Rules traffic for quite a long time they were reduced to a common denominator, and in most countries they are the same - adjusted for. But there are also nuances.
USA
In most states turn allowed right at a red traffic light. Sometimes it is not obvious, as there are no corresponding signs. The handicap rule on the right does not apply: usually the right-of-way advantage unregulated intersection from the one who drove up to him earlier - here you need to be especially careful.
Some local bans generally cause a smile, but they are official. So, in the state of Montana, you can’t leave sheep unattended in a truck, in Alaska you can get a fine if you tie a dog on the roof of your car, and the traffic rules of Georgia specifically state that you can’t drive through playgrounds.
Germany
Germany is actually the only country in the world that does not provide for speed limits on autobahns, except that in some sections it can be regulated by appropriate signs. But everything is fine within reasonable limits, because it is against the law to be on the highway without gasoline here (!).
Another curious nuance: when entering an intersection with ring traffic, it is prohibited to use a turn signal.
Austria
Most European countries You can use the DVR, but not in Austria. For the mere presence of this device in the cabin, you can earn a fine, and if you put the footage in the public domain, prepare 10 thousand euros!
In addition, local citizens who have fallen into the field of your lens have the right to go to court and collect another 20 thousand euros. The only exception is shooting an accident after it has happened. This is how Austria takes care of privacy. And monitoring the order on the roads - headache exclusively relevant services, even if a flagrant violation of traffic rules is committed right in front of your eyes.
And also in Austria, as well as in Germany, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Slovenia, motorists are impeccable in terms of passing vehicles of operational services - ambulances, police, firefighters. Participants in the movement know the rule by heart: as soon as a car with special signals appears on the horizon, everyone who was moving along the right lane shifts as much as possible to the right, and those who drove on the left - as much as possible to the left. A high-speed emergency corridor is formed in the center, along which a car with an advantage passes.
Slovakia
Not all travelers are aware of the need to purchase the so-called vignette, which gives the right to transit and use the roads of this country. This is a small sticker that is placed on windshield; You can buy it at any gas station. The vignette system is also used in other European countries, such as Romania and Hungary.
In Slovakia, there is also an official ban on indecent gestures while driving. The fine for this offense is 30 euros.
Czech
No "errors" of the breathalyzer - there should be no alcohol in the driver's blood at all! The same strict dry law operates in Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. But in some countries, such as the UK, Liechtenstein and Malta, you can drive even with 0.8 ppm in your blood.
Italy
You may be surprised, but in Italy it is forbidden to honk in residential areas. In reality, this rule exists only on paper: local drivers almost always ignore the ban, using sound signal right and left.
markup yellow color at the edge of the road in Italy means that only a person living in the area can leave their car at this place, although in fact the rule is rarely checked. So they violate it.
Serbia
In Serbia, Montenegro and a number of others European states you will meet quite a lot of "waffle irons" - at large intersections, mesh markings are applied with yellow paint. It is strictly forbidden to enter the waffle iron without being sure that you will pass the intersection without stopping.
Such a measure avoids confusion and piling up of cars that did not have time to complete the maneuver during rush hours. As a result, the painfully familiar situation is eliminated when the green light is already lit for you, but you cannot drive straight ahead because of cars moving in a perpendicular direction that have clogged the intersection.
Other European countries
Already in neighboring Finland, radar detectors are strictly prohibited. Even the very presence of the device in the car is a reason for confiscation and the imposition of a large fine, which our compatriots often come across, who just go to the border hypermarket for groceries and, of course, forget to leave the device at home.
In France, in some cases, for the presence of a radar detector, they can even confiscate a car for a parking lot. In general, when going on any trip around Europe, it is better to lay out the “anti-radar” - out of harm's way.
Saudi Arabia
Everyone knows that women driving in this country until recently were outlawed. Now the rules have been relaxed, but women still need a man's permission to get into the driver's seat.
And the holy cities for Muslims - Mecca and Medina - have two bypass roads each. The one that is closer to the city is for Muslims, the one that is further away is for those who adhere to a different faith. It is written on the road signs, it is impossible to make a mistake. Speed mode in many cities of Saudi Arabia differs from what we are used to: often you can find only two signs restricting traffic - 80 and 100 km / h.
Israel
Some of the local road signs are different from what we are used to. For example, instead of an inverted triangle calling to give way, a symbolic image of a raised white palm on a red background is used. And almost always the congress main road crossed by an additional zebra, over which a yellow pedestrian traffic light flashes.
It is useful to know the nuances regarding parking: the curb in Israel is usually painted in different colors. Red and white stripes mean that stopping is prohibited; blue-white - paid parking, A grey colour allows you to park the car without restrictions.
When going on vacation abroad by car, it is worth remembering that the rules of the road in different countries may differ. We offer a selection features of traffic rules in different countries of the world, made by the Automobile Club of Germany (AvD).
Italy.
- Cargo protruding from behind the dimensions vehicle(a protrusion of no more than 30% of the length of the vehicle is allowed), must be marked with a warning sign in an oblique red and white stripe, the size of the sign is 50 × 50 cm. This rule also applies to foreign cars. Violation is punishable by a fine of 76-306 euros.
- It is forbidden to stop in places where the curb is painted with black and yellow stripes, as well as in landscape protection zones.
- Trams have the right of way.
- The use of studded tires is allowed from 15 November to 15 March (maximum permitted speed is 90 km/h on country roads and 120 km/h on motorways). In the Valle d'Aosta area, from October 15 until the beginning of spring, cars must be equipped with winter tires or drivers must carry a set of snow chains.
- Motorcycles and mopeds must be driven with their headlights on all day long, and all vehicles must be driven with their headlights on on country roads as well as in tunnels. The fine for violation is 35-143 euros.
- Visually impaired and deaf people use a red and white cane when walking. A raised cane means that the pedestrian needs to cross to the other side of the road. Failure to pass a pedestrian is punishable by a fine of 65 euros.
- Private vehicles are prohibited from towing vehicles on the motorway.
- Transportation of fuel in canisters is prohibited.
- Only persons over 18 years of age may take passengers on their motorcycle/moped, and only if the carriage of passengers is provided for by the design of the vehicle.
- Children under the age of 4 are not allowed on motorcycles/mopeds.
- For riding without a helmet on a motorcycle, the driver's vehicle is confiscated (for the first episode - for up to 60 days) and fined 40-170 euros. The same penalty awaits the driver if the helmet is not properly fastened. Law on mandatory wearing helmet does not apply only to owners of three-wheeled scooters equipped with an anti-crash system or similar systems.
- Italian scoring system for traffic violations applies to foreigners. 20 points scored in a year means a ban on driving in Italy for 2 years. 20 points for 2 years - driving ban in Italy for 1 year.
- If the fine cannot be paid on the spot, the police may require the driver to post a bail, and if refused, confiscate the vehicle. For cars registered in the European Union, the amount of the deposit is about ¼ of the volume maximum fine for this offense.
- In case of an accident, a puncture of a wheel and other breakdowns outside the city limits, you can get out of the car only in reflective vest. Lack of a vest is punishable by a fine of at least 33 euros.
- On mountain roads and passes Shuttle Buses have the right of way.
- On toll roads in the immediate vicinity of the payment point, it is prohibited to turn, turn and change lanes. If you are off course, at the payment point you should press the button "Help" or "Richiesta di Interveniento" or "Assistenza" and get a receipt from the controller, which, if necessary, can be presented at the exit from toll road. This will avoid overpayment.
- In the center of many cities there are so-called zones with traffic restrictions (Zone a traffico limitato or ZTL). In such places, traffic completely stops from 8 am to 6 pm. Even to drive to the hotel, you need to order the appropriate permission in advance.
- On the Amalfi Coast, on the SS 163 highway south of Naples, sidecar motorcycles are banned throughout the year. IN summer time motorhomes are prohibited between Vietri sul Mare and Positano.
- Access to the nature protection area in the center of Milan is possible only with a special eco-pass.
Canada.
The rules of the road in this country are basically similar to the pan-European ones. But there are several differences.
- Adults are responsible for ensuring that children under the age of 16 are seated.
- orange school buses when they stop to pick up or drop off children, it is forbidden not only to overtake, but even to move in the oncoming traffic lane.
- At the intersection, even at a red light, a right turn is allowed (in all provinces except Quebec).
- Even keeping a radar detector is punishable by a fine.
- Open bottles of alcohol can only be transported in the trunk.
- Be sure to use headlights even in the daytime.
- Overtaking is prohibited in front of places with bad review and on the hills.
- At intersections with stop signs, the first driver to pass is the one who stops first.
Cyprus.
- Left side traffic.
- From 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. when overtaking, sharp turn or turning from limited visibility on secondary road give an audible signal.
- At dusk and at night, when parking on a country road, be sure to turn on the parking lights.
- Stopping and parking at the double yellow solid line is prohibited, parking is prohibited at the single yellow line, loading and unloading is allowed.
- When transporting a car on a ferry, it is forbidden to take spare fuel.
- Children under 5 years of age may only ride back seat car.
See also the features of traffic rules in other countries.
All countries are different in their own way. And they also have different rules. Often those rules that we consider absolutely logical and well-thought-out cause laughter or bewilderment among foreigners, and vice versa.
Knowledge and ability to correctly and timely use the rules of the road is the key to safe and comfortable movement on the road. But no matter how well you know the rules of the road in your country, most likely you will still have problems driving abroad.
This situation may be caused by differences in traffic rules in different countries or even regions (states) within countries. If you have the opportunity to travel in Africa, the United States of America or Europe, you should be familiar with some of the specifics of driving in these places.
New Jersey, USA
If your car is stopped by a police officer for some reason, smile. Smile all the time. Otherwise, you risk getting a fine for the fact that the driver frowns.
South Africa
In the PAR there is a rule to let artiodactyls and other animals passing along the road. Even if there are a lot of them and they go very slowly (and this usually happens). Drivers who break the rules face a $600 fine.
Germany
Germany, like most European countries, is known for its autobahns. Stopping on such roads is prohibited unless the driver becomes ill. If you were stopped by the police and there is not enough gasoline in the tank, this is a reason to fine you, since there is enough fuel you should have taken care of in advance.
Interesting traffic rules of other countries that you did not know about
Cyprus
In Cyprus, it is strictly forbidden to eat any food while driving. This is equivalent to drinking while driving and carries a hefty fine. You might be surprised, but the ban on eating while driving has reduced the number of accidents by more than 60%.
Ontario, Canada
Great news for violators - in this city it is allowed to cross the solid line if you consider it necessary. It is purely recommended and does not force you to do anything. Therefore, to cross or not is up to you.
Going on a business trip or vacation abroad, many of us plan to rent a car in order to have time to see as much as possible so that our impressions of the host country are complete. All of this is great and useful. But when it comes to this or that country, then the problems begin. The fact is that in many countries there are some unusual traffic rules that you should know so that you don’t break the local law and get a fine. Our online publication has prepared for you an overview of the most unusual rules traffic that are found abroad.
Denmark: Before driving off, you should check for sleeping children under the car.
In Denmark, every driver must check if there is a sleeping child under the car before driving off. If you do not follow this procedure, if this happens in front of the police, then you risk getting hefty fine behind .
Spain: You may not drive in sandals, high-heeled shoes, etc.
In Spain, there is increased attention to your shoes. The fact is that the police are not indifferent to what kind of shoes you operate the car. According to current rules road traffic, drivers in Spain are prohibited from driving in sandals, low shoes, shoes with high heels, open or unlaced shoes, and bare feet.
Spain: Parking
Another unusual law in the field of traffic in Spain. According to local law, on odd days you can only park on the side of the street where the house numbers are odd. And vice versa. On even days of the month, cars are allowed to park on the road only from the side of even-numbered houses.
Portugal: Special rules for transporting bicycles
In Portugal, traffic rules prohibit the transport of bicycles in the back of the car. So if you have rented a car and bike in Portugal then you will have to transport either on the roof or inside the car.
Italy: Pet Restriction
Italian legislators have come up with a limit on the number of animals carried in vehicles. So at the moment in Italy there is a limit on the number of dogs, cats and other animals transported in the car. You have no right . Otherwise, you risk being fined a large sum of money.
Italy: Additional requirement for drivers who wear glasses
Attention. Going to Italy on vacation or business trip, you should be aware that if you wear eyeglasses and intend to drive in the country, then you must carry additional eyeglasses with you in this case. If it stops you road service or the police and see what you are wearing , they will require you to show spare glasses. If you don't have them, be prepared to pay a hefty fine.
Slovenia: Rules for passing roundabouts
Slovenia has one interesting feature when driving roundabouts. So driving up to roundabout, you must not turn on the turn signal when entering the circle. But you must turn it on when leaving.
Cyprus: Draconian traffic rules
In Cyprus, there is a strange rule of law that does not allow drinking and eating any food while driving. That is, if during the movement road police Cyprus will see how you drink water or satisfy your hunger with chocolate, then they will stop you and draw up an administrative act, as well as write you out.
France: Every driver must carry a breathalyzer
Since 2013, a law has entered into force in France for all drivers (including foreigners) who travel on the roads of France. Under the new legislation, every driver is required to carry a disposable.
Singapore: You can't drive close to the crosswalk by car
If you drive closer than 5 meters to a pedestrian crossing, you may be attracted by the Singapore Police for.
Estonia: Tram cannot be overtaken
In Estonia, there is a traffic rule, according to which, if you stop on the road to drop off passengers, then no vehicle has the right to overtake it.
Macedonia: If a passenger has drunk, then he has no right to sit in the front seat
in Macedonia legislative norm, which prohibits a person who has consumed alcohol from sitting in the front passenger seat of a car. In case of violation, not only the passenger will be fined, but also the passenger himself.
USA: Bottles of alcohol cannot be transported
There are laws that do not explicitly allow a driver to transport closed bottles of alcohol in a car.
Greece: Smoking ban while driving
In Greece, traffic rules forbid the driver to smoke while driving. So, if you went on a trip to Athens by car, then forget about it. Otherwise, you risk spending extra money on a fine.
Saudi Arabia: Women are not allowed to drive
Yes exactly. Do not be surprised. This is not the most cruel law of the Eastern country.
Finland: Playing music in a taxi under a special license
If you are in Finland, when sitting in, do not be surprised if the taxi driver refused your request to listen to MP3 music from your flash card or CD, because in this country there is a law that allows you to play music in a taxi only with a special licenses.
Philippines: Prohibition to operate a car depending on the license plate
The Philippines has a law that prohibits driving on a Monday if the last digits in a vehicle's license plate end in 1 or 2.
If the car number ends with the numbers 3 or 4, then the car is not allowed to drive on the road on Tuesday. If the car number ends with the numbers 5 or 6, then on Wednesday. And so on.
Thailand: You can only drive in a shirt
In Thailand, all drivers (including women) have a strict rule that requires every driver to drive in a shirt only. So if you rent a car in Thailand and drive in shorts only, be prepared to be fined.
1. In the Swiss city of Zermatt, vehicles with exhaust are prohibited from entering. You can only ride around the city by bicycle, horse or electric car, which, by the way, are almost non-existent here.
2. All men entering the UK must comply with one peculiar law. If you are impatient for a little, and there is no toilet nearby, you can only relieve yourself on your car, or rather on its rear wheel. Of course, the law applies only to men.
3. Mexico is a country in which the donkey is considered a transport. So, in order to drive and ride it, the driver (the owner of the donkey) must have a license, in which there must be a photograph of both him and his donkey. 
4. For novice drivers in Japan, as in most other countries, a special Shoshinsha sign is installed (left). It needs to be pasted on the car, and by its appearance it resembles a young sprout. However, only in Japan there is a special marking for the elderly - the Koreisha sign, mandatory for drivers over 75 years old. (on right)
5. In Finland, fines for serious traffic violations are calculated as a percentage of the offender's last declared income. Therefore, it is the Finn who holds the world record for a speeding ticket: in 2004, the heir to the business empire, Jussi Salonoy, was issued a receipt for payment of 170,000 €. 
6. In Japan, after rain, drivers have to be extremely careful - accidentally splashing water or mud on a pedestrian, the motorist will be forced to part with a very tangible amount.
7. In China pedestrian crossings do not have the same meaning as in most countries, and only indicate a place where a pedestrian can cross the road, as long as there are no cars nearby. As for the drivers themselves, they are strictly forbidden to let pedestrians through - to slow down and even more so to stop before crossings. Chinese attempts to cross carriageway- the spectacle is far from for the faint of heart. 
8. In Cyprus, you can not even drink water while driving. It is believed that this creates an unnecessary danger on the road for other road users.
9. In Saudi Arabia, women are prohibited from driving not only cars, but also bicycles. The only exception is intra-block roads, otherwise complete patriarchy reigns on the roads of Saudi Arabia.
10. If you wear corrective glasses in Spain, you are required by law to have a spare pair in your car. 
