A vehicle control system and method for operating a host vehicle based on geographic location. The system includes a distance sensor, a location sensor, a user interface, and a controller including an electronic processor and a memory. The controller is communicatively coupled to the distance sensor, the location sensor, the speed control, and the user interface, and is configured to receive a distance signal from the distance sensor indicative of a distance between the host vehicle and another vehicle. The controller receives a location signal from the location sensor indicative of a location of the host vehicle and a control signal from the user interface indicative of a desired mode of operation of the vehicle control system. The controller performs a driver assistance function associated with the desired mode of operation and adjusts a tolerance of the driver assistance function based on the location of the host vehicle.