Vietnam’s rules of traffic and transportation

Hi family, I got this e-mail with a very real information about the traffic in our host country, Vietnam. It might seem hilarious and funny (and actually it is) but funniest part is that it IS true! Enjoy and come visit us anytime you want to double check it.

1. While crossing the street, you must walk in a slow constant pace. Motorbikes will pass you around… Be careful though… Cars, trucks and buses might use you as a “slowdown bump” (see also rule #10)
2. Giving way is in direct relation with the size of the vehicle. The bigger the vehicle the more “right of way” it has.
3. Red light in Vietnam is actually a special “shade of green”. It is known as “Tardive green” or “late green”. It means you can still keep on driving unless you hit something… or something hits you…
4. When you turn right you should never look left.
5. If you don’t see it – it doesn’t exist. Hence, if you don’t see it you always have the “right of way”.
6. If you cross the road in a red light - that’s ok (see rule #3). But if you decide to stop and you stand 10cm after the stop line – you will be fined!
7. Trucks and buses should always turn right from the most left lane. Motorbikes and bicycles should always turn left from the most right lane.
8. Driving against traffic is always acceptable and sometimes even preferred.
9. In a dark rainy night you should always cover your motorbike headlights with your raincoat.
10. Crosswalk (“Zebra cross”) are not meant for crossing. They actually mark a high danger zone. It’s called “The pedestrian slowdown bump” zone.
11. When you make a turn you should signal after turning.
12. In a jammed crossroad, you should keep on going forward until you make sure no one else can pass.
13. Helmets are fashion accessories. You should protect your helmet from scratches, bad weather, dust and rain.
14. Traffic police officers job is not to control traffic. It’s to collect donations.
15. Limitation of number of passengers in a vehicle is as follows::

Motorbike – up to 6 people, 8 pigs, 2 cows or 20 chickens.
Car – up to 20 people, 16 pigs, 3 cows or 50 chickens.
Bus – Depend on how strong are the doors… and the roof…

16. And for the most important one: If your chest is smaller than 72cm – you are not fit to drive a motorbike! So ladies, be prepared for a Bra inspection! (and that’s no joke!)

I guess that means that if you are a “double D” size – you can drive a full trailer truck…

For more details: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/ap/20081030/tap-as-vietnam-road-rules-9a7ed42.html