If you’re planning on driving in a foreign country, you better familiarise yourself with some strange driving laws.
1. Japan: Accidental showers are a no no
It’s happened to most of us, we splashed or got splashed on a rainy day. In Japan though, you better pay attention to puddles on the road as splashing pedestrians can cost you.
2. Italy: Strap in your dog
As drivers or passengers, we all know that seatbelts can save lives. But in Italy the law takes it one step further … even dogs need to be strapped in. If you have a Labrador it’s not a big deal, but if you have a Chihuahua … you’ve got problems.
3. Germany: Go ahead, bare it all
If you drive in Germany on a hot day and you feel like taking your top off or even taking everything off, that’s perfectly okay. In Germany, your car is considered private property, so should you feel the need to drive naked, nobody will stop you. Not advisable for wallflowers.
4. Thailand: Cover up
It’s commonly known that Thailand is free thinking (and doing) where it comes to sex. Why else would the country be so popular among gap year students? It comes therefore as a bit of a surprise that the law is so strict on drivers and passengers. Males and females must be fully clothed.
5. Russia: Wash and polish regularly
Russians are notoriously reckless drivers. If one sees YouTube videos, one would swear these people get in their cars, close their eyes and hope for the best. Bad drivers as they might be, they do wash their car regularly as a dirty car could cause them a ticket.
6. Spain: Carry spare glasses
If your eyes are not the best and you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to take a spare set with you in Spain.
7. Cyprus: No eating or drinking while driving
In Cyprus, you better make sure you have a full belly and a thirst resistance of a camel before getting behind the wheel as eating or drinking while driving is against the law.
8. Macedonia: Drunk passengers belong in the back
Are you giving a ride to someone who had one too many? Be sure to install the party animal in the backseat.
9. Costa Rica: Cheers!
It’s hot in Costa Rica and the law is understanding, very understanding. If water or juice doesn’t appeal to you, you can have a beer while driving.
10. Sweden: See and be seen
In Sweden, it doesn’t matter whether it’s day or night, sunny or misty, car headlights must be on.
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