Rule's of the road when living in other countrys
Discussion
With regards to motorcycling
Having spoken to people from the US and Canada over the years there is a huge difference with learning to ride, rules you can or cannot do when riding (filtering/lane splitting) etc...
Just wondered out of interest what other PH biker banter lot can get away with, laws etc when it comes to motorcycling. And personal experiences.
Anyone who lives in other countries and post on here can give us from the UK what it's like riding in another country?
IE in the UK it's becoming ( from what I heard) harder to get a licence depending on age. limiting the power of a bike. Also loads of speed cameras (fixed and mobile around some fun roads)
Also the speed limit (thanks to anti speed people) roads going from 60MPH down to 50, 40 or even 30MPh that i ride.
Lots of double white lines which mean even through it's safe for a bike to overtake you should not cross the double whites. I have found this on a few favorite roads over the past 10 years.
I don't want to get into the semantics of how the roads and laws in the Uk are changing to much but find out what it's like to live and ride in other countries.
I'm just interested to learn from people
Having spoken to people from the US and Canada over the years there is a huge difference with learning to ride, rules you can or cannot do when riding (filtering/lane splitting) etc...
Just wondered out of interest what other PH biker banter lot can get away with, laws etc when it comes to motorcycling. And personal experiences.
Anyone who lives in other countries and post on here can give us from the UK what it's like riding in another country?
IE in the UK it's becoming ( from what I heard) harder to get a licence depending on age. limiting the power of a bike. Also loads of speed cameras (fixed and mobile around some fun roads)
Also the speed limit (thanks to anti speed people) roads going from 60MPH down to 50, 40 or even 30MPh that i ride.
Lots of double white lines which mean even through it's safe for a bike to overtake you should not cross the double whites. I have found this on a few favorite roads over the past 10 years.
I don't want to get into the semantics of how the roads and laws in the Uk are changing to much but find out what it's like to live and ride in other countries.
I'm just interested to learn from people
Ive only ever ridden in Europe but our mindset certainly changes ..Its a lot worse but it just feels like you can get away with more away from home!..I guess its because you dont have the fear of points on your licence.
I/we have used pedestrian crossings and ridden down pavements to find hotels/petrol stations, generally ignore signs , especially if lost!
That said, they are more relaxed about this sort of behaviour on the continent , we've bought our speed down on the autoroutes nowadays but on the N roads, whilst abeying the restricted areas, the rest of it is fair game speed wise.
Only really been stopped once that I can remember and that was in Monaco for flying about the place.
I/we have used pedestrian crossings and ridden down pavements to find hotels/petrol stations, generally ignore signs , especially if lost!
That said, they are more relaxed about this sort of behaviour on the continent , we've bought our speed down on the autoroutes nowadays but on the N roads, whilst abeying the restricted areas, the rest of it is fair game speed wise.
Only really been stopped once that I can remember and that was in Monaco for flying about the place.
podman said:
Ive only ever ridden in Europe but our mindset certainly changes ..Its a lot worse but it just feels like you can get away with more away from home!..I guess its because you dont have the fear of points on your licence.
Logistically it's awkward particularly now in France if you get nicked on a bike at any reasonable speed when they ban you on the spot. At least in a car the passenger can drive. Fortunately car and bike are in the same boat at a slightly higher speed when they confiscate the whole vehicle and we're all walking.
Motoring wise in Europe (and a fair few other aspects of life) we are entering a Stasi like level of government scrutiny and control of the general population.
At least in the 3rd World you can make a facilitation payment and you're on your way. Both ways are corrupt.
I am from the UK originally and now live in Canada.
There is no filtering here, which I'm fine with as I only started riding over here so I'm not familiar with it anyway. A lot of the roads a re very straight and boring so sometimes you have to go out of your way to find decent ones. The majority of bikes are cruisers.
The official speed limit is 100kph, most people drive/ride at 120 on the motorways. My commute to work is a mixture of country lanes and highway so speeds ave around 80kph-140kph. Anything over 150kph can get you an instant ban and a $10K fine, so best keep those moments fleeting.
Overall I really like riding here, the people are really friendly, there is a big cafe racer scene/community which is great, and most road users are pretty respectful. Plus the weather in the Summer is usually pretty dry, so even though the season is shorter there are a lot of dry riding days. Insurance is expensive though, but where I live crime is very low. I could leave all the bikes outside with the keys in and nobody would take them. That peace of mind is worth a lot.
P.S. Police cars do have radar, but there are no fixed speed cameras anywhere.
There is no filtering here, which I'm fine with as I only started riding over here so I'm not familiar with it anyway. A lot of the roads a re very straight and boring so sometimes you have to go out of your way to find decent ones. The majority of bikes are cruisers.
The official speed limit is 100kph, most people drive/ride at 120 on the motorways. My commute to work is a mixture of country lanes and highway so speeds ave around 80kph-140kph. Anything over 150kph can get you an instant ban and a $10K fine, so best keep those moments fleeting.
Overall I really like riding here, the people are really friendly, there is a big cafe racer scene/community which is great, and most road users are pretty respectful. Plus the weather in the Summer is usually pretty dry, so even though the season is shorter there are a lot of dry riding days. Insurance is expensive though, but where I live crime is very low. I could leave all the bikes outside with the keys in and nobody would take them. That peace of mind is worth a lot.
P.S. Police cars do have radar, but there are no fixed speed cameras anywhere.
I've only ever ridden in UK to pass my test (direct access) the rest in S E Asia and some offroad in the Sudan. S E Asia is pretty much no rules, what ever you can get way with, I'm reasonably sensible, but, I go the wrong way down a one way street to get to my home saves about a KM, through a Chinese market, the hard shoulder is an unofficial bike lane so undertake on that is common. Speed limit is not enforced so I cruise around 90 on the motor way, (which makes me one of the slower bikes), Lane splitting is common, I tend to only do it below about 40KPH and at about 10KM faster than the traffic but seen some real fast stuff, and some serious accidents. Lots of ridding on the white line between the middle lane and the fast lane, so you can change easily to undertake.
But 3000 bike deaths a year in Malaysia alone, with half the UK population. Seen two bikers dead on the side of the road this year.
ONe thing that gets me is small bikes tail gating on the motor ways, real idiots.
But 3000 bike deaths a year in Malaysia alone, with half the UK population. Seen two bikers dead on the side of the road this year.
ONe thing that gets me is small bikes tail gating on the motor ways, real idiots.
Bob_Defly said:
I am from the UK originally and now live in Canada.
There is no filtering here, which I'm fine with as I only started riding over here so I'm not familiar with it anyway. A lot of the roads a re very straight and boring so sometimes you have to go out of your way to find decent ones. The majority of bikes are cruisers.
The official speed limit is 100kph, most people drive/ride at 120 on the motorways. My commute to work is a mixture of country lanes and highway so speeds ave around 80kph-140kph. Anything over 150kph can get you an instant ban and a $10K fine, so best keep those moments fleeting.
Overall I really like riding here, the people are really friendly, there is a big cafe racer scene/community which is great, and most road users are pretty respectful. Plus the weather in the Summer is usually pretty dry, so even though the season is shorter there are a lot of dry riding days. Insurance is expensive though, but where I live crime is very low. I could leave all the bikes outside with the keys in and nobody would take them. That peace of mind is worth a lot.
P.S. Police cars do have radar, but there are no fixed speed cameras anywhere.
Firstly apologies for the bad grammar, I blame my dyslexia and why i try my best but don't really give a Toss.There is no filtering here, which I'm fine with as I only started riding over here so I'm not familiar with it anyway. A lot of the roads a re very straight and boring so sometimes you have to go out of your way to find decent ones. The majority of bikes are cruisers.
The official speed limit is 100kph, most people drive/ride at 120 on the motorways. My commute to work is a mixture of country lanes and highway so speeds ave around 80kph-140kph. Anything over 150kph can get you an instant ban and a $10K fine, so best keep those moments fleeting.
Overall I really like riding here, the people are really friendly, there is a big cafe racer scene/community which is great, and most road users are pretty respectful. Plus the weather in the Summer is usually pretty dry, so even though the season is shorter there are a lot of dry riding days. Insurance is expensive though, but where I live crime is very low. I could leave all the bikes outside with the keys in and nobody would take them. That peace of mind is worth a lot.
P.S. Police cars do have radar, but there are no fixed speed cameras anywhere.
it was your post about your shed/garage Bob that I first thought about this thread. i was unsure if your where a Ex pat or Canadian
I've driven and ridden over lots of Europe but the question was more for people like yourself who live in other countries and ride. No matter if they are Expat or born in the country.
cheers for your feedback. Seem's the fine's are very harsh if caught
Berw said:
I've only ever ridden in UK to pass my test (direct access) the rest in S E Asia and some offroad in the Sudan. S E Asia is pretty much no rules, what ever you can get way with, I'm reasonably sensible, but, I go the wrong way down a one way street to get to my home saves about a KM, through a Chinese market, the hard shoulder is an unofficial bike lane so undertake on that is common. Speed limit is not enforced so I cruise around 90 on the motor way, (which makes me one of the slower bikes), Lane splitting is common, I tend to only do it below about 40KPH and at about 10KM faster than the traffic but seen some real fast stuff, and some serious accidents. Lots of ridding on the white line between the middle lane and the fast lane, so you can change easily to undertake.
But 3000 bike deaths a year in Malaysia alone, with half the UK population. Seen two bikers dead on the side of the road this year.
ONe thing that gets me is small bikes tail gating on the motor ways, real idiots.
I had a mate who lived in Indo for 7 years and rode a scooter ( no bike licence ) but old enough to ride scooters . Said it was madness with little or no rules or driving standards there. But 3000 bike deaths a year in Malaysia alone, with half the UK population. Seen two bikers dead on the side of the road this year.
ONe thing that gets me is small bikes tail gating on the motor ways, real idiots.
Not a place I would like to ride myself much
Germany
Despite it being used as the best driving place in the world, as you can go warp factor 10everywhere, the reality is very different. Around half the autobahn are restricted and most of the derestricted ones have limits applied for various reasons.
In areas with speed limits, the fines and penalties are far worse than the U.K., although we only have to worry about the fines now, as they can and are enforced.
Despite it being used as the best driving place in the world, as you can go warp factor 10everywhere, the reality is very different. Around half the autobahn are restricted and most of the derestricted ones have limits applied for various reasons.
In areas with speed limits, the fines and penalties are far worse than the U.K., although we only have to worry about the fines now, as they can and are enforced.
Gavia said:
Germany
Despite it being used as the best driving place in the world, as you can go warp factor 10everywhere, the reality is very different. Around half the autobahn are restricted and most of the derestricted ones have limits applied for various reasons.
In areas with speed limits, the fines and penalties are far worse than the U.K., although we only have to worry about the fines now, as they can and are enforced.
I drove many miles in Germany last year and was lucky to find 300 miles of Autobahn all the way up by the Rhine. Was fun and had a few fun moments with my mate and fellow PH'er at some interesting speeds. Maxed out the wife's GT86 Despite it being used as the best driving place in the world, as you can go warp factor 10everywhere, the reality is very different. Around half the autobahn are restricted and most of the derestricted ones have limits applied for various reasons.
In areas with speed limits, the fines and penalties are far worse than the U.K., although we only have to worry about the fines now, as they can and are enforced.
Passed my big bike licence in 97 in the UK but had been riding since about 10yo on and off road!
Now in Cambodia and it is pretty much like the poster above said in Indo but 50% worse. There really are zero rules and the standard of riding and driving is shocking. The bigger you are the more you drive like a t
t.
Bikes and cars driving the wrong way, cars doing U-turns without looking, cars going from the far lane then turning into a side road without indicating, cars, bikes, buses and trucks with no lights on, drunk drivers etc. Vehicles delivering everything from beds to cows trundling along at 3mph with no lights. No real helmet law, corrupt cops (go through a red and pay a $2 fine or get pulled over drunk and pay $20 fine and off you go).
All vehicles in various states of deterioration (no real compulsory roadworthy for anything, trucks included). Some are not even road legal but that's ok because the driver's uncle is a cop/ministry guy/rich.
Any driver involved in an accident (including bus drivers and truckers) usually run off, unless he is dead of trapped in the vehicle. It is cheaper to pay compo to a dead person than a living one. Often I have come around a corner to be greeted by two trucks with the one on my side of the road flashing ME to move over! That is where most people overtake on blind bends or crests.
Combine that with random cows, sheep, dogs and kids in the road along with the numerous pot holes and holes big enough to swallow a Mini makes Cambodia a really interesting place to ride.
In 2016 the PM decreed that riders of motos (scooters) under 125 did not need a licence, not that the majority had one anyway.
I often see kids about 10yo on a moto - no helmet, three up - flying along and just about holding on! They grow up on these scooters.
The bonus is Bokor mountain road. 32km of glorious smooth winding mountain road, with no speed limits. Much like anywhere else in Cambodia.
I have held off getting a big bike but may take the plunge just for Bokor mountain. It will be my regular Nurburgring!
Now in Cambodia and it is pretty much like the poster above said in Indo but 50% worse. There really are zero rules and the standard of riding and driving is shocking. The bigger you are the more you drive like a t
t.Bikes and cars driving the wrong way, cars doing U-turns without looking, cars going from the far lane then turning into a side road without indicating, cars, bikes, buses and trucks with no lights on, drunk drivers etc. Vehicles delivering everything from beds to cows trundling along at 3mph with no lights. No real helmet law, corrupt cops (go through a red and pay a $2 fine or get pulled over drunk and pay $20 fine and off you go).
All vehicles in various states of deterioration (no real compulsory roadworthy for anything, trucks included). Some are not even road legal but that's ok because the driver's uncle is a cop/ministry guy/rich.
Any driver involved in an accident (including bus drivers and truckers) usually run off, unless he is dead of trapped in the vehicle. It is cheaper to pay compo to a dead person than a living one. Often I have come around a corner to be greeted by two trucks with the one on my side of the road flashing ME to move over! That is where most people overtake on blind bends or crests.
Combine that with random cows, sheep, dogs and kids in the road along with the numerous pot holes and holes big enough to swallow a Mini makes Cambodia a really interesting place to ride.
In 2016 the PM decreed that riders of motos (scooters) under 125 did not need a licence, not that the majority had one anyway.
I often see kids about 10yo on a moto - no helmet, three up - flying along and just about holding on! They grow up on these scooters.
The bonus is Bokor mountain road. 32km of glorious smooth winding mountain road, with no speed limits. Much like anywhere else in Cambodia.
I have held off getting a big bike but may take the plunge just for Bokor mountain. It will be my regular Nurburgring!
In ride in the Netherlands and cross over in to Belgium, Germany and sometimes Luxemburg. Did a roadtrip to the UK and spent a few days riding in Italy.
NL
Getting your license is getting harder in NL, it's now a 3-tier system with some retest thrown in for good measure.
Speed camera's, average and normal, are getting replaced by newer systems that always work (the old ones didn't always have a camera in them). The new ones are constantly connected, so there are fewer around but their "succes" rate is 100%.
Police are also having a crack-down on anto social riding in city centre's. So if you got to Rotterdam, Utrecht, etc. make sure you've got a db-killer in your exhaust or risk getting your motorcycle impounded and having your exhaust scrapped.
For the rest, it's all pretty relaxed. Stay of the main roads and police presence drops dramatically, as does traffic. General rule of thumb is, if you want attention, it's attention you'll get.
Germany
Limitless autobahns are fun for a few times, but more fun is to be had of the autobahns. But... the Eiffel region is heavily populated with bikers when the weather is better, and so locals are getting irritated and police is out in full force on those days.
Belgium and Luxemburg
Belgium has st roads, st drivers and riders... the Ardennes region is beautiful, but the state of the roads let it down massively. Better get to Luxemburg for the same environment but massively better roads. Really quite as well.
Italy
Went to the Dolemites. Great region for riding, great roads and spectacular views. But... the locals are getting a bit irked by riders. Some mountain passes now close for riders mid-season. And whatever you do, make sure you stay away from Switzerland, they hate speed and noise.
NL
Getting your license is getting harder in NL, it's now a 3-tier system with some retest thrown in for good measure.
Speed camera's, average and normal, are getting replaced by newer systems that always work (the old ones didn't always have a camera in them). The new ones are constantly connected, so there are fewer around but their "succes" rate is 100%.
Police are also having a crack-down on anto social riding in city centre's. So if you got to Rotterdam, Utrecht, etc. make sure you've got a db-killer in your exhaust or risk getting your motorcycle impounded and having your exhaust scrapped.
For the rest, it's all pretty relaxed. Stay of the main roads and police presence drops dramatically, as does traffic. General rule of thumb is, if you want attention, it's attention you'll get.
Germany
Limitless autobahns are fun for a few times, but more fun is to be had of the autobahns. But... the Eiffel region is heavily populated with bikers when the weather is better, and so locals are getting irritated and police is out in full force on those days.
Belgium and Luxemburg
Belgium has s
t roads, st drivers and riders... the Ardennes region is beautiful, but the state of the roads let it down massively. Better get to Luxemburg for the same environment but massively better roads. Really quite as well.Italy
Went to the Dolemites. Great region for riding, great roads and spectacular views. But... the locals are getting a bit irked by riders. Some mountain passes now close for riders mid-season. And whatever you do, make sure you stay away from Switzerland, they hate speed and noise.
I live in Spain and I would say there are a few differences between riding here and in the UK. The principal one is the difference in climate, certainly where I am on the east coast and the subsequent attitude to proper bike gear. Come summer time I'm about the only person still wearing anything even remotely protective such as long trousers or gloves. I've been overtaken many time on the bypass by people in shorts and flipflops.
The attitude to speed is a little different here. Yes you can get a ticket if you speed and no it's not ok to ride/drive like a complete nob, but generally everyone speeds everywhere all of the time. Spped limits are more a rough guide.
It's ok to park your bike on pretty much any pavement at any time. They're starting to clamp down a bit in the centre of Valencia but other than that you never have to worry about parking your bike.
People generally filter to the right of cars as there is often a decent sized hard shoulder. If you try and go down the middle of the road people are not expecting it so much, much better on hard shoulder. In Valencia city centre I find the lanes are very narrow and filtering can be hard work when compared to somewhere like London. There are less cars on the road though.
Traffic lights on red are more of a rough guide that you may have to stop.
And finally I see a lot of kids riding around on 50/125 cc geared bikes, certainly more than I saw when I lived in the UK. Motorcycling is a lot more popular with the youths.
The attitude to speed is a little different here. Yes you can get a ticket if you speed and no it's not ok to ride/drive like a complete nob, but generally everyone speeds everywhere all of the time. Spped limits are more a rough guide.
It's ok to park your bike on pretty much any pavement at any time. They're starting to clamp down a bit in the centre of Valencia but other than that you never have to worry about parking your bike.
People generally filter to the right of cars as there is often a decent sized hard shoulder. If you try and go down the middle of the road people are not expecting it so much, much better on hard shoulder. In Valencia city centre I find the lanes are very narrow and filtering can be hard work when compared to somewhere like London. There are less cars on the road though.
Traffic lights on red are more of a rough guide that you may have to stop.
And finally I see a lot of kids riding around on 50/125 cc geared bikes, certainly more than I saw when I lived in the UK. Motorcycling is a lot more popular with the youths.
I love that in France and Italy that you can rock up to a town and bump the mo'bike up outside the cafe/bar that you are stopping at for refreshments. Sensibly of course, without blocking the pavement and nobody bats an eyelid - if only we had the same approach in the UK where the parking attendents descend on you like midgies on a tourist in the Scottish Highlands in the height of summer.
RemaL said:
Bob_Defly said:
I am from the UK originally and now live in Canada.
There is no filtering here, which I'm fine with as I only started riding over here so I'm not familiar with it anyway. A lot of the roads a re very straight and boring so sometimes you have to go out of your way to find decent ones. The majority of bikes are cruisers.
The official speed limit is 100kph, most people drive/ride at 120 on the motorways. My commute to work is a mixture of country lanes and highway so speeds ave around 80kph-140kph. Anything over 150kph can get you an instant ban and a $10K fine, so best keep those moments fleeting.
Overall I really like riding here, the people are really friendly, there is a big cafe racer scene/community which is great, and most road users are pretty respectful. Plus the weather in the Summer is usually pretty dry, so even though the season is shorter there are a lot of dry riding days. Insurance is expensive though, but where I live crime is very low. I could leave all the bikes outside with the keys in and nobody would take them. That peace of mind is worth a lot.
P.S. Police cars do have radar, but there are no fixed speed cameras anywhere.
Firstly apologies for the bad grammar, I blame my dyslexia and why i try my best but don't really give a Toss.There is no filtering here, which I'm fine with as I only started riding over here so I'm not familiar with it anyway. A lot of the roads a re very straight and boring so sometimes you have to go out of your way to find decent ones. The majority of bikes are cruisers.
The official speed limit is 100kph, most people drive/ride at 120 on the motorways. My commute to work is a mixture of country lanes and highway so speeds ave around 80kph-140kph. Anything over 150kph can get you an instant ban and a $10K fine, so best keep those moments fleeting.
Overall I really like riding here, the people are really friendly, there is a big cafe racer scene/community which is great, and most road users are pretty respectful. Plus the weather in the Summer is usually pretty dry, so even though the season is shorter there are a lot of dry riding days. Insurance is expensive though, but where I live crime is very low. I could leave all the bikes outside with the keys in and nobody would take them. That peace of mind is worth a lot.
P.S. Police cars do have radar, but there are no fixed speed cameras anywhere.
it was your post about your shed/garage Bob that I first thought about this thread. i was unsure if your where a Ex pat or Canadian
I've driven and ridden over lots of Europe but the question was more for people like yourself who live in other countries and ride. No matter if they are Expat or born in the country.
cheers for your feedback. Seem's the fine's are very harsh if caught
The thing that surprised me most is on my annual US road trip, I go through states with no helmet law. So pull up to the lights in Summer in full gear, next to a couple on their bikes in shorts and t-shirts. No gloves, no boots, no jacket, no helmet, no ear plugs. Christ I wouldn't want to see that mess if they come off at motorway speeds...
moto_traxport said:
podman said:
Ive only ever ridden in Europe but our mindset certainly changes ..Its a lot worse but it just feels like you can get away with more away from home!..I guess its because you dont have the fear of points on your licence.
Logistically it's awkward particularly now in France if you get nicked on a bike at any reasonable speed when they ban you on the spot. At least in a car the passenger can drive. Fortunately car and bike are in the same boat at a slightly higher speed when they confiscate the whole vehicle and we're all walking.
Motoring wise in Europe (and a fair few other aspects of life) we are entering a Stasi like level of government scrutiny and control of the general population.
At least in the 3rd World you can make a facilitation payment and you're on your way. Both ways are corrupt.
In europe we never ever used to care about speed limits or all the rules in the early 2000s on bike tours.. however most of the countries have caught up. France went so anti speeding that we stopped speeding full stop on the main roads esp autoroutes in the north near Calais. Before that cars of bikes we got off the ferry/tunnel and just dialed in whatever speed you wanted.. making sure you knocked it back for the towns/villages on the Route Nationals.
Belgium never really had any hassle just no full on piss taking better than france in my view and drivers who remind me of biking in the UK
Switzerland just don't speed be on your best behaviour and just use the smaller roads/routes and def don't get stung for a year long vignette for their motorway network. They hate bikers. Had my card marked and relieved of 300 Swiss Francs from the ATM by the cops as a deposit. Country used after this as a pass through as quick as legally possible.
Germany can make rapid progress on the autobahn network esp if you just ignore that most have limits lol But no filtering on bikes legally and ultimately probably as harsh as the UK on traffic violations. Austria some great roads but just enjoyed the country riding normally
Spain, Portugal and Italy you could within reason ride how you wanted. Greece is the only country I've ridden in where you could virtually apply SE Asia rules - drive/ride like a nutter and no one cares, police certainly don't.
Thailand there are helmet rules and police but you'd be unlucky to get stopped esp if you're not in a touristy area. Two types of riders/drivers in Thailand super slow and but potentially random/dangerous moves and full on nutters who thrash everything around flat out with a deathwish who'll take themselves out and others around them ultimately. There are rules of the road but open to super liberal interpretation. Mainly Thai's are so chilled they don't get angry to being cut up or forced to react to others riding or driving very badly. You will be pulled out upon so you drive/ride accordingly. The UK esp East London looks very civilised after a month in Thailand believe me
Belgium never really had any hassle just no full on piss taking better than france in my view and drivers who remind me of biking in the UK
Switzerland just don't speed be on your best behaviour and just use the smaller roads/routes and def don't get stung for a year long vignette for their motorway network. They hate bikers. Had my card marked and relieved of 300 Swiss Francs from the ATM by the cops as a deposit. Country used after this as a pass through as quick as legally possible.
Germany can make rapid progress on the autobahn network esp if you just ignore that most have limits lol But no filtering on bikes legally and ultimately probably as harsh as the UK on traffic violations. Austria some great roads but just enjoyed the country riding normally
Spain, Portugal and Italy you could within reason ride how you wanted. Greece is the only country I've ridden in where you could virtually apply SE Asia rules - drive/ride like a nutter and no one cares, police certainly don't.
Thailand there are helmet rules and police but you'd be unlucky to get stopped esp if you're not in a touristy area. Two types of riders/drivers in Thailand super slow and but potentially random/dangerous moves and full on nutters who thrash everything around flat out with a deathwish who'll take themselves out and others around them ultimately. There are rules of the road but open to super liberal interpretation. Mainly Thai's are so chilled they don't get angry to being cut up or forced to react to others riding or driving very badly. You will be pulled out upon so you drive/ride accordingly. The UK esp East London looks very civilised after a month in Thailand believe me
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