In Asia, the most accessible and popular means of transportation are the bike, moped and their variations. If, when traveling in Europe and America, tourists willingly rent a car so as not to depend on public transport, then in Asian countries it is cheaper and more interesting to rent a motorcycle.
What internal motives do drivers use when performing this or that maneuver, as well as how to navigate the chaos of Asian roads, we wrote in this article, and now we will tell you what documents are needed and what to pay attention to in order to become a full driver on the roads of Asia.
In almost all countries on our list, it is legal to drive a bike if you have an international license category A.
A category A driving license is the right to drive a motorcycle with an engine capacity exceeding 125 cc. Moreover, the motorcycle can be two-, three-, or even four-wheeled.
To obtain an international license, you should contact the traffic police department at your place of residence (or the nearest one),
where, based on your Russian driver’s license, after submitting an application and paying the state fee, you will be given an international sample of a driving license.
Traffic police inspector in Thailand
Photo: Sombat Muycheen/Shutterstock.com
Thailand. International license category A required.
The official fine for driving without a license is 1,000 baht (1,790 rubles).
Driving on the left.
Traffic police inspector in Vietnam
Photo: Cocos .Bounty/Shutterstock.com
Vietnam. International license category A required.
The official fine for driving without a license is 800,000 dong (2,060 rubles).
Right-hand traffic.
Traffic police inspector in India
Photo: Fotos593/Shutterstock.com
India. International license category A required.
The official fine for driving without a license is 450 rupees (410 rubles).
Driving on the left.
Traffic police inspectors in Cambodia
Photo: Kuni Takahashi
Cambodia. Since 2016, licenses for scooters up to 125 cc are no longer required. see. Scooters with higher power require local licenses; international and Russian ones are not suitable.
There are no clear penalties, the country is very corrupt. Usually a problem with a policeman is resolved with two dollars.
Right-hand traffic.
Traffic police inspector in Indonesia
Photo: Tatiana Grunina/Shutterstock.com
Indonesia. International license category A required.
No one knows the official fine. Usually it’s 4 dollars (240 rubles) on the spot.
Driving on the left.
Traffic police inspector in China
China. Driving only with a local license is allowed, international and Russian licenses are not valid.
The official fine for driving without a license is 244 yuan (2,220 rubles) and confiscation of the bike. The fine depends on the province.
Right-hand traffic.
Traffic police inspectors in Sri- Lanke
Photo: paul prescott/Shutterstock.com
Sri Lanka. Driving only with a local license is allowed, international and Russian ones are not valid.
No one knows the official fine. Usually the issue with the police is resolved within 500 Sri Lankan rupees (190 rubles).
Driving on the left.
Photo: Vietnam Stock Images/Shutterstock.com
General tips:
1. It is better to first check the features of driving a scooter in a particular country with local residents, at the reception desk at the hotel or at the bike rental point itself.
2. Keep the average fine for driving without a license in a separate pocket (so you don’t have to show all the cash to the cops),
if you still don’t have them and you take the risk of going. Remember that speeding and driving without a helmet or license in Asia can always be negotiated. As a rule, the issue price is a maximum of 5 dollars.
3. If you are stopped and you are in the wrong, communicate with the policeman with a smile and try to come to an agreement – a smile helps you avoid a fine.
4. Be sure to wear a helmet. Driving without a helmet is the most common fine in Asia.
5. Under no circumstances should you drive while drunk: firstly, it is dangerous, and secondly, this will result in the heaviest fines and a smile will no longer help.
6. Before renting a bike, do not forget to check its integrity; If you find any problems or scratches, be sure to show them to the tenant in order to avoid controversial situations later.
7. You can also refuel at non-gas stations. You can often find gasoline in plastic bottles in cafes. This is regular gasoline, only a little more expensive than at a gas station.
8. Do not leave valuables in the bike, as it can be easily opened or even stolen.
9. You shouldn’t ride your scooter fast as traffic in Asia tends to be chaotic. It is also often complicated by animals that come onto the roads.
We strongly advise against driving a motorcycle or other vehicle without a valid driver’s license, for the following reasons:
- In the event of any accident, you will be found guilty by default, and no insurance company will recognize the driver as the recipient of insurance payments.
- You cannot count on any medical insurance after a fall from a motorbike or an accident.
Drive carefully and according to the rules.
Have a nice trip!
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