TyrePlus Blog

There are some rules of the road that are more or less universal, whether it’s keeping within the speed limits or obeying road signs. However, some laws might take you by surprise. From driving with a dirty car to leaving your headlights on during the day, there are some truly bizarre road regulations in different countries around the globe. Here are 12 of the world’s weirdest driving laws.

1. Running out of petrol

If you’ve ever driven in Germany, you’re probably aware of the unrestricted speed limits on the autobahns. However, did you know that it’s against the law to run out of petrol or stop unnecessarily on these high speed roads? Having an empty tank is not considered an emergency but rather negligence on the driver’s part, and could see you having to fork out for a fine. So if you find yourself driving in Germany, remember to always top up your fuel before hitting the road.

2. Sat navs that detect speed cameras

In France, sat navs that detect the location of speed cameras are illegal. If you are caught using this type of device while driving, you could have your licence confiscated or even your vehicle impounded by the police. Even if you don’t use it, it’s always worth checking and deactivating the speed camera function on your sat nav before driving in France.

3. Checking for children underneath your car

You’re probably used to doing some sort of routine checks before driving, whether it’s looking at your blind spots or making sure everyone is wearing seat belts. However, drivers in Denmark are required to do a rather unusual check before they get behind the wheel. Road safety officials in the country have made it mandatory for motorists to check for children who might be hiding under the car before setting off.

4. Going through a red light

When you see a red light on the road, you’ll recognise this as a signal to stop. However, in the USA it’s a different story. In all 50 states, drivers are allowed to go through a red light, but only when making a right turn. You must also make sure you come to a stop and check for cars and pedestrians at the junction before turning.

5. Driving with your headlights on

Most of the time, you only need to use your headlights when it’s dark or when the weather is poor. However, in Italy drivers are required to have their headlights on and dipped when travelling on a motorway or dual carriageway, even during the day. This is also the case in Sweden, where you must have your headlights on regardless of the time of day or night or you risk getting hit with a fine.

6. Carrying spare glasses

If you’re driving in Spain and wear glasses or contact lenses, you’ll need to remember to carry a second set with you at all times. Even if you’re already wearing one pair, it’s against the law not to have a spare pair in case you lose them or they break. If you’re stopped by the police and are found without these extras, you’ll have to pay a small fee.

7. Driving with a dirty car

In Moscow, it’s a good idea to keep your car clean. If your vehicle is dirty, either on the exterior or the interior, you could get penalised. This rule was originally made to make sure that licence plates were easy to see during bad weather, but anyone caught today with a car that isn’t pristine is still breaking the law. However, there’s no definition as what counts as dirty - this is up to the police officer to decide. With this in mind, your safest bet is to keep you vehicle spick and span at all times.

8. Animals with a right of way

Animals rule the road in South Africa, or at least they have the same rights as pedestrians and drivers. It’s not uncommon for livestock to be crossing the road in many rural parts of the country, and drivers could face a hefty fine if they fail to slow down or stop. This goes for horses, goats, sheep and ostriches, to name a few.

9. Splashing pedestrians

No one enjoys being drenched by a passing vehicle driving through a puddle. But in Japan, it’s actually illegal to splash water or mud on a pedestrian and you could be penalised for doing so. The fines are also more severe during typhoon season when there’s more water on the roads than usual.

10. Driving topless

According to the law in Thailand, it’s illegal to drive topless. Whether you’re in a car, bus, bike or tuk tuk, both men and women must keep their tops on while travelling on the road. If you can’t cope with the heat and feel the need to remove your shirt, you could receive a ticket.

11. Don't tie dogs to the roof

One of the world’s most absurd rules of the road comes from Alaska. In the 49th state, it’s illegal to drive with a dog tied to the roof of your car. Why would anyone do this, you ask? Your guess is as good as ours.

12. Eating in the car

If you’re someone who eats or drinks in your car, you could find yourself in trouble in Cyprus. The law states that a driver must not raise one hand from the wheel unnecessarily and motorists are actually prohibited to eat or drink anything while driving. For those who get road rage, bear in mind that you can also get fined for making an aggressive hand gesture.Even here in the UK, there may be rules of the road that you’re not completely familiar with. Check out our blog post on the 7 deadly sins of driving to see if you’re breaking the law or endangering yourself and others without realising it.