Every country has its quirks when it comes to law, and it’s no different when it comes to driving. Some actually make perfect sense, but others maybe not so much. It’s worth reading up on a few of the more bizarre ones, or you could be landed with a fine before you can say “how was I meant to know?!”. Here’s a handful of unusual but genuine driving laws from across the world.
In Japan, it’s part of the Road Traffic Act to be respectful, polite and considerate to everyone on the road, including pedestrians. If you drive through a puddle and splash a nearby walker, you can be fined up to ¥7,000, which is around £35! If you’re found guilty of ‘splash driving’, you might also be responsible for any cleaning or damage costs for the pedestrian’s clothing, too.
You might have heard the phrase ‘my car, my music’, which is fair enough. Your car is your space after all. But in Germany, they take that one step further. Because your car is your private space, there’s no law prohibiting your decision to drive naked. However, you can’t drive barefoot, and you can’t get out of the car with no clothes on. We’re guessing people drive clothed for convenience’s sake.
In a similar vein, Thailand has its own opinions when it comes to exposing skin in a vehicle. Under traffic regulations, Thai police view driving shirtless as inappropriate behaviour punishable by a fine up to ฿500. Male or female, car or motorbike, keep your top on if you’re planning on renting a vehicle in Thailand.
Ah, drive-thrus - the unsung hero of long journeys and sheer convenience. Coffee in the cupholder and a pastry on the passenger seat. Simple, easy, delicious. Not in Cyprus! If you’re tempted to take even a gulp from a bottle of water, you could end up with 4 points on your licence and a wallet €85 lighter. It’s categorically illegal, so make sure to pull over before you get pulled over.
If you’re the designated driver, it’s nice to feel like you’re doing a good thing by making sure your mates get home safe. But in North Macedonia, you’ve also got to make sure they don’t sit in the front seat. It’s against local law to let someone who’s visibly drunk sit next to you while you’re driving. So if you want some company up front on the drive, you’re also going to need to assign a designated passenger.
Since 1967, Swedish law has dictated that your headlights should be on 24/7. Blazing sun? Clear blue skies? This doesn’t matter in the slightest. The rule has been credited with making vehicles more visible in all conditions, thereby reducing collisions. Fair enough, but forget to switch on and you’ll get a fine of €130.
If you’re planning on hiring a car to drive abroad, it’s always worth checking local rules before you set off. While some of these laws might seem unusual, they all have their roots in safety, respect, or public order. Check out our Country Guides for info. If we don't have a guide for the country you're looking for, we encourage you do your own research. Enjoy your trip, while (hopefully) dodging some surprise fines!
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