When planning a trip to other states or abroad, be prepared for the fact that not all the traffic rules you are used to apply there. In various parts of the world, laws sometimes seem as if they were written by sitcom writers. If you don’t want your vacation to turn into a costly ordeal, it is worth taking these oddities seriously.

The same “do your homework first” rule works when buying a vehicle at a dealership near you: research local laws and safety ratings first, only then get behind the wheel. Every responsible driver must be aware of the risks and strive to ensure the safety of passengers and pedestrians.

The USA and Mexico: dogs, horses, and no makeup

You don’t have to look far to find something to marvel at – American laws can also be surprising. Even if you are driving one of the safest cars in Florida from the Autoland Jacksonville dealer’s list, you should comply with additional rules in other states, since ignorance is no excuse. For instance, driving blindfolded is banned in Alabama, though this is essentially a consequence of rules regarding unsafe driving. In Pennsylvania, a driver is required to carry a blanket to cover their car if it might spook a horse. In Alaska, transporting a dog on the roof of a car is prohibited, while Mexican law forbids applying makeup or shaving behind the wheel, as these actions distract from driving.

Australia and Africa: animals and potatoes

In Australia, it is also best for tourists not to drive shirtless – not for the sake of propriety, but to avoid sunburn. Authorities keep a close watch on drivers’ health. However, ordinary drivers are forbidden from transporting more than 110 pounds of potatoes, as that monopoly belongs to the state-owned corporation PMC. In Ethiopia, reversing for more than 50 meters is prohibited, while in Rwanda, cars do not drive at all on Sundays – it is a day of rest for the entire country. South Africa and Christmas Island enforce a strict rule: animals on the road have the right of way, and roads are completely closed during crab migrations – drivers must wait until the procession is over.

Denmark: A Pre-Drive Ritual

Scandinavians approach safety with admirable meticulousness. For instance, in Denmark, every driver is required to walk around the car and check underneath the chassis before setting off. This isn’t a whim but a strict rule designed to protect children and pets that might be hiding under the vehicle. During driving tests, instructors keep a close eye on the performance of this ritual; failing to do so can result in a failed exam.

Italy: Romance Off-Limits

In the Italian town of Eboli, passion can cost you more than a dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Kissing inside a moving car is officially banned there. Local authorities believe that romance behind the wheel severely impairs concentration, posing just as much of a threat on narrow streets as talking on the phone. Fines for displays of affection can reach 500 euros. So, when traveling through Italy, keep your hands on the wheel and your emotions in check – lest the most expensive kiss of your life becomes the biggest expense in your vacation budget.

Germany: fuel, gestures, and footwear

On Germany’s famous unrestricted autobahns, drivers might face unexpected fines. Stopping on the highway due to an empty tank is considered an administrative offense, as monitoring fuel levels is the driver’s direct responsibility. Negligence will cost you around a hundred euros. Furthermore, aggressive gestures – such as giving the middle finger or sticking out one’s tongue – are strictly penalized on German roads, potentially costing a driver anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand euros. On the plus side, driving without clothes is permitted, as the car is considered private property. However, footwear is mandatory; a bare foot could slip off the pedal, and in the event of an accident, insurance would not cover the damages.

Switzerland: scheduled quiet and cleanliness

In Switzerland, Sunday is a day for quiet and rest. Washing your car on this day is prohibited, as is slamming car doors after 10 p.m. in residential areas. That said, you could still be fined for washing your car in your driveway on a weekday; dedicated car wash facilities equipped with wastewater treatment systems are available for such tasks. One more detail: the fine amount here depends directly on the offender’s income. Recently, a millionaire paid over a hundred thousand euros for failing to maintain a safe following distance.

Asia: reading aloud and a shaved head

In India, an inventive punishment has been devised for traffic violators. It is not a fine, but a requirement to read the traffic rules aloud in public and sign a document confirming a review of the regulations. In Indonesia, drivers who commit serious violations have their heads shaved – a symbolic act representing the “start of a new life” free from infractions. Meanwhile, in China, taxi drivers are required to sniff the seats after passengers leave to detect unpleasant odors and take immediate action.

Japan: Courtesy Enshrined in Law

In Japan, even the rain follows the rules. Local traffic regulations strictly prohibit splashing pedestrians with water from puddles. This is not merely a matter of etiquette but an official traffic violation. Consequently, during heavy downpours, Japanese drivers slow to a crawl or move toward the center of the road to avoid inconveniencing passersby. The fine for giving someone a “dirty shower” can reach 7,000 yen, but the social stigma is far more daunting. As a result, during the rainy season, the streets of the Land of the Rising Sun resemble a slow-motion movie: cars move smoothly and cautiously, as if transporting fine crystal. Additionally, drivers over the age of 75 in Japan are required to display a special “Koreishimaku” sticker on their vehicles—a warning to other road users.

Cyprus: Not a Drop While Driving

Do you enjoy drinking coffee behind the wheel? Then Cyprus isn’t the place for you. Local laws classify any handling of food or drinks as dangerous driving. Everything is prohibited – from a full snack to a simple sip of water. Traffic police believe that placing a hand anywhere other than the steering wheel and holding any foreign object slows reaction times just as much as using a smartphone does. The fine for a violation is around 85 euros. Locals and seasoned travelers have long learned the rule: if you need a drink, pull over to the side of the road, turn off the engine, and only then quench your thirst.

Each of these laws seems absurd only at first glance. Behind every one lies a real story: a life saved, an accident prevented, or a case of local public outcry. And if you don’t want to learn the local traffic laws at your own expense, it is best to study them before your trip.