While some of the laws we have in British Columbia may seem out of the ordinary, they are nothing compared to other places in the world! In today’s post we will be counting down our picks for the top 10 bizarre rules of the road from around the world.
10. Denmark
Many of the laws on this list are not strictly enforced, including in Denmark where you are required to check under your vehicle before turning it on. This is to ensure that there is no person hanging out underneath when you take off. While it’s not a law here in Canada, this is actually a good practice while doing your pre-trip/walk around. Not only can you check for people under there, but you can also check for fluid leaks or other hazards.
9. Thailand
Imagine you just finished up at the beach, you’re still a little damp and decide you might just drive home without popping your shirt back on. Don’t do that in Thailand! In Thailand, it is illegal to drive any type of vehicle without a shirt on. Police often issue tickets for shirtless driving, accompanied by a fine of a few hundred baht (approximately $10 CAD).
8. Germany
If you found the Thailand law personally offensive, you may prefer this law from Germany. It is legal in this country to drive with nothing but your shoes on! This is because vehicles are considered a personal space and private property.
7. California
Although this one may seem pretty common sense, make sure you don’t use the road as a bed in Eureka, CA. A roadside, alleyway, or sidewalk nap can get you up to a thousand dollar of fine and even up to 6 months in jail! If you feel the need to snooze, it would be a better idea to head home or to your hotel room instead.
6. Moscow
In Moscow, not only can you be fined for having a dirty car, you can also be fined for cleaning your car within the city or the country. To clean your vehicle, you need to take it to a car-washing station, often located at the edge of a city, which has led to car line-ups that have included a 3-hour wait! Some car washes take reservations days in advance to help cut down on long lines and they provide a high-end, nightclub like, experience.
5. Switzerland
Swiss law prohibits the use of a power-washer on your vehicle in Switzerland on any day due to ground water pollution concerns, from cleaning detergents. The safest choice to avoid this law would be to visit a car wash. Car washes aren’t as upscale as the ones in Moscow and are most often located in remote areas, to ensure the noise doesn’t bother anyone.
4. France
In France, it is a legal requirement to have a breathalyzer in your vehicle. Disposable breathalyzer kits are required when you drive, however there is no longer a fine imposed on those that don’t have one.
3. Maine
In South Berwick, Maine, it is illegal to park in front of Dunkin’ Donuts. Specifically, the Dunkin’ Donuts on Main Street. This is due to constantly busy traffic paired with limited space on the street. Take a look for yourself here!
2. Philippines
While the most popular version of this law is that you cannot drive on Mondays in the Philippines if your licence plate ends in a 1 or a 2, there is actually a bit more to the story! Due to the number of vehicles on the road, licence plates that end in specific numbers are not allowed to drive on specific days of the week. This helps the metro in Philippines control the amount of traffic on the road. The Unified Vehicle Reduction Commitment Program restricts licence plates ending in 1 and 2 on Mondays, 3 and 4 on Tuesdays, 5 and 6 on Wednesdays, 7 and 8 on Thursdays, and finally 9 and 0 on Fridays.
1. Alabama
The most bizarre law on this list comes from Alabama. It is legal to drive the wrong way down a one-way street. The only catch being that you have to have a lantern attached to the front of your vehicle!
Bonus! Halifax, Nova Scotia
In Halifax, Nova Scotia, taxi drivers have a strict dress code and are not permitted to wear t-shirts! According to the law, “every driver while in control of a taxi or accessible taxi shall wear a shirt or military type blouse with a collar and sleeves (no t-shirts), ankle-length trousers or dress shorts which are worn within at least three inches of the knee, socks and shoes." And you thought your school had a strict dress code!