Weird road rules from around the world

June 17, 2020

Written by Alyssa Cordwell.

Well we’re smack bang in the middle of a global pandemic and seeing as how we can’t travel outside of QLD, I thought it would be fun to check out some of the weird and wonderful road rules from all over the world. Check out some of my favourites below:

Japan

We’ve all come across that one guy, the one who when you’re walking on a footpath decides to drive really fast through a puddle and splashes it all over you. Well in Japan that’s actually illegal. In a traditional display of Japanese courtesy, it is against the law to splash mud or water on a pedestrian. Too bad for my little bro…

China

So while being a pedestrian is really great in Japan, in China (Beijing in particular) it’s actually illegal to stop for pedestrians. So if you’re travelling through China in the coming years make sure you keep your wits about you!

Thailand

Did you know that its illegal to drive topless in Thailand? This applies to both men & women and includes all motorists whether you’re in a car, on a bike or driving a tuk-tuk. Don’t worry though, you can still drive with no pants on!

Manila, Phillipines

In Manila, you’re not allowed to drive on Mondays if your number plate ends in a 1 or 2. Sounds weird right? It’s actually called the Number Coding Scheme and it was designed to combat intense congestion in the city! Each day there is a different number range that can’t drive on the roads. So if you’re ever in Manila its best to know your number plates to avoid a fine!

United States of America

California

California could almost have a blog of its own! Did you know that all of these apply?

Its illegal to jump from a car travelling faster than 65mph (that’s 104 km/h) anything below that and you’re golden
It’s illegal for an unoccupied vehicle to travel faster than 60mph (97 km/h)
It’s illegal to buff or dry your car with used underwear
It’s illegal to drive your car in a dressing gown if you’re a woman (there goes school drop off!)
You’re not allowed to use the road as a bed (personally I prefer my naps risk free!)
It’s illegal to shoot an animal from your car (unless its a whale…)

Alabama:

Did you know that in Alabama its illegal to drive blindfolded. I mean its obviously illegal in more that just Alabama but the fact that they had to have this as its own little law is scary. We thought we’d include this in our list, you know, just in case you forget.

Alaska:

When driving in Alaska, please don’t tie your furry friend to the roof of your vehicle. We’d hate for you to get a fine!

Florida:

If you decide to tie your pet elephant to a parking metre in Florida, make sure you don’t forget to deposit money into the parking metre. Also who has a pet elephant?

I couldn’t find a picture that didn’t look cruel, so here is a photo of a cute elephant family 🙂

Massachusetts:

Similarly, in Massachusetts you’re not allowed to drive with a Gorilla in the back seat of your car. I’m pretty sure the front seat is okay though, i’m not sure – you better check that one!

Also, how incredible is the photo below!

Kentucky:

In Kentucky its super illegal for your pet to molest a vehicle.

Maine:

We all love a good donut but if you’re ever in Maine when you get your craving make sure you don’t park out the front of a Dunkin Donuts, you might get fined!

Denver, Colorado:

Did you know that in Denver its illegal to drive a Black car on Sunday’s? Too bad for anyone who owns one…

Ohio:

Its illegal to drive around the town square more than 100 times, is it just me or in any one thinking about the Malteasers ad? Hopefully there’s less than 100 Malteasers in a packet!