Introduction
Traffic laws exist to maintain road safety and order, but some regulations around the world seem unusual, outdated, or downright bizarre to outsiders. These strange laws range from practical measures addressing local concerns to historical oddities that were never repealed. This cheat sheet catalogs some of the most unusual traffic and driving regulations globally, providing context for their existence and helping travelers avoid unexpected fines or legal issues when driving internationally.
North America
United States
| State/City | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | It’s illegal to drive blindfolded | Seemingly obvious law created after incidents of dangerous dares |
| Alaska | It’s illegal to tie a dog to your car’s roof | Animal protection law stemming from actual incidents |
| California (San Francisco) | Cars without drivers are prohibited from exceeding 60 mph | Written before self-driving cars, targeted runaway vehicles |
| Connecticut | Hunting from your car is prohibited | Safety measure that remains on the books as an odd traffic law |
| Denver, Colorado | It’s illegal to drive a black car on Sundays | Obsolete law from early 1900s never formally repealed |
| Florida | If you park your elephant at a meter, you must pay the same rate as a vehicle | Created to address circus animals in urban areas |
| New Jersey | It’s illegal to frown at a police officer while driving | Outdated law meant to ensure respect for authorities |
| Oregon | Drivers may pump their own gas only in rural counties (under 40,000 population) | Job preservation measure; tradition of full-service stations |
| Pennsylvania | If you spot a team of horses, you must pull over and cover your car with a blanket | Outdated law from when horses were common on roads |
| South Dakota | It’s illegal to fall asleep in cheese factories | Not strictly traffic-related but affects drivers in specific locations |
Canada
| Province/City | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal | It’s illegal to make a right turn on a red light on the island of Montreal | Safety measure for pedestrians in dense urban environment |
| New Brunswick | It’s illegal to drive on roads with wheels covered in mud | Environmental and safety concerns about debris |
| Ontario | Vehicles carrying baled hay must be completely covered by a tarp | Fire prevention measure for highly combustible loads |
| Quebec | Winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15 | Practical safety measure, but unusual to visitors from warmer climates |
| Whistler, BC | It’s illegal to ski or snowboard while being towed by a vehicle | Response to dangerous stunts on snow-covered roads |
Mexico
| Location | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | “No Driving Day” (Hoy No Circula) restricts cars from driving one weekday based on license plate number | Environmental measure to reduce pollution |
| Tijuana | If you’re in a road accident, you can be detained until fault is determined and damages paid | Different legal system that surprises American drivers |
| Nationwide | Vehicles must be driven with headlights on during daytime on highways | Safety measure that can result in fines for unaware tourists |
Europe
United Kingdom
| Location | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| London | It’s illegal to transport a plank of wood along a pavement | Metropolitan Police Act of 1839, still technically valid |
| England | It’s illegal to sleep in your car while intoxicated | DUI prevention; you can be charged even with keys in your pocket |
| UK-wide | It’s illegal to honk your horn while stationary, except in emergency | Anti-noise pollution measure commonly violated |
| Scotland | If someone knocks on your car door asking to use the toilet, you must legally allow it | Historical law related to public health never repealed |
| Wales | Cars parked at night must have lights on if within 10 meters of a junction | Safety measure stricter than in other UK regions |
Germany
| Location | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Autobahn | Running out of fuel is illegal | Classified as a preventable problem, can result in fines |
| Nationwide | It’s illegal to stop on the Autobahn except in emergencies | Safety measure due to high speeds |
| Nationwide | Winter tires are mandatory in winter conditions | Practical but surprising to visitors from warmer countries |
| Nationwide | Car registration can be denied if vehicle is considered too loud | Environmental and noise pollution control |
| Cologne | Taxi drivers must wear white shirts and dark pants | Professional standards enforcement |
France
| Location | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | You must carry a breathalyzer in your vehicle | Anti-drunk driving measure (though no longer enforced with fines) |
| Nationwide | You must carry a high-visibility vest in your vehicle | Safety requirement in case of breakdown |
| Paris | Cars must park with odd/even house numbers on corresponding calendar days | Urban congestion management |
| Nationwide | It’s illegal to wear headphones while driving | Safety measure extended to all audio headsets |
| Nationwide | Drivers must carry spare bulbs and tools to change them | Self-sufficiency requirement for roadside repairs |
Italy
| Location | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Rome | Non-residents need special permission to drive in historic center (ZTL) | Preservation of historic areas and traffic reduction |
| Florence | Horse-drawn carriages have right of way | Historical precedence maintained in tourist areas |
| Venice | No cars allowed on the entire island | Geographic necessity as a canal city |
| Nationwide | Speed cameras must be clearly indicated | Driver rights protection |
| Naples | It’s illegal to hang arms or legs outside car windows | Safety measure often ignored in practice |
Other European Countries
| Country | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Belarus | It’s illegal to drive a dirty car | Aesthetic and identification concerns |
| Cyprus | It’s illegal to eat or drink anything while driving | Distracted driving prevention |
| Denmark | You must check under your car for sleeping children before starting | Child safety regulation |
| Spain | If you wear glasses, you must carry a spare pair in your car | Safety precaution for vision-impaired drivers |
| Switzerland | It’s illegal to wash your car on Sundays | Religious tradition and noise ordinance |
Asia and Middle East
Japan
| Location | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | Splashing pedestrians with water from puddles can result in fines | Pedestrian protection and courtesy |
| Tokyo | You can be fined if your passengers don’t wear seatbelts | Driver responsibility for all occupants |
| Nationwide | “Paper driver” certificates for those who have licenses but don’t regularly drive | Recognition of skill atrophy |
| Nationwide | Elderly drivers must display special stickers (Koreisha mark) | Awareness for other drivers |
| Nationwide | Required inspection (shaken) every 2-3 years is extraordinarily strict | Safety and environmental standards |
China
| Location | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | License plates ending in certain numbers can’t drive on specific days | Congestion and pollution control |
| Shanghai | Honking is banned in the central city | Noise pollution control |
| Nationwide | It’s illegal to stop at a green light | Traffic flow optimization |
| Hangzhou | Turning on red lights is prohibited on certain days depending on license plate numbers | Traffic management system |
| Nationwide | Using high beams inappropriately in cities can result in being forced to stare into high beams | Unusual punishment for light violations |
United Arab Emirates
| Location | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | A dirty car can result in fines | Aesthetic standards enforcement |
| Abu Dhabi | Excessive interior decorations are prohibited | Safety concern for visibility and distraction |
| Nationwide | Making obscene gestures in traffic can result in jail time | Strict moral code enforcement |
| Nationwide | Driving in sandals or barefoot is illegal | Safety requirement |
| Dubai | It’s illegal to eat, drink, or apply makeup while driving | Distracted driving prevention |
India
| Location | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Vehicles with odd/even license plates can only drive on matching days during high pollution | Environmental emergency measure |
| Nationwide | Heavy fines for driving in incorrect lanes | Traffic flow enforcement |
| Mumbai | No honking near hospitals and schools | Noise reduction (though widely ignored) |
| Chennai | Helmets required for two-wheeler passengers except for women with certain hairstyles | Cultural accommodation |
| Bangalore | It’s illegal to spit on the road while driving | Public hygiene enforcement |
Oceania
Australia
| Location | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Western Australia | It’s illegal to transport more than 50kg of potatoes in your vehicle without proper authorization | Historical protection for Potato Marketing Corporation |
| Victoria | Taxi drivers must carry a bale of hay in their trunk | Obsolete law from horse-drawn cab era never repealed |
| South Australia | Driving with an unleashed pet is illegal | Animal and driver safety |
| Queensland | It’s illegal to drive with an arm or head outside the window | Safety measure despite hot climate |
| New South Wales | It’s illegal to splash mud on pedestrians at bus stops | Pedestrian protection |
New Zealand
| Location | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | It’s illegal to drive with dogs on the back of pickup trucks unless they’re secured | Animal welfare regulation |
| Auckland | If you splash a pedestrian at a bus stop, you can be fined | Pedestrian protection |
| Wellington | Sheep have right of way in rural areas | Agricultural tradition legally protected |
| Christchurch | It’s illegal to drive with snow on your vehicle | Safety measure to prevent flying snow/ice |
| Dunedin | Student areas have unusually low speed limits | Safety in areas with high pedestrian activity |
Africa
South Africa
| Location | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | It’s illegal to drive in flip-flops | Safety measure for proper pedal control |
| Cape Town | Informal car guards must be paid even though service is unofficial | Social custom with quasi-legal status |
| Johannesburg | Minibus taxis have unique right-of-way customs not in official law | Informal system recognized by local drivers |
| Nationwide | It’s illegal to transport an animal in the back of a pickup without proper restraint | Animal welfare regulation |
| Durban | Surfboards must be transported within vehicles, not on roof racks on certain roads | Traffic flow management |
Egypt
| Location | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo | Headlights should only be used outside city limits | Local custom to reduce glare in dense traffic |
| Alexandria | Honking in non-emergency situations is technically illegal | Rarely enforced noise control |
| Nationwide | Driving without valid license can result in vehicle confiscation | Strict enforcement of licensing |
| Luxor | Special permits needed for tourist areas | Heritage preservation |
| Nationwide | Military vehicles always have right of way | Security prioritization |
South America
Brazil
| Location | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | Horses have the right of way on all roads | Historical precedence maintained in law |
| São Paulo | License plate restrictions on specific weekdays based on final digit | Traffic congestion control |
| Rio de Janeiro | Honking in residential areas can result in fines | Noise control in dense urban areas |
| Nationwide | It’s illegal to drive in flip-flops or barefoot | Safety requirement |
| Brasília | Unusual roundabout rules give priority to entering vehicles | Unique traffic flow system |
Argentina
| Location | Bizarre Law | Context/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | You must have car lights on 24/7 on certain highways | Visibility safety measure |
| Nationwide | Carrying a fire extinguisher is mandatory | Safety requirement |
| Mendoza | Wine country has stricter DUI laws than rest of country | Regional response to local industry |
| Bariloche | Special tire requirements in winter not required elsewhere | Mountain safety regulations |
| Nationwide | Registration stickers must be displayed in specific window quadrants | Standardized visibility requirement |
Common Challenges for International Drivers
Challenge: Unusual Vehicle Requirements
- Solution: Research country-specific vehicle requirements before travel
- Solution: Rent vehicles locally that already meet all requirements
- Solution: Purchase required items (warning triangles, vests, etc.) at border crossings
- Prevention: Create a checklist based on destination country requirements
Challenge: Unexpected Traffic Rules
- Solution: Learn basic rules of priority, right of way, and turning regulations
- Solution: Watch local drivers for unusual patterns before driving yourself
- Solution: Use navigation apps that include local driving regulations
- Prevention: Study international driving guides for your specific destination
Challenge: Documentation Requirements
- Solution: Obtain International Driving Permit (IDP) before travel
- Solution: Carry original license, passport, and vehicle registration at all times
- Solution: Keep digital backups of all documents
- Prevention: Check embassy websites for exact documentation requirements
Best Practices for International Driving
Research Before You Go
- Study specific traffic laws for your destination country
- Learn the meanings of local road signs and signals
- Understand measurement differences (miles vs. kilometers, gallons vs. liters)
- Research parking regulations and payment systems
- Check if your destination has congestion charges or restricted zones
On-Road Awareness
- Observe local driving customs before joining traffic
- Be especially cautious at roundabouts and intersections
- Learn common local gestures and their meanings
- Understand right-of-way practices that may differ from home
- Adjust to different passing and lane discipline standards
Emergency Preparedness
- Program local emergency numbers in your phone
- Learn basic car problem vocabulary in the local language
- Understand the local procedure for accidents
- Know your insurance coverage abroad
- Carry appropriate emergency supplies for your destination
Resources for International Drivers
Official Resources
- International Driving Permit Information – AAA IDP application and information
- U.S. State Department Travel Advisories – Country-specific information for travelers
- UK Foreign Travel Advice – Travel information for British citizens
- Australia Smartraveller – Travel advice for Australians
Travel Planning Tools
- ViaMichelin – European driving information and routes
- Rome2Rio – Transportation options worldwide
- Waze – Real-time traffic and road information
- TripAdvisor Forums – Traveler discussions about local driving conditions
Apps for International Drivers
- Google Translate (with downloaded offline language packs)
- Maps.me (offline maps with driving directions)
- GasBuddy/Petrol Price Apps (for finding fuel)
- Park4Night (for finding parking in Europe)
- What3Words (precise location sharing in emergencies)
This cheat sheet provides an overview of unusual traffic laws around the world. While these laws are accurate at the time of writing, regulations can change, and enforcement varies widely. Always verify current laws before driving in a foreign country, and remember that “I didn’t know it was illegal” is rarely accepted as an excuse for traffic violations abroad.