Here are the world’s 10 most ridiculous driving laws

Yes, these road rules are all apparently in effect in one part of the planet or another — we can't believe it either


While everyone’s got a different on what the speed limit should be – that’s a whole other thing we’re not getting into right now – basically everyone agrees most of our country’s road laws make sense.

They’re typically there for a reason, or because someone doing the thing the rule prohibits ended up injuring themselves or someone else.

That’s not always the case everywhere, though.

Get behind the wheel in some other parts of the world and you might bump up against some of these absolutely ridiculous driving laws, which as far as we can tell are legit rules some government somewhere thought were a good idea.

Best to brush up on some of the weirdest before your next vacation — just in case.

1. Thailand: Don’t lose your shirt

In this south Asian country, you’re apparently not allowed to drive bare-chested, no matter how nice the weather — and this applies to men just as much as it does women.

2. Russia: Keep it clean

Driving a vehicle stained with dirt or mud is illegal and can get you a fine (more or less $50 in Canadian dollars). This legislation is based in part on authorities wanting your license plate to be visible at all times, despite the country having winter conditions similar to ours.

3. Russia (again): You can’t do that here

So, uh, 2. is a little more complicated than it seems. The problem is, in Russia, it’s also illegal to wash your car anywhere besides at home or in a car wash. Hope you’ve got a hose! (Or a bunch of change.)

4. Cyprus: Hands where we can see ’em

You can be fined if you “unnecessarily” withdraw your hands from the steering wheel. The point of this law is to prevent drivers making, uh, ungracious hand gestures—

5. France: No, you can’t have fries with that

Eating or drinking (even a non-alcoholic beverage) behind the wheel may drive you into trouble in France. Indeed, the Hexagon believes that wolfing down a baguette au fromage, for example, is a “failure of control” of your vehicle. Said sandwich can therefore cost you an extra 35 Euros.

6. Spain: You got another set?

Wear corrective glasses? In Spain, you must keep a second pair in your vehicle, in case you lose the first one.

7. Japan: Mind the puddles, people

If your driving manoeuvers in the rain result in you splashing a pedestrian, you’re subject to a fine.

8. Japan (again): Don’t even think of drinking and driving

More than anywhere else, don’t drink and drive in the land of Toyotas and Nissans. Its rules against drunk driving are among the toughest, with a maximum allowable BAC (blood-alcohol content) limit of 0.03 per cent. Not a ridiculous law, you say? Indeed. But get this: the Japanese legislation stipulates you also can be sent to prison if you’re the passenger in a vehicle driven by a drunk motorist.

9. Costa Rica: Please think about drinking and driving

Yes, you can drink alcohol while driving in Costa Rica, whether your vehicle is stationary or in motion. The only condition is your blood alcohol content has to remain below the limit set by the authorities, 0.05 per cent.

10. Several countries: Why aren’t you drinking and driving?

Here’s the worst: In Burundi, Guatemala, Paraguay and Togo, there’s no laws at all prohibiting drunk driving. In those countries, it’s basically do what you want, when it comes to alcohol and getting behind the wheel. Do you really want to drive over there?
