AntarcticaWorldwide

1. Antarctica

Antarctica is unlike every other continent in this guide. It has no normal public road network and no continent-wide traffic code; surface transport exists mainly to support scientific stations, logistics, field expeditions and a small amount of specialist tourism. Vehicles range from snowmobiles and quad bikes to tracked all-terrain vehicles, snow groomers and heavy tractors pulling sleds across the ice. There is therefore no meaningful continent-wide rule about driving on the left or right, no general motorway speed limit and no public road-toll system.

Vehicle operations take place within the framework of the Antarctic Treaty System and its Environmental Protocol, together with the laws, permits and operating procedures of the countries and organisations responsible for each activity. Conditions can be exceptionally hazardous: whiteouts, extreme cold, crevasses, moving sea ice and rapidly changing weather make specialised training, navigation and route planning essential. Environmental protection is equally important; established or approved routes should be used where possible, and vehicle access can be restricted or completely prohibited in protected areas.