Strangest Driving Laws from Around the World
From color restrictions to animal encounters, many countries have driving laws that might leave you scratching your head. Imagine cruising down the highway and slamming on the brakes for a squirrel or being pulled over for yelling out your window!
In some places around the world, you’ll find some very strange laws that could get you into some very big trouble if you aren’t aware of them. Remember that ignorance of the law is not an excuse for disobedience.
From the United States to Russia, there are some pretty bizarre driving laws that are almost too crazy to believe. These are the strangest driving laws from around the world!
Mandatory Breathalyzers
In 2021, the French government introduced a law that made it a legal requirement to carry a breathalyzer in your car as a way to prevent drunk driving.
Ultimately, this law was scrapped but for a while was the subject of much controversy. While the law aimed to promote self-regulation, questions remained regarding enforcement and reliance on self-assessment.
You Must Have a Windshield Wiper…Even If You Don’t Have a Windshield
Luxembourg law mandates that every car registered for road use must have windshield wipers. However, Luxembourg doesn’t require all cars to have a windshield, which means that even if their no windshield to wipe, it must still be equipped with wipers.
While most modern cars have windshields, vintage cars may not be equipped with them, so you better have them installed anyway. The law is in place of course to ensure driver visibility.
No Splashing Pedestrians
Imagine cruising down a rainy street in Tokyo, listening to some sweat beats, when – oops! Your car strikes a puddle, and you accidentally soak a pedestrian. In Japan, that’s a big no-no that could land you in trouble with the law!
It’s not just about keeping everyone dry, it’s about being considerate, too! This law reflects the deep respect for courtesy that’s a major part of Japanese culture. Splashing someone with your car would be a major social faux pas, like spraying ketchup all over someone at a fancy restaurant.
No Driving without a Shirt
Cruising along the scenic beaches of Thailand with the wind in your hair sounds pretty liberating, right? Well, if you’re thinking about ditching the tank top or T-shirt while driving, you might want to reconsider. Thailand has a law that prohibits driving shirtless, and it applies to men, too!
While the exact reasons for this are not quite clear, some say it’s a cultural modesty thing, while others suggest that it’s distracting to other drivers. Either way, you’ll want to keep covered while driving.
No Driving on Mondays
Can’t stand Monday morning traffic on your way to work? In Manila, Philippines, you don’t have to worry about it because you aren’t even allowed to drive on Mondays if your car registration ends in a 1 or 2 .
In an effort to combat the city’s notorious congestion, a system called “number coding” has been implemented. This means that depending on the last digit of your license plate, you’re banned from driving on specific days of the week.
No Shooting Animals from Your Car – Except Whales
While whaling is illegal in most parts of the world (and rightfully so), this outdated California law specifies that you can only shoot whales if you’re doing it from a moving vehicle.
Of course, it’s illegal to shoot any other type of animal from the window of your car. Considering the size and power of whales, along with the impracticality of shooting one from a car, it’s safe to say this law is more of a historical quirk than an actual concern.
No Running out of Fuel
Hitting the gas on the Autobahn, Germany’s famous highway system, is a dream for many drivers. But unlike the wide-open freedom it suggests, the Autobahn comes with a surprising set of rules. One regulation focuses on keeping the fast lane, well, fast. Germany enforces minimum efficiency standards for vehicles.
Breakdowns and even running out of gas are illegal on the Autobahn. This might seem extreme, but it prioritizes safety. Imagine a car suddenly stopping on a lane meant for high speeds – a recipe for disaster.
No Dirty Cars Allowed
In Russia, where spotless winter landscapes and pristine palaces are a national source of pride, it might surprise you to learn that your car needs to be presentable, too.
Technically, police can ticket you for a dirty license plate if the grime obscures the registration numbers. However, the real concern goes beyond simple legalities. A messy car can be seen as a sign of disrespect, as public order and cleanliness are highly valued in Russian culture.
Must Watch for Kids
Just like anywhere else in the world, children tend to play hide and seek in Denmark. That leaves the possibility of children hiding in or around your vehicle.
Danish law emphasizes a driver’s duty of care towards the safety of others, including pedestrians and cyclists. This extends to anyone who might be around your vehicle, potentially including children. So, before you drive off, check for kiddos!
No Black Cars on Sundays
In Denver, Colorado, it is said there is a law that prohibits driving a black car on Sundays. However, this clearly old-fashioned restriction is not actually enforced in the state.
Another interesting, law restricts car dealerships from selling, bartering, or exchanging motor vehicles on Sundays.
No Keeping Trash in the Car
Unlike most of South Carolina, Hilton Head has a specific ordinance that prohibits storing trash inside vehicles. This law aims to keep the town clean and prevent littering. So, throw your trash away, people!
Violating this ordinance could result in fines up to $500 and, in extreme cases, even jail time if the amount of trash is deemed a nuisance.
No Cursing at Other Drivers
Maryland has a law against disorderly conduct, which can include using obscene or profane language in public places. This could potentially apply to yelling profanities at other drivers, especially if it creates a disturbance or disrupts the peace.
You may not curse, even to yourself, if someone is within earshot of you. If you need to blow off some steam, take a deep breath! It’s not worth the risk.
You Can’t Park in Front of a Dunkin Donuts
There is a local ordinance in the town of South Berwick, Maine, that prohibits parking directly in front of a specific Dunkin’ Donuts location. This law likely arose from concerns about traffic congestion or pedestrian safety on that particular stretch of road.
However, it should be noted that this law is specific to South Berwick, and not a statewide law in Maine. In other parts of Maine, you can park in front of Dunkin’ Donuts as long as there are no posted parking restrictions.
Must Brake for Animals
In the United States, people generally brake for animals. For one, hitting an animal on purpose is cruelty, and for another, it’s going to mess up your car.
In South Africa, it’s illegal not to brake for an animal, even if you don’t catch it in time. In South Africa, animals have the right of way, so hitting one would be the equivalent of hitting any other kind of pedestrian.
Keep Your Headlights On
Ever forget to turn your headlights on at dusk and get a friendly flash from an oncoming driver? In Sweden, that won’t happen. In fact, forgetting your headlights altogether is a no-go because the law there requires them to be on at all times – even in daylight.
Sweden experiences some of the longest periods of twilight, especially in the winter months, and even a slight decrease in visibility can be dangerous. By mandating headlights on all day, every day, Swedish lawmakers aim to eliminate any confusion as to when your headlights should be on.
No Eating and Driving
Ever find yourself pressed for time, eating a breakfast burrito, or chugging your coffee on your way to work? Don’t try it in Cyprus! There, it’s illegal to eat or drink anything while you drive.
Cyprus has these laws in place to limit any multitasking while you are driving. So, it’s not just limited to eating and drinking. They just want you to focus on driving, and driving alone. Nothing else.
