Strange driving laws around the world include mandatory breathalysers in France, illegal puddle splashing in Japan and the UK, and restrictions on stopping on Germany’s Autobahn. Many unusual driving laws are linked to safety, public decency, noise control, or historical local regulations.
A Quick Look At Driving Laws For Country
| Country | Strange Driving Law | Reason |
| France | Carry breathalyser | Drink-driving prevention |
| Sweden | Daytime headlights | Visibility |
| Germany | No Autobahn stopping | High-speed safety |
| UK | No puddle splashing | Pedestrian protection |
Strange Driving Safety Laws
Some countries have unusual road safety laws designed to reduce accidents, improve visibility, and protect pedestrians. These laws range from mandatory headlights in Sweden to strict stopping restrictions on Germany’s Autobahn.
No Stopping On The AutoBahn
It is illegal for drivers in Germany to stop on the motorway, unless they have a good reason. Sometimes, breaking down isn’t even a good enough reason.
Sweden Requires Headlights During Daylight Hours
Drivers in Sweden must use headlights at all times, even during the day. The rule exists because long winter darkness and reduced visibility increase accident risks on Swedish roads.
Splashing Puddles Is Illegal
In the UK and Japan, it is illegal to splash puddles at passing pedestrians.
Keep Your Number Plate Clean
In England, your number plate must be readable at all times. You could be penalised for having a dirty number plate.
France Requires Drivers To Carry Breathalysers
Drivers in France are required to carry a breathalyser kit in their vehicle. The law was introduced to discourage drink driving and encourage motorists to test themselves before driving after consuming alcohol.
Strange Animal-Related Driving Laws
Animal-related driving laws exist in several parts of the world and are often linked to road safety or animal welfare. Some laws are practical, while others have become famous because of how unusual they sound.
No Gorilla In The Back Seat
In Massachusetts, having a gorilla on your backseat while driving is illegal!
State Lines In Minnesota
In Minnesota, you cannot cross state lines with a duck on top of your head.
Dogs Cannot Ride On Vehicle Roofs In Alaska
Alaska has forbidden dogs from being present on moving vehicles’ roofs!
Animals Lead The Way
Animals have the right of way in South Africa, meaning you must stop if animals cross the road. When driving in Utah, birds have the right of way.
Strange Driving Laws In The United States
Many unusual driving laws in the United States come from old state or local regulations that were never removed. While some are rarely enforced today, they remain part of legal folklore and continue to attract attention online.
Dunkin’ Donuts Parking
In parts of Maine, parking directly outside certain Dunkin’ Donuts locations is reportedly illegal due to old local parking regulations.
Drying Your Car In San Francisco?
Drying your car in San Fransisco with used underwear is illegal.
No Steering Wheel? No Go
In Illinois, driving without a steering wheel is illegal.
Smiling Is Free
Not smiling at police is illegal in New Jersey.
Strangest Driving Laws In The UK
The UK has several unusual driving laws linked to road safety, public behaviour, and considerate driving. Many of these rules are designed to reduce distractions and protect other road users.
- In the UK, you can’t drive significantly below the speed limit.
- In the UK, driving with deafening music is seen as unlawful.
- In the UK, when paying with your phone in a drive-thru, your car engine must be switched off and your handbrake applied.
- You are not allowed to ask strangers for change at parking meters in the UK.
The Strangest Driving Laws In The World
Some of the world’s strangest driving laws are linked to local customs, traffic management, or public safety concerns. While unusual, many of these laws were introduced to solve specific regional issues.
Drivers In Denmark Must Complete An Additional Check Before Driving
Drivers in Denmark must check under their car to ensure no one is there before setting off.
Superstitious Number Plates In The Philippines?
Driving in Manila, Philippines, on a Monday is illegal if your number plate starts with a one or two.
Passengers Can’t Be Drunk In A Car In Japan
It’s not just drink driving that’s illegal in Japan, passengers can’t be drunk either.
No Car Washing On Sundays In Switzerland
You are prohibited from washing your car on a Sunday in Switzerland.
These are just some of the strangest laws drivers face worldwide, with many more existing. It is safe to say that America is home to the most significant amount of strange driving laws, but what takes your pick as the strangest law listed above? For us, it has to be the law preventing gorillas from being on the back seat of your car while driving!
Why Do Strange Driving Laws Exist?
Many unusual driving laws are linked to road safety, pedestrian protection, public behaviour, visibility, or historical local customs. Some laws remain actively enforced today, while others survive mainly as unusual legal curiosities that attract attention online.
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FAQs
What Is The Strangest Driving Law In The World?
One of the strangest driving laws in the world is the rule in Massachusetts that makes it illegal to drive with a gorilla in the back seat of your car. Other unusual driving laws include mandatory breathalysers in France and restrictions on washing your car on Sundays in Switzerland.
Is Splashing Puddles Illegal In The UK?
Yes, splashing pedestrians while driving through puddles is illegal in the UK. Drivers can face penalties for careless or inconsiderate driving if they soak pedestrians with water from the road.
Why Is Stopping On Germany’s Autobahn Illegal?
Stopping unnecessarily on Germany’s Autobahn is illegal because it creates serious safety risks on high-speed roads. Running out of fuel is often considered avoidable and may not be accepted as a valid reason for stopping.
Which Countries Require Drivers To Carry Breathalysers?
France is one of the most well-known countries to require drivers to carry a breathalyser kit in their vehicle. The rule was introduced to discourage drink driving and improve road safety awareness.
Why Do Some Countries Require Headlights During The Day?
Countries such as Sweden require drivers to use headlights during the day to improve visibility and reduce accidents. These laws are especially important in areas with long periods of darkness or poor weather conditions.
Can You Be Fined For A Dirty Number Plate?
Yes, drivers in the UK can be fined if their number plate is too dirty to read clearly. Number plates must remain visible and legible at all times to help identify vehicles properly.
Are Strange Driving Laws Still Enforced?
Some strange driving laws are still actively enforced today, particularly those linked to road safety or public behaviour. Others remain on the books mainly as unusual legal curiosities and are rarely enforced in practice.
Which Country Has The Strangest Driving Laws?
Many people consider the United States to have some of the strangest driving laws because different states have their own unique rules. However, unusual driving laws can be found all over the world, including in Japan, Switzerland, France, and the UK.