Top 12 Strangest Driving Laws From Around The World

25th April 2025

The rules of the road are intentionally dry and designed to prevent traffic descending into chaos. While it might sometimes appear so, the M25 isn’t quite a scene from Wacky Races... yet. We have the Highway Code to thank for that.

But if you think those laws are universal, think again. Internationally there are a host of bizarre rulings that make the UK’s approach to road safety seem rather lax and dare we say… boring.

In this article, we’ve highlighted some of the strangest.

1. Don’t Splash Pedestrians in Japan

Driving recklessly in wet conditions and splashing passers-by is frowned upon just about everywhere but particularly in Asia. And since 1960 anyone caught doing so in Japan is actually breaking the law. Punishment generally amounts to 7,000 yen (just under £40). Ignorantly showering pedestrians with rain or mud is seen as a sign of disrespect throughout the region and Article 71 of the national Road Traffic Act officially made it an offence.

Anyone found guilty is also liable for compensation if damages are inflicted. This is likely to amount to a cleaning bill. It’s a strict ruling but one any of us on the receiving end would surely get behind.

2. Look For Children Hiding Under Cars in Denmark

Turning attentions back to Europe, Danish drivers are compelled to take extra precautions before setting off on any journey. Rigorous safety checks extend to checking underneath their car to ensure no children are hiding or sleeping undetected. While no specific name is given to this law it’s a law nonetheless and something carefully observed across the country. Designed to prevent accidents, particularly in urban areas, it’s become second nature for all Danes.

3. Don’t Park Outside Dunkin Donuts in Maine

Anybody taking to the road must memorise their fair share of Do’s and Don’ts. You can’t, for example, stop on Yellow Box Junctions or block an entrance/exit to a fire station. But in the state of Maine there is a lesser-known ruling pertaining not to emergency services but a beloved brand. This law states you can’t park outside a Dunkin Donuts. Yes, really. Surprisingly, it’s not to avoid a mass queue for pastries but, apparently, because that spot is reserved for police patrol cars. Such preferential treatment doesn’t extend to discounts as far as we’re aware.

4. Keep Your Car Clean in Russia

Next, we turn our attentions to cleanliness and two contrasting laws. In Russia, embarking on a journey with a dirty looking car is an absolute no-go. The country places great emphasis on hygiene and keeping up appearances. It’s little surprise then that should your license plate be obscured by dirt or debris you run the risk of incurring a fine of up to 2,000 rubles (roughly £30). Similar financial penalties are dished out if your stubborn refusal to visit a car wash impacts on visibility or critical safety aspects of the vehicle.

5. Don’t Wash Your Car in Switzerland (on Sundays)

So, while the Russians implore you to clean your car, this is actively discouraged in Switzerland. On Sundays at least. The Sabbath is viewed as a day of rest and sounds stemming from pressure washers obviously jar with that notion. Anti-noise pollution laws are in place and, while you are permitted to visit an automated car wash, these are deliberately scarce.

6. Colorado’s Black Car Ban (on Sundays)

The seventh day also has a bearing on driving laws in Denver, Colorado. Incredibly, it is unlawful to drive a black car on capital roads come Sundays. A ruling as perplexing as it is outdated, it’s rarely if ever enforced in 2025. There was a time however when even black hearses were out of the question for funeral processions held on that day.

7. Never Clean Your Car With Dirty Underwear in San Francisco

If you thought that strange, a little-known law from San Francisco will leave you utterly speechless. Did you know it’s forbidden to polish vehicles in the state commonly referred to as ‘The City’ with used underwear? Admittedly, the first question is why anybody would want to do so but those single-minded (or stupid) enough to contemplate it are running a risk. That’s because it’s prohibited to use unclean or unhygienic objects to clean your vehicle, as laid out by Section 694 of San Francisco’s legal code. Actual fines have been handed out. Whether that’s a good use of police time and resources is open to debate, but nobody is about to air their dirty laundry in public anytime soon.

8. Always Carry A Spare Pair of Glasses When Driving in Spain

Turning attentions to Southern Europe and Spain take visibility incredibly seriously. Up until this year, anyone who required prescription glasses to drive was expected to keep a spare pair on them (or in their vehicle) at all times. If stopped by an officer and unable to produce backup specs they would be slapped with a hefty fine.

This is no longer mandatory but if your driving license states you require glasses you must have them on you when getting behind the wheel. A €200 fine awaits those who forget.

9. Human Zebras Patrol Traffic in Bolivia

Traffic can get pretty ‘lively’ in Bolivia, nowhere more so than in the country’s capital city, La Paz. Keen to get a handle on matters, government officials got creative in a bid to enforce the rules of the road. And so from bedlam came innovation, courtesy of at-risk teens dressed as zebras. Yes, you read that correctly.

In a radical but let’s face it memorable move, La Paz Traffic Zebras (also known as Cebritas) ‘control’ traffic. It’s now a common sight to see a ‘herd’ of them reprimanding angry motorists or educating pedestrians as to how they should obey different motoring signage.

And this novel approach has certainly worked, with traffic accidents way down despite an increase in the sheer volume of cars taking to the roads. Cebritas could, in theory, prove quite irritating but in reality are hugely popular among locals. The initiative has since spread to other cities. We’re not sure of UK motorists will be quite as accommodating…

10. Don’t Drive Faster Than A Horse and Carraige in Jasper Gates, Canada

Back to North America next and a most peculiar law motorists are forced to abide by in Jasper Gates, Canada. In a throwback to simpler times, the horse and carriage rules and cars play second fiddle. So much so they’re unable to travel faster than the animal on highways. If you’re crying ‘make it make sense’ you’re not alone. The ruling was presumably established before wider adoption of automobiles and with a nod to tradition and no shortage of humour, lawmakers have never chosen to update it.

11. Never Drive Topless in Thailand

No matter how hot or humid it gets in Thailand under no circumstances should you drive topless. To do so is to disrespect customs and risk a fine. Interestingly, there is no fixed law that bans shirtless driving but traffic officers can and do intervene if they’re alerted to ‘inappropriate dressing’ or ‘public indecency’. These are both no-no’s under general traffic and conduct regulations in the country.

Wardens tend to show greater leniency to tourists in major cities such as Bangkok but penalties in the region of 500 baht (roughly £11) are unwelcome and plentiful. Public shows of affection and sunbathing naked are also frowned upon, with rising temperatures no justification.

12. Don’t Drive On Mondays in Manilla (If Your Number Plate Ends in a 1 or 2)

Finally in an effort to reduce congestion and pollution in the city of Manila, Philipino officials have stopped anybody with a number plate ending in a 1 or 2 from driving on Mondays. Not to discriminate, those who own a license plate ending in a 3 or 4 cannot take to the roads on Tuesdays.. and so on.

Only busses, motorcycles, ambulances and government vehicles are exempt. Indeed, a coding system is in place to limit the number of cars on the road at any one time. The controversial policy was first introduced in 2010 and initially helped to reduce emissions. Many now dispute its longer-term benefit however as it’s argued the restrictions have only contributed to a rise in the number of households purchasing second cars. Best intentions and all that.

So, there you have it, 12 of the most inventive and bewildering driving laws in place across the globe. Be sure to make a mental note before visiting any of these countries!

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