Traffic rules and laws are essential, and there’s usually a reason behind their establishment. However, some can be pretty weird, outlandish, and outdated with the world as we know it.

As such, we’ve compiled some of the weirdest automotive laws we could find from across the globe.

1. Keep Your Headlights on in Italy

In Italy, drivers must always keep their headlights on, even during the day. Interestingly, Italy is not the only country that has this rule.

If you’re traveling to Sweden and certain Scandinavian countries, this rule is also implemented there. It ensures that others can easily see your car on the road.

2. No Drunks in the Front Seat in Serbia

We’re all familiar with the don’t drink and drive rule, but Serbia takes it up a notch. Here, drunk passengers aren’t even allowed in the front seat.

When you think about it, the rule does make sense since a drunk passenger could distract the driver and cause them to get into an accident. So, they should remain in the back.

3. Don’t Run Out of Gas on the Autobahn

The Autobahn highway in Germany is known for not having a speed limit and as a highway where stopping is prohibited. Even if you run out of gas on the Autobahn, you’ll be fined for negligence if you stop.

As such, remember to check your gas levels before heading out on the highway.

4. No Honking in Austria

This rule specifically applies to Vienna or anywhere near hospitals. The latter is for obvious reasons since honking near hospitals disturbs the peace.

If you’re in danger in Vienna, you should use your horn. However, if you do it for other reasons, you’ll get dirty looks and a fine in no time.

5. Driving on Specific Days in the Philippines

Depending on the last number on your license plate, you can only drive on certain highways on certain days. Plates ending in 1 or 2 are allowed on Mondays; Tuesdays are for 3 and 4; Wednesdays are for 5 and 6; Thursdays are for 7 and 8; and Fridays are for 9 and 0.

This interesting rule is implemented to reduce traffic congestion on the road, and in some ways, it works.

6. Mandatory Breathalyzers in France

Breathalyzers are typically used when police pull you over to check if you’re intoxicated while driving. But in France, every driver must have one in their vehicle. This is so drivers can check their intoxication levels and know better than to drive in an inebriated state.

This law was abolished in 2020, but it’s still recommended that people have one, anyway.

7. Let the Animals Go First in South Africa

South Africa is home to a variety of wildlife, and the country’s respect for animals is reflected in its traffic laws.

In this country, animals and their herders have the right of way when crossing the road. The herder does need to wave a red flag during the daytime or have a red light during the nighttime to indicate the crossing, though. 

8. Nothing in Your Lap in New Zealand

If you’re driving in New Zealand and have your child, a package, or a dog on your lap, move them somewhere safe or risk getting fined. This is to avoid any incidents caused by a distracted driver with these things in their lap.

Children and animals are safer in the back seat, in proper restraints or seats, anyway.

9. Keep Everything in the Vehicle in Australia

When driving in Australia, you cannot stick your head out the window to feel the summer breeze or even hang your arm out the side of your car.

Their law states that all your body parts must remain within your vehicle unless you’re the driver giving hand signals. The reason is that it is dangerous, and you could lose a limb doing so.

10. No Driving Blindfolded in Alabama

It’s a pretty obvious rule that anyone with common sense would understand, but you’d be surprised how many people have tried driving blindfolded.

Alabama decided to take action and make it a law after a person attempted it once. It’s honestly a smart move that all the other states should make.

11. Don’t Tie Your Dog to Your Car Roof in Alaska

Aside from the obvious point of animal abuse and cruelty, you should never tie a dog to the roof of your vehicle in Alaska. If you do, you’ll be fined.

Keep your dogs in the car where they’re safe and warm. This goes for all furry friends, not just dogs.

12. Fire Safety is Important in Bulgaria

Fire extinguishers are mandated for every car in Bulgaria and should be easily accessible at all times.

Other countries that have implemented this safety rule include Belgium, Turkey, Poland, and Greece. You never know when you might need a fire extinguisher, and cars catch fire, too.

13. Clean Your Car Before Driving in Russia

Russians typically store their cars during winter months since they get little use out of them. That means their cars get dusty and dirty, and pests may decide to take up residence inside the vehicles.

Russia passed a law that vehicles must be clean and pristine, or you will be fined.

14. Check Under Your Car Before Driving in Denmark

In Denmark, it’s mandatory to check under your car for someone hiding or lying under it. The origin of the law is a little murky. 

This is an actual law, but realistically, only a few people follow it these days. However, it is concerning if you do find someone randomly lying under your car.