Zany Driving Laws from Across the Globe

You might think that the United States has some crazy laws, and you’d be right. However, if you’re looking for the most insane driving laws, you need to branch out and explore the rest of the world. We’re going to talk about a handful of traffic laws from places like Russia and Costa Rica, so you can get a real idea of just how weird these things go. First stop, Russia.

Russia

In Russia, you want to keep a pristine, clean vehicle at all times while you’re out on the road driving. Why? Because in Russia, you can be fined just for driving a dingy, dirty vehicle. The fines go all the way up to 2,000 rubles so spend that cash on an auto wash and save yourself from penalties that might be much more.

Costa Rica

In a lot of countries, it’s illegal to drink while you drive. In Costa Rica, this is not the case. You can drive your heart out with a brew in one hand and the steering wheel in the other. However, if you get pulled over, and you’re drunk, you’ll be headed to lockup. So, drink if you must, but if you hit the drunk stage, you may be in trouble anyway.

Cyprus

While drinking is legal in Costa Rica, in Cyprus you can’t drink. Or eat. That’s right. Grabbing a Big Mac and a Diet Coke, then eating as you drive is illegal. You can end up with a hefty fine. So grab dinner if you must, but take it home to consume it unless you want to end up with an empty pocket.

Japan

Another drinking-related rule, this one courtesy of Japan. Riding with a drunk driver in this country is illegal. Of course, it’s not a very good idea to let an inebriated driver haul you around anyway, so the penalty on top of it should keep you safe and out of trouble. This is one law that’s not worth breaking.

Sweden

In the United States, it would seem strange to watch every motorist go by with their headlights on. In Sweden, it’s required by law. This even applies in June, when the sun never sets in some areas of the country. Better safe than sorry seems to be the thinking for this one.

France

In France, it is required for drivers to carry a breathalyzer kit in their car (or motorcycle). That should make it easy to determine if you’re okay to drive home after a drink at the pub. Those who don’t have one initially were required to pay a fine, but that seems to have fallen by the wayside. The law still stands, though.

And there you have it, some crazy driving laws from across the world. Sure, the United States has plenty of its own, but it’s always interesting to see things from another perspective. Now, don’t forget your breathalyzer in France and don’t eat your nuggets on the way home in Cyprus.