South Korea

[Chromatix]

I recently got back from a business trip to Seoul. As you might imagine, the traffic rules are a bit different over there. Here's my interpretation of them:

- At every intersection, right turn on red is allowed.

- The stop-line (or what we Westerners would identify as such) is advisory, not mandatory.

- The second stop-line, on the far side of the pedestrian crossing and just short of the junction proper, is mandatory.

- Drivers in the right-hand lane are expected to pull forward and to the left to let right-turning drivers past.

- There is no concept of hanging back from the junction if your exit is already occupied.

- Motorcycle couriers, barrows, etc. can do whatever they like, within the limits of Darwinism.

Needless to say, both walking through and being driven through that kind of system at rush-hour was hairy.

[Mnemjian]

Sounds like Los Angeles actually I wonder how strict the traffic laws are there? Must have been a fun trip though!

[smileyeagle1021]

actually sounds a bit like Salt Lake also... except the bit about couriers etc... we have no pedestrians in Salt Lake

[Chromatix]

Did I mention that the main street in front of the hotel was something like 4 lanes one way, and 6 the other?

[Binky]

sounds like Bali lol.

I honestly don't think there ARE any road rules. Apart from MAYBE stopping at a red light...though not everyone follows that and all you really need is some mulla to hand to the cop to let you go.

Driving/crossing the road you put your life in your own hands. Crazy!

[dbuzman]

When I was there, some of the cab drivers had a habit of getting in the left turn only lane and gunning it and going straight when the light changed green to get ahead of other cars.

[EvilEmpryss]

Don't forget:

- All cargo vehicles must be loaded just short of the supension breaking
- So long as you can drive the bongo under the power lines, your load is not too tall
- Corollary: if your projected path has bridges, you don't need to worry about them so long as
you can take the exit to the street above and then come back down on the on ramp

- Three people is not too many to ride on a moped
- Three feet is not too tall to stack boxes in the front basket of your moped that is carrying three people, so long as one of you is peering around the stack and giving the driver directions

- If you make eye contact with another driver, you have effectively sacrificed your right of way
- Corollary: So long as you do not acknowledge other drivers, you have right of way

- Old people ALWAYS have right of way in crosswalks, even if they are crossing against the light
- Same with children, but they must be holding up their hand in a "Stop" motion
- Teens and other adults are fair game

- Buses have right of way. Always. Everywhere. Never challenge a bus. Those dents in the bus' bumper are from drivers pushing offending cars out of their way.