No person in the world loves to travel as much as we Swiss. To experience as much foreign cultures as possible, car rental is essential for most people. Our overview of the world’s weirdest traffic rules shows that some destinations can be pretty exotic when it comes to road traffic.
Australia – straw ban
A once-in-a-lifetime Journey Down – a dream for many Swiss. If you really go to the other side of the world, you should be aware of certain features of road traffic: For example, it is strictly forbidden to carry hay in the trunk of your own car – this is only allowed in a taxi! It’s also illegal to hang your arm out of the window in a car across the country. A little tip for those who prefer to travel by horse rather than by car: Food in bars is always free – for the animal, not the rider!
Greece – Smoking ban
If you are taking children with you in the car, you should do without fags at the wheel. What seems like common sense is tightly regulated in Greece. A fine of up to 1500 Euros will be imposed on those who have passengers under the age of 12 and still smoke on board! On the Greek peninsula, you should look very closely at the parking prohibition signs: if there is only one vertical line, the ban applies to odd-numbered months – signs with two vertical lines are valid for even-numbered months. .
Japan – spraying ban
The Japanese are considered particularly hospitable. However, anyone who sprays pedestrians with mud and other debris from the road as a result of their driving will face the wrath of Japanese law. Meanwhile, the British are taking even more drastic measures against such puddles: Anyone who wets passers-by on the sidewalks in the rainy UK can expect a fine of up to 5,600 francs!
South Africa – prohibition of intervention
In Cape of Good Hope, drivers need to pay more attention to the exotic animal world than in other countries. Wild animals on the road that are considered the same road users, not just in nature preserves. So if you come across a group of lions roaming around, you have to wait until the four-legged friends are out of the way. Drivers who offend animals should expect sensitive fines.
Thailand – topless ban
Thailand is one of the perfect long-distance travel destinations. The reason is simple: It’s warm all year round, with dreamy tropical beaches, especially in the south. However, men shouldn’t take the idea of bare-chested driving at the wheel – the Thai morality police show no mercy here. Women, on the other hand, are exempt from this regulation (also interesting: Thailand is driving crazy).
USA – Gorilla Ban
The USA is the land of unlimited opportunities – this also applies to traffic regulations. Things get particularly weird in Tennessee: Shooting wild animals from a moving car is illegal here – but shooting whales is! It’s too bad the state doesn’t have access to the sea. In Alabama, drivers are not allowed to drive blindfolded – a logical rule. In Oklahoma, where reading comics while driving isn’t allowed, things get a little more frivolous. And if you’re driving in Minnesota, you should avoid carrying a gorilla in the backseat at all costs – the law forbids it, too (Also interesting: America drives crazy like this).
Cyprus – Eating ban
We’re going back to Europe for a final, somewhat strange traffic rule. On the popular holiday island of Cyprus, you are not allowed to eat or drink in the car. Violation of the law, which is quite understandable, threatens a fine of 85 euros for making a phone call while driving. But Cypriot law enforcement is a bit too strict: the consumption of food is always prohibited – even when the car is parked. But you should view this positively: Tzatziki spots on the upholstery are therefore excluded.