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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.

Looking to buy? Skip the standard second-hand dealerships

If you’re on a mission to buy a pre-loved car in Sydney, try searching on Carma first. It’s a virtual showcase of modern pre owned cars for sale, all of which have passed detailed checklists for safety, mechanics and more. With easy trade-ins, a no-questions-asked return window and a 3-month warranty included, it certainly beats trudging around second hand dealerships. Go on - give it a whirl and search for your dream model!