Police Stop

We and the car ahead of us were diverted into a layby where some police were waiting.

We ween't speeding. Hadn't been drinking, so no worries. But just in case I let the map fall open on my lap and put on my best tourist face.

"Snakke Norsk?" he asked as he was unwrapping a breathalyzer kit.

"No" replied hans, eyes wide and questioning. "We're Canadian." Almost true. We are Canadian, but he does "snakke" a little Norsk. However, anything the police had to tell us was better heard in English. I decided I suddenly also didn't speak any other languages.

"Ahh," replied the policeman, "but you rented the car in Germany, yes?"

"Yes, we're on a driving tour of Norway."

"In Norway it is the law to drive with lights on."

"Same in Canada" Hans replied "and our vehicles light up when you turn on the ignition."

"This is also the law in Norway but Germany doesn't have this law" he said, and waved us away. He never brought up the breathalizer.

Ironically, Hans had been turning on the headlights most days. Except today.

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