when in rome, do not do as the romans do

So, apparently there are traffic laws in this town. Returning from lunch today, I was attempting to make a u-turn on red via the pedestrian crossing at an intersection near Thalat Sao, when I heard the piercing whistle of a Lao traffic cop. I have seen this maneuver successfully completed numerous times by the locals. Apparently you cannot do this. What "this" is I am still trying to figure out. I'm not sure if making a u-turn there is illegal or if making a u-turn on red is illegal.

Regardless though, I did learn that you can negotiate a price with the nice traffic police. While informing me that I needed to go down to the police office to get my license, which the officer had in his hand, and pay the 50,000k fine, his cohort was offering me chicken wings. After declining, both the chicken and the trip to the police office, I attempted to settle on a warning from the officer in return for a promise that I would reform my villainous ways. Being unable to properly explain the concept of a warning, I told the officer that the price was too high. These two magic words knocked off 30,000k immediately. So, facing a 20,000k fine, Sarah suggested I accept their generosity and pay. I handed over a 20,000k bill to the man and in return received my license and a wry smile from the cops, which I think was their way of thanking me for purchasing them some water with my "donation."

As I walked away, I was again offered some chicken. Next time, I'm pretending not to speak Lao or English.