Just like driving conditions, driving laws around the world can vary wildly from one place to the next. What’s completely fine in one country could land you a fine (or worse!) in another.
Remember these unusual road rules next time you set off on a trip, and avoid any surprise traffic offences.
Don’t splash pedestrians in the UK
The UK is known for its plentiful rain – but if you’re the kind of monster who doesn’t slow down to avoid splashing a pedestrian, you could find yourself in strife!
Section three of the UK’s Road Traffic Act 1988 states that someone is guilty of an offence if they drive a car without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or place. So if you make a splash that ruins someone’s day, you could face a fine or penalty points. You could also be up for a fine for the same behaviour in Japan.
Keep your car clean in Dubai
We’ve probably all left our cars a little long between washes, but in Dubai that could land you with a 500 AED (roughly $200 AUD) fine. Dubai Municipality has issued a rule against leaving a car unwashed for too long, saying it could “tarnish the aesthetic appearance of the city.” If you do get a notice on the windshield, you have 15 days to get your car looking spiffy again or you risk it being impounded or even auctioned off. Good motivation for a wash and polish this weekend!
Keep your lights on in Sweden
Sweden has its fair share of long, dark winter nights. It’s also known for driving safety – the country has some of the lowest rates of road traffic fatalities in the world, and is home to the Volvo brand. So in a way, it’s no surprise that you need to keep your low-beam headlights on all the time when driving, both day and night. The same applies on Danish and Norwegian roads, as well as in Iceland. Trust the Nordic countries to come up with such a bright idea.
Keep your top on in Thailand
In Thailand public decency isn't just polite: it's the law. This also extends to staying decent while driving. Whatever gender you are, and whether you’re in a car or on a scooter, it’s wise to make sure the upper part of your body is covered.
On the other hand – if you like the idea of driving free and easy, you might be better suited to Germany. Apparently it’s technically fine to wear no clothes at all when driving, bar if a member of the public is offended. Though if this 2019 story is anything to go by, nude scootering might be taking it a tad too far.
Never run out of fuel on the German Autobahn
While we’re in Germany, let's take a drive on the Autobahn, which is famous for having long sections with no speed limit. Given average speeds can hover around 140km/hr, it goes without saying that sudden stops would be downright dangerous. As such, it’s illegal to stop unexpectedly except for emergencies or at marked rest stops. It’s even illegal to run out of fuel, which is deemed an avoidable occurrence with so many service stations along the way.
Don’t stick your hand out of the window in Australia
That’s right - we have our very own unusual driving rule! In all states of Australia, it's illegal to travel in a car with any part of your body outside a window or door. The only exception is if you’re the driver and giving a hand signal to other drivers.
This law might even seem a bit over the top, but given the outcomes of sideswipe injuries it definitely makes sense to keep your hands, arms and legs inside the ride at all times.
Don’t forget the weirdly specific rules across the United States
The US has a large number of bizarre road rules, most of which are throwbacks to a simpler time. If these rules still exist, it’s probably because they’re very rarely (if ever) enforced. Here are some of our favourites:
- In Alabama, you must not drive while wearing a blindfold.
- In Arizona, it's against the law to drive a car in reverse on a public road.
- In Oklahoma, it’s forbidden to drive while reading a comic book.
- In California, it’s apparently illegal to drive while wearing a bathrobe – if you’re a woman. And if you’re in New Orleans, it’s illegal to drive as a woman UNLESS your husband is waving a flag in front of the car…
- In Mississippi it’s illegal to drive around the town square any more than 100 times in a single session. 99 times seems to be OK though.
- And in Utah, you must give right of way to birds on the highway.
So there you go! As long as you keep your shirt on, slow down for puddles and leave the blindfold at home, you should be absolutely fine out there on the roads – no matter where you are.
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