Driving laws exist to keep us safe, but some countries have rules that are downright quirky, bizarre, or just plain hilarious. From banning dirty cars to requiring breathalyzers in your vehicle, these unusual road rules will make you double-check the local driving laws before your next road trip. Here are some of the strangest driving laws from around the globe!
1. Russia: No Dirty Cars Allowed
- The Rule: In Russia, it’s illegal to drive a dirty car. If your vehicle is covered in mud or grime, you could be fined.
- Why It’s Quirky: Sure, a clean car looks nice, but is it really a safety hazard? Apparently, Russian authorities think so—they claim dirt can obscure license plates and make it harder to identify vehicles.
2. Japan: No Splashing Pedestrians
- The Rule: In Japan, it’s illegal to splash pedestrians with puddle water while driving. If you do, you could face a fine.
- Why It’s Quirky: This law is all about courtesy. Japanese culture places a high value on respect and consideration for others, and soaking someone with muddy water is a big no-no.
3. France: Carry a Breathalyzer
- The Rule: In France, drivers are required to carry a breathalyzer in their car at all times.
- Why It’s Quirky: While the intention is to discourage drunk driving, the law has been criticized for being impractical. Plus, there’s no penalty for not having one, so it’s more of a suggestion than a rule.
4. Cyprus: No Eating or Drinking While Driving
- The Rule: In Cyprus, eating or drinking (even water) while driving is strictly prohibited.
- Why It’s Quirky: While distracted driving is a legitimate concern, this law takes it to the extreme. Better finish your snack before hitting the road!
5. Thailand: No Driving Without a Shirt
- The Rule: In Thailand, it’s illegal to drive without a shirt, whether you’re a man or a woman.
- Why It’s Quirky: This law is all about maintaining public decency. But in a hot, humid country like Thailand, it might be a tough rule to follow.
6. Spain: Mandatory Spare Glasses
- The Rule: In Spain, if you wear glasses or contact lenses while driving, you’re required to carry a spare pair in your car.
- Why It’s Quirky: While it makes sense to have a backup, it’s not a law you’d expect. Forgetting your spare glasses could land you a fine!
7. Germany: No Running Out of Fuel on the Autobahn
- The Rule: On Germany’s famous Autobahn, running out of fuel is considered a preventable offense, and you can be fined for it.
- Why It’s Quirky: The Autobahn is known for its high speeds and lack of speed limits in some areas, so stopping due to an empty tank can be dangerous. Still, it’s a harsh rule for forgetful drivers.
8. Australia: No Driving with Mudflaps in Tasmania
- The Rule: In Tasmania, Australia, it’s illegal to drive without mudflaps on your vehicle.
- Why It’s Quirky: Mudflaps are designed to prevent mud and debris from flying up, but making them mandatory is a unique take on road safety.
9. Canada: No Snow-Covered Cars in Saskatchewan
- The Rule: In Saskatchewan, Canada, it’s illegal to drive with snow or ice on your car.
- Why It’s Quirky: While it’s important to clear snow for visibility, this law takes it a step further by requiring your entire car to be snow-free. Better grab that snow brush!
10. Italy: No High Heels While Driving
- The Rule: In Italy, wearing high heels while driving is against the law.
- Why It’s Quirky: High heels can make it difficult to operate pedals safely, but this law specifically targets fashion-conscious drivers.
11. South Africa: No Driving with Livestock in Your Car
- The Rule: In South Africa, it’s illegal to have a farm animal in your car unless you have a special permit.
- Why It’s Quirky: While it’s not common to transport livestock in a sedan, this law ensures that animals are transported safely and humanely.
12. Saudi Arabia: Women Driving (Until Recently)
- The Rule: Until 2018, women were banned from driving in Saudi Arabia.
- Why It’s Quirky: While the ban has been lifted, it was one of the most controversial driving laws in the world. Today, women in Saudi Arabia are hitting the road in record numbers.
13. United States: Alabama’s No Blindfolds While Driving Law
- The Rule: In Alabama, it’s illegal to drive while wearing a blindfold.
- Why It’s Quirky: This law seems like common sense, but the fact that it had to be written down is both funny and concerning.
14. Denmark: Check Under Your Car for Children
- The Rule: In Denmark, drivers are required to check under their car for children before driving.
- Why It’s Quirky: While it’s a thoughtful rule, it’s not something you’d expect to be legally mandated.
15. Switzerland: No Car Washing on Sundays
- The Rule: In Switzerland, washing your car on a Sunday is prohibited.
- Why It’s Quirky: Sundays are considered a day of rest in Switzerland, and noisy or disruptive activities (like car washing) are frowned upon.
Why These Laws Exist
Many of these quirky laws were created to address specific local issues, from cultural norms to environmental concerns. While some may seem silly, they often have a logical (if not obvious) reason behind them.
The Bottom Line
Before you hit the road in a foreign country, it’s always a good idea to brush up on local driving laws. You never know—you might be fined for wearing high heels, running out of gas, or even driving a dirty car. Safe travels, and remember: when in doubt, keep it weird!
