Motor Road Rules and Tips

By Steve Gosselin, May 2013
This post is the exact quote from Steve's post on his blog dated 03 May 2013 though not every single listed items are displayed in this post.
Click HERE to go to the original post/page.

These peculiarities in Cambodia are true, some of which are exactly against the law, though it might look a bit weird or somehow funny.
There is a need that we come together and put an end to those that are against the law.

Unofficial Lane
# 1 (Rule)

An Invisible Lane with Opposite Flowing Traffic Exists at the Far Right
It is often convenient to drive the wrong way down the lane. Fortunately, there exists an unofficial rightmost lane for this purpose. It is not just courteous to allow traffic in this unofficial lane to flow, it is custom to give right of way. For example, you (the RED motor) driving at the far right should veer to the left slightly to make way for oncoming motors.



Red Right Peek
# 2 (Tip)

Peek Before Turning

For some crazy reason, it is illegal to turn right at a red light in the Kingdom. As with all traffic violations, they are not enforced unless you are physically chased and apprehended. You cannot however, be chased if there are no police standing at the side of the road. Police are sneaky though and often hide behind cars and trees. The common practice is for you (the RED motor) to roll ahead slightly into the intersection until you can get a good view of what's around the corner. If there are no police, then you are clear to continue turning right. If there are, then sheepishly backup and wait for the light to turn green.  






Side Walk to the Front
# 3 (Rule)

At Red Light, Get to Front at Whatever Cost

You (the RED motor) are probably not in a rush. You probably don't need to be anywhere. This shouldn't stop you from always attempting to get to the front of the pack at a red light. Hopping up on the sidewalk, manoeuvrings around a parked car or riding behind a food stand are all highly recommended tactics.
















Motor Snooze

# 4 (Tip)

The Ground Is Dirty

You feel the urge to relax in the shade and their are no benches, no grassy areas and no empty hammocks. Never fear, your motor makes a completely comfortable and stylish alternative. Make sure to employ the parking stand (not the kickstand) to ensure the motor balances flat.  




Motor Date

 # 5 (Rule)

Ignore All Other Traffic
Constant rushing is the norm except on one occasion: the motor date. You (the RED motor) need not worry about holding up traffic but only to stay exactly parallel with your partner in order to maximize ease of conversation. Continue to drive at a leisurely pace and ignore impatient honks from behind.








Preemptive Left
# 6 (Tip)

Act First and Save a Few Seconds

In the West, it is common etiquette during green lights to wait for straight traffic to pass before turning left. Often this results in left turns occurring during the amber light just before red. Not so in Cambodia. It is common practice for the most ambitious left turners to go before the straight through traffic as demonstrated by the RED motor in the image.











The Swarm
# 7 (Tip)

Comfort in Numbers

You (the RED motor) may feel anxious at first when being enclosed by fellow motors. There is, however, power in The Swarm and it can be used to great advantage. Lexus' may seem at first to rule the roads but a sizable swarm of motors soon takes the upper hand.  

















The Parasite

 # 8 (Tip)

Big Vehicles Have Unofficial Right Of Way: Use It To Your Advantage
Big vehicles like Lexus SUVs punch their way through traffic to complete a turn. You, the RED motor, being tiny in comparison, don't command much influence when separated from The Swarm, so it is wise to hug the side of a larger vehicle who has the same intention for direction change. Instead of looking around at traffic, just focus on clinging to your host as close as possible until the turn is completed. This greatly reduces the risk of capture, as it is difficult and dangerous for police to cross the entire lane for you.

Conscious Avoidance
# 9 (Tip)

Perfect Driving Won't Save You

Your paperwork may be in order. You may have this year's 4500 Riel tax sticker. The police will still find something wrong. It's best for even the most upstanding citizen to avoid capture whenever possible. When police are spotted up ahead, the best technique is for you (the RED motor) to quickly hide behind a larger vehicle (tuk tuks are great for some reason) on the leftmost side of the lane just in case. 















Must Make Left

# 10 (Rule)

Don't Miss a Green Opportunity
Even though you (the RED motor) have nowhere to be, it is downright unacceptable to miss a green light opportunity. Do whatever it takes to get through the intersection, in this case, veering far left into the opposite lane.