Driving is an activity we take for granted, a seemingly universal task shared by people across the globe. However, we often forget how much the rules of the road can vary from country to country. While most traffic laws are founded on common sense and safety, some might leave you scratching your head in bemusement.
The world’s highways are littered with peculiar and often surprising regulations, from banned car colors to unusual restrictions on eating and drinking while driving. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the world’s weirdest car laws, revealing ten astonishing things you can’t do on the road.
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Aftermarket Tinted Windows in the United Arab Emirates
The UAE strictly regulates the tint of car windows for safety and security reasons. The law allows only up to 30% tinting for personal vehicles and forbids it entirely for the front windshield to ensure the driver’s visibility isn’t impaired. The police and security services also need to be able to see into vehicles to deter illicit activities. Violation of these rules can lead to hefty fines.
Red Cars in Shanghai, China
Surprisingly, Shanghai once banned red cars from its city center, and they’re still heavily regulated. The reasoning behind this unusual law is due to the belief that red cars cause or attract more accidents than cars of other colors. However, statistics on car accidents involving red cars specifically are inconclusive and often contradict this belief.
Right-Hand Drive Cars in Russia
In Russia, it’s illegal to drive a right-hand drive vehicle due to safety concerns. The country, being left-hand traffic (LHT), views RHD vehicles as a safety hazard, particularly for overtaking on two-lane roads, where the driver’s view of oncoming traffic would be obscured. It’s estimated that nearly a quarter of all vehicles in Russia are RHD, most of them imported from Japan.
Radar Detectors in Switzerland
It’s illegal to own or use a radar detector in Switzerland. This rule is in place to discourage speeding and ensure road safety. In fact, Switzerland has one of the strictest speeding laws globally, with fines calculated based on the speeder’s income. Getting caught with a radar detector can lead to a hefty fine or even imprisonment.
Loud Car Stereos in Australia
In parts of Australia, loud car stereos that can be heard from more than 50 meters away are illegal. This law is meant to combat noise pollution and disturbance. Fines and penalties depend on the state, but in New South Wales, for example, fines can reach up to AUD$200.
Car Horns in some Indian Metropolises
In certain busy Indian cities like Mumbai, there are “No Honking Zones” where car horns are banned. These areas are typically near hospitals, schools, and residential buildings. This rule was implemented to reduce noise pollution, which can be extremely high in densely populated areas.
Diesel Cars in Athens, Greece
Diesel cars are banned from Athens’s city center due to concerns about air pollution. The law, introduced in 1999, aimed to combat the city’s smog problem, termed “Nefos.” Although the ban has been periodically eased during fuel crises, it generally remains in effect.
Dirty Cars in Moscow, Russia
In Moscow, driving a dirty car can earn you a fine. The law, aimed at enhancing the city’s aesthetics, mandates that license plates must be clean and fully visible at all times. While not substantial, the fine is enough of a deterrent for most drivers to keep their vehicles clean.
Cup Holders in France
In France, it’s illegal to eat or drink while driving. This law is extended to the prohibition of cup holders in vehicles, encouraging drivers to avoid distractions and focus on the road. The fine for eating or drinking while driving can be as high as EUR€75.
Bluetooth Headsets and Headphones in Spain
In Spain, any device that emits sound, including Bluetooth headsets and headphones, is illegal to use while driving. This is part of Spain’s strict distracted driving laws, aiming to reduce road traffic accidents by ensuring drivers’ auditory and visual capabilities aren’t hindered while driving. The fine for such an offense can reach up to €200.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
