Driving rules in Europe.

GSDog · 29 Aug 2010 at 20:33

Hi all.

I'm on a roadtrip in Europe at the moment. We travelled from France to Switzerland where I am right now and we'll be going to Italy in a couple of days.
I did do a bit of research before leaving and made sure that I knew all the legal requirements, etc. However, when you're driving in different countries with different rules, signs and crossing it can get confusing.

It's been ok so far but I have a question about pedestrian crossings.

Am I meant to stop and give way at pedestrian crossings in Switzerland which have striped yellow markings on the road?
They look similar to our zebra crossings except they're yellow.
I have been stopping at these crossings and giving way to pedestrians. However, I've seen many drivers completely ignore them and the pedestrians always seem very surprised and reluctant to cross when I stop to give way. :confused:

Stupot_ · 29 Aug 2010 at 20:40

Just do what everyone else does. My mum stopped at a crossing in france on a dual carriageway. Person was surprised, and crossed. Nearly got hit by a car in the next lane. We don't stop anymore..!

GSDog · 29 Aug 2010 at 20:48

Stupot_ said:
Just do what everyone else does. My mum stopped at a crossing in france on a dual carriageway. Person was surprised, and crossed. Nearly got hit by a car in the next lane. We don't stop anymore..!

We haven't come across any crossings on dual carriageways yet, just miles and miles of perfect smooth roads which put ours in the UK to shame.

They have these yellow crossings all over the place and it feels natural to give way to the pedestrians waiting to cross. I'd rather stop and give way than knock someone over.

scorza · 29 Aug 2010 at 21:05

As far as I can make out, the rules for zebra crossings in France are just indicated safe places to cross the road. Cars don't have to stop for pedestrians but generally do if it's an elderly person, pregnant lady, kids etc. Not sure if that's actually the law, but that's what happens lol.

whitecrook · 29 Aug 2010 at 21:08

In my experience the cars will stop if a pedestrian walks out. If they don't walk out they won't stop. It's like the reverse of the UK.

if you can be bothered, this may hold the answers.http://www.fiafoundation.org/Documents/Road Safety/eurotest_final_report_p_crossings_290108_v3.pdf

CaptainRAVE · 29 Aug 2010 at 21:31

whitecrook said:
In my experience the cars will stop if a pedestrian walks out. If they don't walk out they won't stop. It's like the reverse of the UK.

if you can be bothered, this may hold the answers.http://www.fiafoundation.org/Documents/Road Safety/eurotest_final_report_p_crossings_290108_v3.pdf

On my road trips in the US many pedestrians often seem surprised when I stop for them at crossings!

End Creditz · 30 Aug 2010 at 00:07

Aren't old people worth more points in mainland europe? Obviously the bonus points for leaving their walking stick standing would increase accordingly if I'm right.

JayMax · 30 Aug 2010 at 02:34

whitecrook said:
In my experience the cars will stop if a pedestrian walks out. If they don't walk out they won't stop. It's like the reverse of the UK.

Yep I agree, this is how I've found it in most European countries I've driven through. Exceptions in my experience are Holland where bicycles take precedent, and Rome where it's basically a complete free-for-all.

mjt · 30 Aug 2010 at 19:32

scorza said:
As far as I can make out, the rules for zebra crossings in France are just indicated safe places to cross the road. Cars don't have to stop for pedestrians but generally do if it's an elderly person, pregnant lady, kids etc. Not sure if that's actually the law, but that's what happens lol.

You should stop for pedestrians, but nobody does.
Sometimes I do, depends if I'm in a hurry or not