Weird and wonderful traffic laws around the world

The roads strangest driving laws

Some driving laws, such as wearing a seatbelt, have a clear purpose such as safety. However, some, such as only transporting a gorilla in the front passenger seat, do create a sense of curiosity. Fasten your seatbelt as we explore the funny traffic laws of the world.

The laws

Here’s a brief look at some of the best, or worst, from around the world. You have to wonder what originally happened for the laws to be introduced in the first place.

• Alabama, US - It is illegal to drive blindfolded.
• Massachusetts, US - It is legal to carry a gorilla in the front passenger seat of your car. It is illegal for the gorilla to be in the back seat.
• China - Tourists are not allowed to drive. Only Chinese nationals are allowed to drive a vehicle, everyone else must get public transport.
• United Arab Emirates - Camels have right of way no matter what.
• Germany - It is legal to drive naked as the car is your private property, but it is illegal to drive barefoot.
• Russia - It is illegal to have a dirty car and you will be fined if it is not up to standard.
• Japan - You will be fined around £40 if you splash a pedestrian with water as you drive past them.
• Singapore - It is illegal for a driver to come within 50 metres of a pedestrian.
• California and Tennessee, US - You are not allowed to shoot any animal from your car unless that animal is a whale (quite a feat in the landlocked state of Tennessee).
• Philippines - If your number plate ends in 1 or 2, and you live in Manila, you are not allowed to drive your vehicle on Mondays.
• England - It is illegal to drive your car from the back seat.
• Spain - If you wear glasses you must always carry a second pair with you in the car otherwise you will face a fine.
• Thailand - You are not allowed to drive shirtless, no matter how hot the weather is. Anyone caught doing so will be fined a few hundred Thai Baht – about £5.
• Cyprus - It is illegal to raise your fist at another driver, or any other gesture that you may feel like doing. Drivers who unnecessarily raise a hand from the steering wheel can be fined.
• Maine, US – It is illegal to park in front of a Dunkin' Donuts and anyone caught doing this will be ticketed. This local law was enacted to cut down on congestion as people scramble for their iced coffees and jelly doughnuts.

As you can see there are many strange rules to adhere to when on foreign and domestic roads, and there are many, many more besides. It’s always best to check the traffic laws no matter where you’re going, just in case you want to drive with a gorilla in the back seat, or wish to drive at a camel.

Abiding by the rules of the road

There are so many wonderful and weird traffic laws, and while not driving your car from the backseat can seem like a funny law, it is based in keeping drivers and pedestrians safe and avoiding collisions on the road.

If you are involved in a collision, as a driver, passenger or pedestrian, we can help. Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online today.