Driving rules are usually about safety, but some are so strange that they make you wonder how they ever became law. Around the world, different countries have created some very unusual regulations for drivers. Here are some of the oddest ones still in force today.

No Dirty Cars in Japan

In parts of Japan, it is illegal to drive a dirty car. This rule is partly about respect for others and partly about safety, as grime can make number plates or lights hard to see. It also encourages good vehicle maintenance.

Switzerland Does Not Like Noise

In Switzerland, noise control is taken seriously. In some areas, drivers are not allowed to wash cars, run engines unnecessarily, or even close doors loudly late at night. Locals value peace and quiet so much that you might be fined for slamming your boot after 10 p.m.

Germany and the Autobahn Rule

Running out of fuel on the Autobahn is illegal. The logic is simple: stopping on a road where cars travel over 120 miles per hour is extremely dangerous. Drivers are expected to plan ahead and make sure they have enough fuel before joining these high-speed roads.

Thailand: Keep Your Shirt On

In Thailand, it is illegal to drive without a shirt. This applies to both men and women, and to anyone driving a car, motorbike, or even a bicycle. It is seen as a matter of public decency rather than safety.

Cyprus: No Eating or Drinking

In Cyprus, you can be fined for eating or drinking anything while driving. Even taking a sip of water or coffee is classed as a distraction. The law aims to reduce accidents caused by drivers who take their hands off the wheel.

Russia: No Muddy Cars

Driving a dirty car in Russia can also get you fined, especially if the number plate is obscured. Police use this rule mainly in large cities like Moscow to make sure registration details are always visible.

Denmark: Check Under Your Car

In Denmark, drivers are legally required to check under their car before starting the engine. The law was created many years ago when children used to play in narrow streets and could hide under parked cars. It is rarely enforced today, but it is still technically on the books.

South Africa: Watch Out for Animals

If you hit a herd animal on a road in South Africa, you must report it immediately. Failure to do so can lead to criminal charges. With so much wildlife near rural roads, this law helps protect both animals and drivers.

Costa Rica: Drinking While Driving

In Costa Rica, it is technically legal to drink alcohol while driving as long as your blood alcohol level remains below the legal limit. It is one of the most unusual laws in the world, and even though it exists, most drivers know better than to take the risk.

Spain: Bring a Spare Pair of Glasses

If you wear glasses in Spain, you must carry a spare pair when driving. The idea is to make sure drivers are not left stranded if their glasses break. It may sound unnecessary, but it is enforced and fines are possible for those who forget.

The Philippines: Number Coding Days

In Manila, drivers cannot use their cars on certain days depending on the last number of their license plate. The rule was introduced to reduce congestion and pollution, but it can be confusing for visitors who do not know which day their number applies.

Alaska: Be Kind to Animals

In Alaska, it is illegal to tie a dog to the roof of your car. This might seem obvious, but it is a rule designed to prevent cruelty and protect pets during extreme weather.

Different Roads, Different Rules

These strange laws show just how varied driving customs can be around the world. Some have good reasons behind them, while others seem outdated or overly cautious. Either way, they remind us that driving is not just about following the rules of the road, but also about understanding local culture and expectations.

If you ever drive abroad, it is worth reading up on the local traffic laws before you go. It might save you from a fine, a confused look, or even an awkward conversation with a police officer who insists you keep your shirt on.