Crazy road rules from around the world
If you thought giving way was hard, then prepare yourself for some of the most bizarre driving rules from around the world.
Hay bales in the boot
Australia
Although repealed in 1980, it was once illegal for taxi drivers in Melbourne to drive around without a hay bale in the boot. The law was a throwback to when taxis were horse-drawn and it was a requirement to have food onboard for livestock.
Eyes on the road
Spain
Drivers in Spain are required by law to keep an extra pair of glasses in their car in case their primary pair breaks.
Fill your car up
Germany
If you run out of fuel on Germany's Autobahn you can face a six-month driving ban and up to five years in prison. Luckily, if you run out of fuel in Queensland you can call and a patrol will come to your rescue.
Cover up
Thailand
Tourists are warned that if caught travelling in a vehicle, including Tuk Tuks, in Thailand without a shirt on you can face a hefty fine.
Mind the animals
South Africa
Animals in South Africa have the same rights as pedestrians and fines may be handed out if you fail to stop for a crossing animal. Drivers can also be fined if they pull over and attempt to feed the wildlife.
Clean your car
Russia
Motorists can face hefty fines if they're driving around in a dirty vehicle. It's also illegal for residents to wash their vehicle anywhere besides their home or a car wash.
The numbers
Philippines
Depending on the last digit of your licence plate and what day of the week it is, motorists can be fined for driving their car in Manila. The unique coding system was designed to limit the number of vehicles on the road at any given time.
From 7am-8pm motorists can't drive on the roads if their licence plates end in:
- Mondays (1 or 2)
- Tuesdays (3 or 4)
- Wednesdays (5 or 6)
- Thursdays (7 or 8)
- Fridays (9 or 0)
Keep your lights on
Scandinavia
In Scandinavia it's illegal to drive without your headlights on. The law is mainly due to the lack of visibility and daylight during winter months and has led to the prominence of Daytime Running Lights (DRL) in vehicles around the world. The headlight of many Scandinavian cars come on automatically when you start the engine.
Keep your windows closed
Australia
In Queensland and Victoria it's illegal for you to leave an empty car unlocked if you're more than three meters away from it. Don't try to beat the heat by leaving your windows down.Your windows must be fully up with a gap of fewer than five centimetres or face a hefty fine.
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