OverSoft

Well, while those rules are very nice and bring structure to the traffic flow (priority rules, driving continuously on the left on the highway is punishable with a BIG fine), they're also a pain in the butt sometimes.
For example, non-handsfree calling is illegal (which i think is just BS, because it's not holding the phone that's distracting you, it's the actual talking which you also do when you are calling handsfree).
Also, we've got a really strict policy set on pulling your drivers license:
- 50kph (30mph) too fast = instantly losing your license (fair enough)
- Pro-longed tailgating = instantly losing your license (i highly encourage this rule)
However, there is also a rule called "Article 5". They can pin ANYTHING on this, when it's more dangerous than standing still...
If they think you are taking corners too fast: Article 5.
If they think your accelerating too quick (but still under the speed limit): Article 5.
If you let one fly: Article 5.

Essentially: If they have a crappy day or don't like you, they are going to take your license.

We have way too many rules here in Holland...

MacSid

Yeah, lots and lots of rules and almost no visible enforcement, other than Mr Spee's Mobile Cash Registers.

I drive the amsterdam-Hague motorway daily to get to and from work and regularly encounter tailgaters, left-lane hoggers and what seems to be the Dutch Special - one flash of the turn signal, no look in the mirror, but pulling out into the left lane anyway. I swear, if we took the turn signals and mirrors out of every 2nd car in the Randstad, the traffic safety situation would not change a whit. Oh, and there's only really one way to get a left-lane-hogger out of your way - tailgate them. If you keep a respectable distance from them, they just sit there Basically, if you're a well-mannered driver, you're not going to get anywhere with this crowd.

I really want to see much, much more proactive enforcement on dangerous driving as opposed to outright speed. From what I see on my daily commutes, it's the slow ones with zero consideration for everyone else who are the worst... and I see at least one accident a day on my daily commute. It's pathetic.

radzM

how does this rear fog lights look like? how does it light up? I'm assuming one of the rear brake lights are lit up?

Iceman

Extra bulb(s), extra button.

Iceman

What you describe as Article 5 we also have in Germany, but not as an Article.
But nobody would enforce stuff that would fall under it, except, and that's what this rule is for, a judge.

So, when you have an accident in example, it is possible your license gets revoked, because the judge declares your driving as dangerous, even though you might have not been too fast...

EuroCarFan

Yeah, there's an extra bulb in either the right or left rear taillight cluster (not sure which), that lights up brighter than the regular taillights and looks like you applied the brakes although it's not the brake lights. I remember on the previous Audi A6, the fog light is actually not in the taillight cluster but in between the license plate area and the light cluster. They have one one either side but only one would light up.

prase007

Well, at least you can see, where I have to live and drive. Only skilled driver can survive here. And polish ? Its not a long time ago, they have opened their first real highway . .no wonder they cant drive on them.

OverSoft

Is it really that bad there? I'm going to the Czech republic in a couple of weeks (a couple of days of "guy vacation"), but i'm not sure if i'm taking the E60 or my Alfa.
I've heard of bad drivers and bad criminality (like car theft and car break-ins).

Mr.Bavarian

This sometimes occurs at night, which is ESPECIALLY dangerous since visibility becomes much more limited + the fatigue from the day reduces reaction time in braking etc.
If someone tails gate you at night, pull out of that lane, wait for them to pass and get behind them. Then turn on your high-beam 50W Xenons. Muahaha ah ah ah ah

Ellicit

lol, I hate those idiots, I sometime tap the brake, or just go into the next lane, its just not worth it...