Unusual driving laws around the world

As a responsible UK motorist, you may be up to speed with your legal obligations here in Britain, and adhere to them carefully each time you hit the road. However, there are some rather unusual driving laws internationally, and they slide up the scale from eyebrow-raising to downright strange. 

So what countries have the weirdest driving laws? From keeping your arms inside the car down under, to avoiding the Sunday morning car clean in Switzerland, at Octane Finance, we explore the most unusual driving laws from around the world…

A firm no for flip flops in Spain

Whilst driving in flip flops is generally frowned upon even in this country, in Spain it’s officially illegal. Driving in those classic summer sandals is classed as dangerous, making it a punishable offence. If caught, you’ll be faced with an on-the-spot fine of 200 euros, so swapping your footwear for something more suitable is advisable to avoid the flip flop fine. 

Check for bodies in Denmark 

This isn’t as sinister as it initially sounds; motorists in Denmark are required to check under their cars before starting a journey. This rule is actually in place to ensure children and animals aren’t concealed beneath the vehicle, which is rather sensible for everyone’s sake.  

Keep your car squeaky clean in Russia 

We’re all guilty of having a mucky motor at some point or another, but in Russia, a dirty car could break the law. Winter weather in Russia can cause havoc by generating a great deal of dirt and grime build up out on the roads, so vehicles are required to be kept clean to maximise visibility and therefore keep everyone as safe as possible. 

Create space for animals in Africa

Think Zebra crossing, but it applies to every animal; in Africa, if an animal prevents you from proceeding on your journey, you’re legally obliged to wait for it to get out of the way. As you can imagine, the animal population in Africa is both vast and important, so motorists take a back seat when it comes to priority on the roads. 

Save the car clean in Switzerland 

Here’s another law that relates to the cleanliness of your vehicle; this time, in Switzerland. Cleaning your car on a Sunday is a big no-no in this European country, and this comes from the religious roots of this day of the week. This is time that could be spent at church, and therefore you must utilise any other of the six days to keep your car looking its best. 

No wild waving in Australia 

Down under, having your hands or arms out of the car window is actually illegal, unless you’re doing it in order to signal something to other drivers. This is due to the safety implications of allowing limbs to stray from the security of the vehicle. The unfortunate circumstances that lead to this law don’t bear thinking about! 

Road rationing in the Philippines

Motorists in the Philippines are only allowed to drive on certain days of the week, and what day that is depends on the number that the car’s registration ends in. The law is in place in an effort to reduce congestion, and therefore pollution.

Pop a top on in Thailand 

It’s important not to get carried away in the warm weather when you’re behind the wheel in Thailand - it’s actually illegal to drive shirtless! Covering your top half when you’re driving is required by law, and failing to do so could land you with a rather hefty fine. 

Dogs don’t go on roofs in Alaska 

This seems pretty obvious, right? But in Alaska, it’s illegal, in case you needed an official deterrent from securing man's best friend to the top of your car. The back of pickup trucks are still a suitable place for a pooch to travel; just keep them off the roof! 

Wee by the wheel in the UK 

The UK isn’t without its own weird and wonderful driving laws, and this one might just be one of the strangest; urinating in public is illegal here in Britain unless you’re doing so by the rear of the car with one hand on the wheel. Is there a reason for this? Of course not! 

If you’re planning on driving anywhere in the world, it’s always a good idea to get yourself acquainted with the local rules of the road. Most will be mundane and familiar, but as we’ve learnt above, you can never be too sure!