Unusual Question

Hi,

I was watching Globe Trekker the other day, and the host was in Russia --- He accidently crossed the street in a wrong place and got into HUGE trouble with a Russian officer ---- what if that happens to me?

Does Paris have any quirky laws that a first-timer should be aware of.

Sorry for the silly question, and thanks for any advice. :)

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Most of the perhaps %26quot;quirky%26quot; laws have to do with automobiles and driving:

1. Priorité a droite - giving way to cars entering (from seeminly no where) onto the highway from the right.

The next three are not really unusual laws per se but enforcement is sometimes overzealous particularly considering the %26quot;wink and nod%26quot; given to motorcycle riders on the road.

2. Immediate fines for not wearing seat belts, even on a bus (motorcycle riders are exempt of course).

3. Very low tolerance for drinking and driving (0.5g/l) with control points at unlikely locations and times. I do applaud the effort in a general sense as alcohol contributes heavily to accidents but road blocks can appear in the strangest locations. Many people can be at the limit with one glass of wine at dinner.

4. Speeding - both marked and unmarked radar cameras dot highways everywhere. The mail can bring rather nasty and expensive surprises.

Admittedly, France has one of the worst road safety records in Europe and these are all efforts to improve that record. However, I attribute many accidents to motorcycles recklessly weaving about in between automobiles on highways, a practice that is unfortunately tolerated though doubtfully legal.

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No...not really....though it is widely reported that it is illegal to kiss on a railways in France...or to address a pig as Napoleon.

One thing that you DO need to be aware of in Paris is that there are RATP (RER, Metro, Buses) inspectors who patrol the system and may approach you while you are within or aboard the system and demand to see your Ticket or transportation pass.

If you can%26#39;t present them with a properly validated ticket (the one you inserted into the turnstile when you entered the system or boarded the bus or tram), the immediate (on-the-spot) fine is 40€ in CASH.

If your ticket is not valid for the number of Transportation Zones you%26#39;ve traveled, the immediate fine is 25€. ALL rides, on ALL regular METRO lignes (numbered 1-14) will technically be within Zones 1-2---a one(1) regular Ticket ride. ***NOT*** all RER (lettered A-E) or public bus rides will be the same. Use the Périphérique (ring road) around Paris as your %26#39;rough guide%26#39; and check the Zone of your destination.

If you try to pass through a turnstile or gate without validating a ticket, the immediate fine is 40€ even if you have a Ticket in your hand.

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You have to validate your train ticket as well, before getting on to the train; you will be fined if you don%26#39;t.

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What, no %26#39;jay-walking%26#39; laws in Colorado? The US does have such laws but they are rarely enforced. I have read that one can be reproached in Europe for crossing streets illegally. It%26#39;s a safety law, just like stop signs are.

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Hi Travelnutty ----

Like you said, Jay-Walking laws here are not enforced.

Thanks everyone. I%26#39;ll be mindful of the train validation thing......

9 Days and Counting!!!!! :)

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