Driving and Hitching
Driving in Lithuania throws up a number of hazards. Along with people showing off in high-powered Western cars and four-wheel drives there are also some spectacularly decrepit cars on the roads, and in country areas you may have to contend with slow-moving tractors, horses and carts, stray farm animals and the odd drunk wandering onto the road. The road from Vilnius to Klaipeda via Kaunas is a fairly respectable two-lane highway for much of its length. Most other main roads are in reasonable repair, but many minor roads are little more than dirt tracks. Though most towns are well provided with petrol stations, there are few in rural areas - carry a spare can. Speed limits are 60kph in built-up areas and 90kph on the open road. The limit on highways is 100kph and the police are extremely vigilant. In towns it's forbidden to overtake stationary trams, allowing passengers to alight in safety, and it's against the law to drive after drinking any alcohol. Car rental will be around $79 per day from one of the big companies, half that from some local firms - bear in mind though that with the latter contracts can be dubious, insurance coverage sketchy and the cars may not be well maintained. The car's registration papers and, if you don't own the car, a note of authorization should be carried at all times. Hitching is fairly common between major centres and it isn't necessary to make a contribution towards petrol. As in any country, women are advised not to hitch alone.
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