Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Driving Rules in Ciudad del Este

My husband assures me that there are rules for driving in this city. After months of careful observation I have gathered together the following rules of the road as I see them...


Never pull into a continuous stream of traffic with your eyes open.


Horse drawn vehicles should keep to the middle of the road and weave.

Fast vehicles should stay in Asuncion.

If you are coming from a side road onto the main road, you have the right of way. Do not slow down unless you roll over or hit something. Only stop if the object hit appears to have life.

Hand signals should primarily indicate the driver’s mood.

Only stop at a red light if the car in front has stopped.

At a crossroad when turning left, get into the right hand lane.  Beware of the motorcycle!

At a crossroad when turning right, get into the left-hand lane. Beware of the motorcycle!



If a horse cart hits you, you are going too slow.

If a police car hits you, you are driving recklessly.

If you hit a Paraguayan it's your fault.

If you hit a Brazilian its his fault.

If you hit an Argentine go to the nearest police station and claim your prize.

Do not enter spaces narrower than the width of the car, or a taxi narrower than the width of the passenger.

It is necessary to turn on the windshield wiper a few seconds before any stop.  This will keep some of the wind shield washers from spraying your glass with soapy water.

The horn operation must be checked at least every 10 meters, usually in order to move a cow from the road.

You may also be required to have brakes.

Two lanes are for driving in both directions, whichever side you are on.

The internal mirror is for the use of the driver only - to comb his hair, or hang his icons from.

If you are a foreigner, speed limit signs are in km/h

If you are a native speed limit signs are in m.p.h.

If you are driving on a cobble stone street, the speed limit is as fast as your dental work will allow.

All drivers must comply with the speed limit... or some multiple thereof.

7 comments:

firepig said...

hahaha lol

How about

it is illegal to spit from a moving car or bus, but is okay from a moving truck with pigs on top

or

it is illegal to cross the border regardless if you are walking or driving, with a duck on your head

or

it is illegal to honk your horn in front of a house where an ostrich is screaming

Dawn said...

So funny - or not!

Anonymous said...

La ley de m'barete !!

marion said...

La ley de m'barete !

groovyoldlady said...

*snort*

If ever I come visit you, I think I'll WALK!

Gringo said...

Very well said.

Which is why I am a big fan of using public transport in Latin American cities.

I drove in the countryside, mostly to and from the rig,and that was enough.

When I was a pedestrian in Mexico City, a car knocked me down without stopping. My shoulder was sore. Via the subway I found my way to the National Medical College, where I received fast and free attention at a walk-in clinic.

"Can you raise your arm?"

I could.

"You'll be fine. Go."

And I was. A week later my shoulder was no longer sore.

No X-rays for fear of a malpractice suit, no bureaucracy, just a quick medical judgment.

Anyone who puts down the Mexican medical system will have an argument with me.

Glenn B said...

"If you hit an Argentine go to the nearest police station and claim your prize."

That one alone has to have a good story behind it!

All the best,
GB