Special US laws. They are also binding for people coming from the small country of Latvia. However, there is a drop of irony! Because there is a serious reason to seriously smile about some of them.
If Latvia smiles, then the European Union, which includes Latvia, also smiles.
So, a Latvian person has decided to go across the ocean and visit the USA. What you should know first, if you are planning to rent a car and drive it on US highways.
Holders of driver’s licenses issued by European Union countries, including Latvia, can use their valid driver’s licenses when driving in the USA.
Special US laws, just remember!
The rights issued in Latvia will be valid… while staying there for a period of time not exceeding one year.
The specific period of time during which a foreign driver’s license can be used may vary in each state.
If you want to rent a car, car rental companies may also require you to present an International Driver’s Permit, which is essentially a translation of your driver’s license in 10 languages.
However, this does not happen everywhere and it can be said with great confidence that you will also get a rental car with Latvian rights.
However, on the road, if you are stopped by the traffic police, there may be a misunderstanding, because they may consider your rights invalid.
Usually, this ends with you being let go without sanctions and fines.
If we talk about obtaining an international driver’s license, then Latvian driver’s license holders cannot receive such a document.
You can discuss with the chosen car rental company whether it will be enough to present a notarized translation of your driver’s license into English.
As I said, such cases are rare and Latvian rights should be enough.
Sometimes it seems that the US states are competing with each other in the originality of traffic rules.
Some special laws in the US are simply unenforceable and can traumatize the psyche of an ignorant Latvian motorist.
Special laws in the US!
In the state of Georgia, it is forbidden for chickens to cross the street.
In Nevada, it is forbidden for pedestrians to place furniture and chairs on the road. It is even strictly forbidden to move on the roads on a camel.
In Alabama, it is forbidden to drive a car if you have a blindfold on. I wonder… would anyone do it if there were no such law?
In Florida, it is forbidden to park your car near Dunkin’ Donuts.
There is a law that states that if you have hit someone with your car, the victim must pay $78 ….regardless of whether the poor thing is still alive.
In Florida, a paid parking space for an elephant will cost the same… as a passenger car. Ultimate discrimination against small car owners.
In California, you can safely shoot whales from a moving car, because it is forbidden to shoot “any game except whales.”
If you are planning to hunt a beast like a whale with a car … you now know where to go.
Special laws in the USA, just one problem!
No one has ever seen a whale on the road!
However, if a woman drives a car in a dressing gown, the police officer has the right to write out a ticket. Nothing is said about the possibility of a completely naked driver behind the wheel.
In the state of Michigan, it is forbidden to sell cars on Sundays. It is also difficult to understand why in Arkansas it is not allowed to signal with a car horn at sandwich bars after 9 pm.
In Alaska, it is forbidden to tie a dog to the roof of a car and move around in this way.
In Denver (state of Colorado) it is forbidden to drive a black car on Sundays.
Why?
Nobody knows, but the law exists and it must be enforced.
If you are stopped by the police.
The US Highway Patrol can use a gun on a stopped driver who gets out of his vehicle without permission or before he has prepared documents to show to the police.
You have to wait until the policeman approaches your car and demands to show documents.
Remember that your hands must be on the steering wheel and in no case under the seat!
In Montana, the rules will be violated if you decide to transport a sheep on your own, because local authorities believe that it is impossible to cope with such a responsible task alone.
There is a law that prohibits pedestrians from sleeping on the road. Well, that is understandable….
Strictly, because it is strictly forbidden to jump out of a moving car if it is moving faster than 65 miles per hour.
I would like to see who would do such a thing in their right mind!
Have a good rest and I wish you not to encounter the vigilant traffic police and policewomen of the USA, who are mostly African-Americans with big butts and the same character. 😉
The special laws of the USA must be followed, of course, if you do not want to end up in their prison and experience a swift deportation to your homeland!
However, if the USA does not appeal to you, then it is good to know the special laws and customs elsewhere.
Politeness abroad.
For your information, what we consider polite and reasonable in our country is not always perceived the same abroad.
Be careful not to appear rude or ill-mannered while traveling.
Why can’t you salt your food in Egypt or play with rice sticks in Japan? Read about it.
Learn about the customs of the world and make friends wherever you are.
Don’t give watches to China.
Each country has its own ideas about gifts. In many countries, many would be delighted with a good expensive watch.
A Chinese person would be seriously offended by this!
This item, as well as straw sandals, handkerchiefs and flowers, is closely associated with death and burial for the Chinese.
You cannot give or give them as a gift, it is considered indecent. By giving such a gift, you even risk spoiling good relations.
Politeness abroad, salt in Egypt.
If you have gone to hot Egypt to relax and have a genuine desire to meet with friends.
Know that you can be invited to visit. Here it is worth remembering one important thing.
When sitting at the table in this country, in no case do not touch the salt shaker. The host of the house can be mortally offended if you start salting your food.
To the locals, this means that you don’t like the treat and that it tastes disgusting.
Politeness Abroad, Venezuela.
Now you’re going to be surprised. We’re all used to the idea that arriving on time for a business or formal dinner is a sign of good taste. In Venezuela, it’s completely different.
If you’re invited to dinner, it’s a good idea to be a little late. Fifteen minutes is the minimum you should be willing to spend on a late dinner.
Guests who arrive on time or earlier are considered impatient and greedy.
Always use a knife and fork in Norway.
If you’re in Norway and invited to a party, be aware that you should be very careful at the dinner table. Mealtime etiquette is very important in this country.
Most dishes, even ordinary sandwiches, are eaten with a knife and fork.
I know, I know, it’s more convenient to hold a sandwich in your hand, but Norwegians have a different opinion.
Politeness abroad, the Netherlands and knives.
If you are choosing a gift for your friends while in the Netherlands, never look at kitchen knives or scissors. Even if they are very expensive and of high quality.
In this country, the belief prevails that a gift should bring happiness and positive thoughts.
And sharp objects, according to the Dutch, cannot meet this requirement. So choose something else.
Greece, teeth on the roof.
While in Greece, you may accidentally see children throwing something on the roof of a house. Don’t be surprised, they are not little hooligans.
The thing is that the little inhabitants of this country never expect money or a gift from the tooth fairy in exchange for a fallen tooth.
Instead, they throw a “milk” tooth on the roof. The Greeks believe that this action will bring good luck and healthy real teeth.
Therefore, it is not recommended to be surprised by this and ask a Greek in confusion what is happening here.
In Hungary, you do not clink beer glasses.
A familiar sight that can be seen in many pubs around the world – people clink beer glasses and then take a sip. Do not expect to see this in Hungary.
There is an old custom that arose during the war with Austria in 1849.
Having defeated the Hungarian troops and brutally killing 13 military leaders, the Austrian generals celebrated the defeat of the enemy by drinking beer and clinking glasses.
Officially, the use of this drink was never banned, but the Hungarians decided to refrain from such fun for 150 years.
In some areas of the country, this custom still exists, despite the fact that the deadline has already passed.
So drink beer and don’t think about talking to a Hungarian, he might get angry.
Bolivia, business conversation.
In Bolivia, it is considered indecent to discuss business at formal occasions, such as weddings or dinners.
Formal sitting at the table is meant to enrich personal relationships, not to close deals.
If you are attending a business lunch or business dinner, be sure to wait until your colleague tells you about his family, health, and other things.
You should listen carefully, then you can start a business conversation.
Politeness abroad, in Japan.
Japan is a very polite nation, the love of etiquette also extends to chopsticks.
According to the customs of this country, it is considered indecent to play with these cutlery (move, click, knock), point them at something, or stab food with them.
If you want to take a treat from a shared plate, be sure to use the ends of the chopsticks that did not touch your mouth.
Otherwise, the Japanese may be offended. I don’t know why, but that’s just how the Japanese are.
South Korea, red.
Be especially careful about the ink color you choose for your pen if you’re in South Korea.
In this country, writing a person’s name in red traditionally means that they’ve died. This is very important to remember when writing a greeting card or letter.
Politeness abroad, Finnish sauna.
Imagine a situation where you’re in Finland and you’re at a business meeting that’s over.
Suddenly, your Finnish colleague invites you to take a bath in the local sauna.
Don’t be shy!
Say yes right away. In the Nordic country, this type of relaxation is very common and is considered a good family event.
So if you receive such an offer, know that your business meeting went well.
Good day!
