

1a There is no legal limit on the number of persons on one bike.  However, if you do exceed 18 people please contact the Guiness Book of records as this may be a new one.

1b Children only count as half a person on a bike.

2a Motorcycle drivers are reminded that at all times the road must be made as difficult as possible for pedestrians.

2b Pedestrians are basically part of the road and should be treated as thus, especially the elderly, children and Americans.

3a It is illegal to sound the horn on a public road less than 8 times.

3b Driving into oncoming traffic, swerving irrationally and narrowly missing people is a safe way to drive.

3c At night time lights are compulsory. (unless they don't work)

4a Your motorcycle should be regularly serviced by any of the following AUTHORISED dealers.  Uncle, friend, Aunt, brother, grandchild or anyone without a qualification in mechanics.

4b Helmets prolong the agony of a crash and must never be worn whilst driving.

4c The same applies to all other protective gear.

5. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden unless:

a You are a moto driver, Tuk Tuk driver, Taxi driver or Tri-Shaw driver

5b. Moto drivers - If a tourist asks you to slow down, adopt the following procedure - speed up

6a Moto drivers must NOT give way to pedestrians

6b Overtaking is acceptable on pavements ONLY if pedestrians are present in large numbers.

Pedestrians

1a You have NO rights on the road.

1b You have No rights on the pavement

1c When approaching a junction, look left, look right then, if religious, pray.

2. Before stepping onto the road - make a will

Lorry/Bus drivers

1a You must wait until right up the behind of a motorcycle before using your airhorns so as to create maximum shock

1b The centre of the road is exclusively yours.  Anything that moves there can be mowed down.

1c Don't ponce around! use your size to intimidate other road users or get out and let somebody else drive, you're clearly not meant for a truck.

2a. At the traffic lights always ensure you rev your engine constantly.  This will allow motorcyclists to inhale the full carcinogenic load of your 8 litre engine and re-affirm who is the Boss.

Tags: On the Road

Comments

1

Bloody funny! 5 stars for good writing. Cheers Philip

  philip Jun 23, 2007 3:26 PM

2

I was in Viet Nam a year and a half ago and remember being a lowly pedestrian all to well. Thanks for the laugh and memories mate!

  packlightwalkslow Oct 22, 2007 11:56 AM

3

1a There is no legal limit on the number of persons on one bike. However, if you do exceed 18 people please contact the Guiness Book of records as this may be a new one.
2 adults only, but children and elderly people don’t matter. You can get more than 2, but you'll have to avoid policemen.

1b Children only count as half a person on a bike.
Children and elderly people don’t matter. It depends of the lenght of the saddle

3b Driving into oncoming traffic, swerving irrationally and narrowly missing people is a safe way to drive.
Actually, it's the only way you to drive you can use here.

4b Helmets prolong the agony of a crash and must never be worn whilst driving.
From December 15th, everybody (but children under 14) has to wear a helmet. In view of their low standard manufacture, it could work for little accident only.

NOTA I do apologize for my english ; I'm French

  pierre60 Jun 2, 2008 7:57 PM

 

 

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