Crazy road rules from around the world

Driving in different parts of the world is a fascinating experience and with every country’s unique customs – from which side of the road you drive to which type of animal gets priority on road – there are some road rules that go beyond the usual and are just…well, strange.

You might’ve heard about India’s sacred cows, which are allowed to roam freely – even on major highways – and motorists are required to stop or (safely) drive around them.

But what about Christmas Island during crab migration season, when drivers must allow crabs to pass and some roads are closed. Or over in New Zealand, where sheet have right of way.

Even here in Oz, it’s illegal to leave your car unlocked, even if you’re just walking in to the service station to pay for your fuel.

Now, thanks to Google search result data shared by UK site Auto Trader, we’re looking at some of the wackiest and most surprising driving laws from across the globe.

Get your winter tyres on in Finland

Finland's cold, snowy roads come with some serious driving requirements.

Between December and February, it's mandatory for cars to have winter – or studded – tyres, no matter what the weather is like.

Miss it, and you could be facing a fine or worse, cause an accident due to inadequate traction. So, if you’re planning a winter getaway to the Finnish Lapland, make sure your tyres are up to the task, even if there’s no snow in sight.

Don’t toot in Japan

In Japan, using your car’s horn is considered bad practice.

It's seen as a sign of impatience and a lack of respect for fellow drivers and the Japanese are big on respect.

Even just a quick honk to get someone’s attention might attract a few scowls. So, next time you're cruising the streets of Tokyo, resist the urge to honk unless it’s absolutely necessary.  

You pay for road rage in Russia

It’s an issue in just about every country, but in Russia, road rage can cost you more than just a headache.

In some cities, if you're caught in an aggressive driving incident (such as tailgating, cutting someone off, or even displaying inappropriate hand gestures), you could be fined. But here's the kicker: if your aggressive driving leads to an accident, the fine can be hefty, and you might even face jail time. So, when in Russia, keep it calm and take a few deep breaths before you go mouthing off.

Pedestrians are boss in Italy

Italian drivers might have a reputation for being rather bold on road but here’s a rule that might surprise you: pedestrians have right of way, everywhere, all the time.

In fact, Italian law states that if a pedestrian steps into the road, drivers must stop, even if it’s not at a designated pedestrian crossing.

So, whether you’re driving in Rome or Milan, be prepared for a sudden stop when pedestrians assert their dominance on the road.

The mandatory vehicle light in the UK

In the UK, there’s an unusual law that states your vehicle must be equipped with a properly working licence plate light.

The law exists to ensure that your registration plate can be clearly seen at night and while forgetting to check the plate light might not be the biggest faux pas on the road, but it could land you a fine, so make sure your plate stays lit.

The safety item must-have in Denmark

It’s a requirement in Denmark for drivers to carry a warning triangle in the car, at all times.   

If you’re pulled over on the side of the road, for any reason, you must place the triangle a certain distance away from your car to alert oncoming traffic.

It’s not just a recommendation—it’s a rule that can lead to fines if violated. S

Tricky animals in Botswana

In Botswana, it’s actually advised to avoid stopping for wild animals, especially in rural areas. Why, we hear you ask?

Well, some animals, like baboons, may approach vehicles in hopes of stealing food. Even more bizarre? The animals are known to try and trick drivers into thinking they’re injured to cause accidents or simply get you to stop.

So, when driving through Botswana’s wilderness, keep your eyes peeled and try not to fall for any furry tricks.

Keep your shoes on in South Africa

In South Africa, there’s an unusual rule that could leave you scrambling for your thongs.  

It’s illegal to drive without shoes in some parts of the country, though it’s not universally enforced. It’s thought the road rule originated from concerns that driving barefoot could cause distractions or even impair the driver’s ability to use the pedals so to avoid any issues, best keep your shoes on.

No flip-flops in the Philippines

Speaking of shoes, in the Philippines, it's illegal to drive while wearing flip-flops – AKA pluggers, or thongs – because they could get caught on the pedals, potentially resulting in an accident.

If you’re planning to drive around Manila or Cebu, you should leave the thongs are the villa and pick a more sensible pair of shoes.

While many of these rules may seem a bit eccentric, they all have one thing in common: they reflect the unique driving culture and history of each country. So, the next time you find yourself on the road abroad, don’t forget to check the local laws.

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