When you’re in an unfamiliar area, it can be tricky enough to drive on the opposite side of the street and convert kilometres to MPH. Factor in odd laws and it’s enough to make any person want to stay home. Here are a few strange driving rules to follow when you’re in brand new territory.
A good rule of thumb is to always look up the laws before embarking on your trip, from crossing international borders, etc. For example, if you are intending to rent a car, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) – valid in 150+ countries – is recommended, as it can help to expedite encounters with authorities in the event of an accident or traffic infraction.
In Singapore, you can obtained you IDP from the Automobile Association of Singapore(AAS) for around SGD$20.00.
In the U.S., IDP’s may be obtained from the American Automobile Association (AAA) for around $15.00.
In the U.K., they can be obtained from the Automobile Association (AA) for a fee of £14.00 plus £3 for processing by mail.
In Ireland, a £15.00 fee includes postage & handling by the Automobile Association (AA).
Australian drivers may consult the Australian Automobile Association (AAA).
New Zealanders may consult the NZ Automobile Association (AA).
Here below we have compiled together all the strange driving laws from around the world. There are many more strange driving laws from around the world, however, we have taken care to ensure that these claims are from a credible source, before adding them in the list below.
———————————————————-
EUROPE
United Kingdom
Not for driving a vehicle per se. But it is illegal to be drunk while in charge or riding a horse. Under The Licensing Act 1872, it is illegal to be drunk while in charge of a horse, carriage, cow or steam engine.
As part of The Metropolitan Streets Act 1867, it is illegal to drive cows down the roadway without the permission of the Commissioner of Police.
Cyprus
Raising your fists in a bout of road rage can get you fined for 25 euros. The law states a driver can be fined if the person “is in an irregular position inside the vehicle or raises his hand from the steering wheel unnecessarily.”
(Image: The Telegraph)
Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, it is compulsory to fit all cars driven in Luxembourg with winter tyres when driving in snow or icy conditions, whatever the date or season.
Russia
In Russia, you will be fined if you’re driving a dirty car. The charge isn’t high, but to a traveller, even a measly $60 is a lot to unexpectedly pay.
(Image: The Car Expert)
Germany
According to Telegraph, in Germany, it is illegal to drive without winter tyres at certain times of the year.
Spain
In Spain, according to the Dirección General de Tráfico via Expatica,
- Driving with one hand or arm outside of the vehicle can lead to a fine of EUR 100. Article 18 of the General Traffic Law states that the driver and passengers should always maintain a sensible position inside the vehicle.
- Driving without wearing a shirt, being barefoot or wearing flip-flops comes with a fine of EUR 200. According to the law, driving without ‘proper’ clothing or footwear could diminish the driver’s capacity to control the vehicle.
- Making the most of being stationary at a red light by touching up your make-up or eating food could cost you EUR 200 euro and two points off your licence.
- Driving while blasting music in a quiet area like a hospital or during the early hours of the morning can lead to a fine of EUR 80–100. In one case, a fine of EUR 2,400 was imposed because the noise prevented homeowners from sleeping.
- You should only use the car horn in cases of emergencies such as avoiding an accident and alerting another motorist that you plan on overtaking their vehicle. Any other use could lead to a fine of EUR 80.
- Driving in the left-hand lane or in the middle lane if the right-hand lane is free could result in a fine of EUR 200, according to Articles 28 and 31.
- Be careful if you’re having an argument while driving. If you are caught taking your eyes off the road on several occasions, you could end up with a fine of EUR 80. The same amount will be applied if the driver is caught biting his nails, kissing a passenger or insulting other drivers through hand gestures.
- Filling up the car with petrol with the radio on could lead to a fine of up to EUR 91.
Scandinavia
According to Telegraph, it is illegal to drive without headlights, even in daylight, in Scandinavia.
Estonia
In Estonia, like Scandinavia, cars must keep headlights lit throughout the day. This is applicable all year round.
Belarus
According to Telegraph, in Belarus, it is illegal to drive a dirty car.
Turkey
In Turkey, it’s all about safety. Drivers must carry a fire extinguisher, reflective triangle and first-aid kit. Failure to do so may result in a police fine.
France
Drivers of all motor vehicles must carry a breath analyser. If you don’t show the gendarme your kit when asked, you will get an €11 fine.
Serbia
According to Telegraph, all cars in Serbia must have a tow bar and a three-metre tow rope.
Switzerland
According to Newly Swissed, local Swiss laws prohibit the use of a car high pressure cleaner, also, there is the concern that the grease, oil and detergent would pollute the ground water and in turn the environment as well.
Sweden
When in Sweden, it’s a legal requirement to keep your headlights blaring around-the-clock. This is especially weird during June, when the sun doesn’t even set in certain parts of the country!
Russia
According to Telegraph, it is forbidden to pick up hitchhikers in Russia.
(Featured Image: Max Effort, Youtube)
———————————————————-
ASIA
Philippines
The travel section of AOL says that in Manila, people can’t drive in certain areas based upon what day of the week it is and the last digit on their license plate. If a car’s plate ends with a 1 or a 2, the driver can be fined if caught driving in congested areas during certain times.
Japan
Splash a pedestrian with rainwater puddle while passing by and you can expect a fine of about $60. Apparently, enforcement of this law goes up during the month of June, when typhoons tend to leave a lot of standing water on roadways.
(Image: Confused.com)
Thailand
According to Yahoo, this popular Asian destination requires male and female drivers to keep their shirts on, regardless of how hot it is may be. This goes for operators of cars, buses, or “tuk-tuk cabs” as well.
Singapore
In Singapore, jaywalking is defined as crossing the road within 50-meters (164-feet) of a crossing zone. Jaywalkers can receive a $20 fine on the spot, a fine of up to $1,000, or three months of jail time. The punishment for Jaywalking in Singapore doubles to a fine of up to $2,000 and six months in jail if you’re caught jaywalking twice.
(Image: NewNation)
China
In Beijing, pedestrian crossings are not observed by vehicles usually, with pedestrians often left standing on a crossing with vehicles weaving around them.
In recent developments, China is cracking down on jaywalkers, issuing 10-yuan fines to those who ignore red lights or traffic co-ordinators, and 20-yuan fines to cyclists for similar violations.
———————————————————-
AFRICA
South Africa
In South Africa animals have the same right to the roads as motorists do. Drivers face heavy fines of up to $500 if they do not slow or stop for passing livestock.
(Image: CyberCapeTown)
———————————————————-
AMERICA
Alabama
According to Fox News, it is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle.
(Image: Diagonal View, Youtube)
California
In California, it is illegal to jump from a car at 65mph.
Also, no matter how luxurious comfortable that divide highway may look, it is illegal to use a road as a bed. The offense, should you live to be penalized for it, is classified as a misdemeanour and punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail.
No person shall sound the horn on a vehicle at any place where cold drinks or sandwiches are served after 9:00 p.m. (Source: Code 1961, 25-74)
Connecticut
In Connecticut, it’s illegal to hunt from a car or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Another act that seems extremely dangerous is hunting from a moving vehicle (not to mention unsportsmanlike). To prevent this from happening, Connecticut passed a law prohibiting hunting or shooting from a vehicle. This law extends to ATVs as well, even if the vehicle is painted bright orange. So if you plan on hunting, expect to travel on foot the old fashioned way.
Kansas
According to CNBC, in Kansas, it is illegal to screech your tires. That’s a state law, but there are also local ordinances to back it up. The penalty is a fine up to $500 and/or imprisonment up to 30 days.
Kentucky
Make sure your canine does not harbour a weird fetish for tailgating lights. You will be fined if your pet molests a vehicle. The penalty is a fine of up to $500.
Maine
Don’t park in front of Dunkin’ Doughnuts while in Maine! The penalty is a fine of up to $175 and/or jail time of up to 30 days.
(Image: AwesomeJelly)
Maryland
In Rockville, Maryland, it is illegal to swear within earshot of other people, whether you’re on a street, sidewalk or highway. The penalty is a fine up to $100 and/or jail time up to 90 days.
Montana
In Montana it is not permitted to leave a sheep unescorted in a truck.
Minnesota
In Minnetonka, Minnesota, you have to keep your car clean! It is considered a public nuisance, and therefore “illegal for a truck or other vehicle whose wheels or tires deposit mud, dirt, sticky substances, litter or other material on any street or highway.”
All violations of the Minnetonka code are subject to fines up to $2,000.
New Jersey
Hanging something from the rear-view mirror can be against the law, and a jury ruled it caused a driver to be negligent.
New York
In Sag Harbor, New York, it is illegal to take your clothes off in your car. The penalty is a fine of up to $100 and/or jail time up to three months.
Ohio
It is illegal to roller skate on the streets of Canton, Ohio. That section of the Canton code also applies to “any coaster, toy vehicle, skateboard or similar device.” The penalty is a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.
Oregon
In Oregon, it is illegal to leave a vehicle door open on the side of traffic, pedestrians or bicycles “for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.” The penalty is a fine of $90 and possible jail time.
South Carolina
In Hilton Head, South Carolina, it is illegal to store trash in your car.
Specifically, that section of the code states that it it’s unlawful “to place, leave, dump or permit to accumulate any garbage, rubbish or trash in any building, vehicle and their surrounding areas in the town so that the same shall or may afford food or harborage for rats.”
A violation is consider a public nuisance and is subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or jail time of up to 30 days.
———————————————————-
SOUTH AMERICA
Costa Rica
Drinking and driving is okay in Costa Rica! Sipping a beer – without getting drunk – is fine even while you’re behind the wheel. Your blood-alcohol level can’t be more than .05, though, or else you’re in big trouble.
———————————————————-
Do you happen to know any other strange driving laws from around the world? Let us know in the comment box below.
*The above compilation of driving laws has been carefully compiled with references to accredited sources. There are more strange driving laws, however, we have not added to the list as we are unable to find accreditation by the country’s traffic authorities.
———————————————————-
