Driving, travel, festive A car on a road, Image: Pexels
Have you ever wondered how strange driving can be around the globe? Some of them definitely will remind you that you’re stepping into another world—especially when it comes to the road rules.
Auto Trader, the UK’s biggest car platform, has uncovered some of the strangest driving laws across 180 countries, and they’re as entertaining as they are surprising.
Their study highlights odd driving customs and laws you might not believe exist. Erin Baker, Auto Trader’s Editorial Director, explains, “Modern cars come packed with technology to help on the road, but navigating local customs and quirky laws?
That’s another story. We hope this research encourages travellers to learn the rules before driving abroad—and enjoy some laughs along the way.”
Global Driving Customs You Didn’t Know About
In places like Finland and Albania, headlights aren’t just for nighttime. It’s the law to keep them on all day, rain or shine.
A quick honk is a friendly wave in Grenada and Fiji, but in Armenia, it’s illegal near schools and hospitals. Bhutan takes it further—certain sacred areas are strict “no honk” zones.
In New Zealand, sheep on the road mean you stop and wait. In Botswana, it’s giraffes. Animals have the ultimate right of way.
Driving Rules by Region:
Many African nations prioritize native wildlife. In Botswana and Namibia, hitting an animal can mean jail time. In Mauritania, drivers must yield to roaming camels. Ethiopia has a strange one too: you can’t reverse for more than 50 meters.
A dirty car could cost you in Oman, Iran, and Kazakhstan. In Turkmenistan’s capital, only white or light-coloured cars are allowed because they’re considered lucky. And in India, you’ll have to steer around cows—they’re sacred.
Driving laws in Europe are as unique as its countries. Germans can drive naked if they want, but in Cyprus, drinking water while driving is illegal. In France and Slovakia, you’ll need to carry a breathalyser in your car or face a fine.
On Christmas Island, migrating crabs shut down roads—it’s their right of way. In New Zealand, expect to pause for sheep crossings. And in Australia, don’t forget to lock your car. Leaving it unlocked, even for a moment, can get you fined.
In Canada’s Ontario, you can’t race a horse on a highway. In Cuba, drivers must pick up hitchhikers. And in Paraguay, driving barefoot could get you fined or jailed.
Every state has its quirks. In Alaska, you can’t tie your dog to your car. Alabama bans driving blindfolded (yes, really). Nevada forbids riding camels on highways, and in Louisiana, husbands must wave a flag in front of their wives’ cars before they drive.
Bolivia hires people dressed as zebras to guide pedestrians across busy streets in La Paz. Ecuador manages traffic by letting odd-numbered plates drive on some days and even-numbered plates on others.
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