• Hi,
  • MessageInbox ()
  • Account
  • Logout
  • Login
  • Sign up
Spongefish

Dating Tech Food Home Humor Travel Style

How to Avoid Paying Bribes to Traffic Cops in Eastern Europe

120 views  views

Vote_up(1)
Vote_up(1)
Vote_down(0)
Vote_down(0)
StumbleUpon digg Reddit del.icio.us

I've been pulled over five times in Bulgaria and am yet to either be issued a ticket or pay a fine.  Here are my tricks, and please add your own in the comments section.  I am sure this is not an exhaustive list.

1.  For starters, if you can speak the local language or they speak English, introduce yourself with your name and your occupation - an EU, USAID or UN development worker focused on anti-corruption projects in a nearby city.  You'll be on your way in no time.

2.  "What?  This isn't a highway?"  Many roads aren't signed with the speed limit - you're expected to know what it is for that type of road.  Pleading the one-two punch of ignorance - telling them you thought you were on a 130km/hour road instead of a 70km/hour - and mercy can actually go a surprisingly long way.  

3. Bring an international drivers license with you.  You can pick one up at AAA in the states.  They're relatively easy, cheap and quick to get.  And they come in real handy when a cop begins to play the "How do I know what a 'Class B' license in California license is?  How do I know this isn't for tractors?" game.

 

4. Decline the opportunity to pay the "ticket" on the spot.  Sometimes, police will warn you that a ticket will need to paid before crossing the border and that it will be easier and faster to do it on the spot.  Graciously thank them but let them know you'd rather pay it at the border.  They'll be more focused on trying to find someone else to shake down than spending the time to actually write you out a ticket.  

5.  Try not to be the most outrageous driver on the road... it's not that hard to do in most of the former Eastern Block.  

Did you like this?

Vote_up(1)
Vote_up(1)
Vote_down(0)
Vote_down(0)
StumbleUpon digg Reddit del.icio.us

Tags: None, yet. Be the first to add one!

Spinner
  • Published Nov. 2, 2007
  • EditEdit
  • MessageEmail This
  • Favorite_removeStop Following This
    Favorite_addFollow This
  • Flag_removeRemove Flag
    Flag_addFlag as Inappropriate

Leave a Comment

Let me know when anyone comments
Please Wait Spinner
  1. icon2

    RazorG606 at 2:24pm on Nov. 2, 2007

    over 2 years ago

    Delete

    Heh, very good to know. Great article man. Reply...

    Let me know when anyone comments
    Please Wait Spinner

About the Author

Greg Kelly

gregkelly (Level 2)

336 coins

MessageMessage Me

Favorite_removeStop Following Me

Favorite_addFollow Me

Create_now
Join_free

Want Something Different?

Edit
Remove
Sq

Most Common Passwords

7,235 views

Jimmy Ruska (Level 6)

Edit
Remove
Xbox360_ringofdeath

Xbox360: Curing the Red Ring of Death! Towel Trick!

25,283 views

Chronotrigga (Level 4)

Edit
Remove
33941sebg_w

Photoshopped Images

3,537 views

Beaverfish89 (Level 8)

See More »
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Feedback

Copyright 2008 SpongeFish, Inc.