Craziest Traffic Laws Around The World

January 30, 2023

If you're going abroad and are planning to spend some time behind the wheel, you may want to brush up on traffic laws that could cost you some coin or even time behind bars. Some laws are more apparent than others but don't be fooled, some you have never heard of and are most definitely bizarre. Apart from driving on the opposite side of the road, confusing street signs and bumpy paths, obeying traffic laws while on an international road trip can get tricky. This list of unexpected traffic laws around the world should help you out.

No Eating Or Drinking Behind The Wheel In Cyprus

Spending your holidays on the beaches of Cyprus? The Mediterranean island isn't just for sunbathing. There's plenty of activities, scenery, and culture to check out and you may need to make use of a vehicle during your trip. If you're getting behind the wheel, don't even think about eating or drinking. That's right, not even water. You don't want to get caught taking a sip of anything or digging into some Mediterranean delights, or you could be getting hit with a fine of $130. In fact, you might not even want to take your hands off the wheel. Drivers can also face penalties for unnecessarily raising their hands off the wheel, so save the road rage for back home.

This next law is a safe bet.

Breathalyzer Kits In Every Car In France

Losing track of drinks while touring France? Fret not; drivers are required to carry their breathalyzer kits in vehicles at all times in the country. The law is a part of government efforts to eradicate drunk driving and keep their costs to a minimum. So if the last couple of drinks will be putting you over the limit, don't forget to carry an unused breathalyzer kit in your car. In the past, drivers who did not bring one were fined $17, but now there is no fine for compliance. What you can get fined for not having in the vehicle are headlamp converters, Hi-Viz vest, GB (or another applicable foreign car) sticker, warning triangle, and spare bulbs.

The next one is for people who are in need of corrective lenses.

Always Have A Spare Pair Of Glasses In Spain

Finding your perfect adventure or looking for the best tapas and authentic paella in Spain will be much more comfortable by car. If you're opting to drive around and need glasses, you may want to carry a second pair with you. The government and police officers in Spain require people to keep the spare set in case one goes missing, or the lens falls out. If you get caught without the second pair, it's generally up to the police officer whether you get fined or not. Like France, you can most definitely get fined for not having reflective jackets, warning triangles and a set of spare lamp bulbs for your car along with tools to change them.

You don't want to run out of gas in the next country...

Load Up On Gas In Germany

Whether you're going to be checking out the cool sights, unusual things and hidden attractions Germany has to offer; you're going to be needing the aid of a vehicle. One thing you're going to make sure to have is an adequate amount of fuel for your journey. If you end up running out of gas and have to pull over, you're breaking German law. Running out of fuel in the country is considered unnecessary and inappropriate as it's common sense always to stay fueled up. The fine is a considerable amount due to the fact you could be endangering yourself and others by pulling over on high-speed freeways.

Coming up is a traffic law fit for Mr. Clean.

No Dirty Cars In Russia

With Russia being the largest country in the world, you'll have your hands full with things to do, whether it's getting to the mountains or heading to the ancient lakes and historical sites. One thing you're going to want to do is to keep the car you're driving around in spic and span condition. Drivers can get fined about $62 for having a filthy car, whether on the inside or outside. The law was put in place initially to keep license plates visible condition. The cleanliness law has received some backlash in the past as its also illegal to wash vehicles anywhere besides a car wash or home.

The next couple of laws are pretty ridiculous...

Strange Laws In The United States

To my surprise, the US has its fair share of weird driving laws too. So, if you're road tripping through these areas, take heed. It's illegal in Montana to be hauling sheep in the cab of a truck unless there's a chaperone, so make sure your sheep has one. In Alabama, it's illegal to drive blindfolded, which is self-explanatory, leave your blindfold in the bedroom. The cherry on top if New Jersey has a law where drivers have to honk before they pass, which could make for a confusing trek through the city. At least you don't have to worry about driving on the wrong side of the road.

You don't want to be in the wrong area in the country up next.

Mind The Time In The Philippines

If you're thinking of heading to the Philippines, they've got their fair share of weird laws too. You'll be sure to need a car to check out the scenery of the many islands that make up the country. What you don't want to do is drive in the wrong area at the wrong time. In Manila, you can't drive in specific areas depending on the day of the week and what the last digit of your license plate would be. If the plate happens to end in one of the numbers in question, you could be fined if you're caught driving during peak hours. The country is pretty strict with safety laws, so it's better to be safe than sorry. The next country has a law that might make you take a cab over getting in a car with your drunk buddy.

No Splashing In Japan

Japan also has its fair share of beauty and sights to see, not to mention traffic laws you need to be aware of. It's illegal to splash passersby with water while driving, and it's more enforced during typhoon season in June. So if you're going to be driving during the wet season, don't take pleasure in splashing some poor pedestrian because you could very well be subject to a fine. Other traffic laws in Japan include getting fined for getting into the car with a drunk driver, which would never make sense in the first place. Not only is it life-threatening but it wouldn't be worth the legal trouble. However, if you're of legal drinking age, you're allowed to drink as much alcohol you want, provided your driver is a hundred percent sober.

The next country is known as the adventure capital of the world.

Mind The Livestock In South Africa

South Africa is full of adventure and has quickly become a popular destination for globetrotters. You can drive from the entire East Coast from St.Lucia to the Cape of Good Hope, and see many things along the way. What you'll want to steer clear of is livestock. The law states that “the driver of a vehicle on a public road shall stop such vehicle at the request or on the signal of a person leading or driving any bovine animal, horse, ass, mule, sheep, goat, pig, or ostrich on such road.” If you end up hitting one of these innocent 'bystanders' you could be fined up to $500. That's quite a strict law for a country who only has one vehicle for every five citizens. The final country is recognized as the number one tourist location in South East Asia.

Shirts On In Thailand

Those who have driven through parts of Thailand have described the journey as an adventurous experience. But it can also be dangerous, as traffic doesn't always move quickly and like other countries, the congestion can be a pain. Drivers must use the left-hand side, similar to the UK. Despite the scorching heat and humidity, you can't get too comfortable. The popular destination has a traffic law that could disappoint avid tanning fans. Both men and women are required to keep shirts on while operating a vehicle. That goes for visitors, locals, tuk-tuk drivers and even if you're on a bike. You might want to skip stripping down in Thailand unless you're on the beach of course.

MORE FROM AutoInfo