Rules of the Road in Tibet

An Intersection in Lhasa

I use this phrase very, very loosely.

Cars drive on the right, generally, except as described below.

Rule # 1 - Cars rule.

Rule # 2. - Pedestrians NEVER have the right of way, no matter where you are.

Rule # 3 - Pedestrian safety is the job of pedestrians.  When you cross the street, which you can do anywhere, it is up to you to decide when it's safe, watching for cars, pausing in the middle of the road, if necessary, to allow cars and scooters and motorcycles to pass.

General Principles For Drivers:

Getting ahead of the next vehicle is paramount.  If liberal use of the horn doesn't encourage them to give way, then passing is the only option.

Passing can be considered anywhere.  Neither oncoming vehicles, blind curves or double lines should deter if you feel you can make it past.

Passing can be either to the right or the left, as the situation requires.

If you're a taxi driver, your sense of entitlement is magnified many times.  More speed, greater use of the horn...they only serve to enhance your superior image.

Those white lines setting out lanes and even those yellow lines separating you from oncoming traffic?  Consider them merely as vague guidelines.  In fact, positioning yourself straddling the lane markers only enhances your chances of getting ahead to the right or left and makes it more difficult  for those behind to pass you.

When pulling out, don't be too concerned unless anything approaching is much larger than you.

General Principles for Pedestrians:

Your safety is your job and yours alone.

When crossing the street, especially at uncontrolled intersections, there is safety in numbers. If a crowd of people decide to make a move for it, go with them.

There might be some safety in crossing the street with old ladies, on the assumption that nobody wants to hit a grandma.  Crossing with a monk might convey similar protection, for obvious reasons.

When crossing, keep your eyes on the traffic.  Adjust your pace as necessary.  Stopping in the middle of lanes of traffic is OK.   It will flow around you.

Realize that traffic comes as cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, rickshaws, electric scooters and carts.  The last three are stealthy.  Keep your eyes open.