Various countries around the world have unique and sometimes unusual vehicle and traffic policies. Here are a few examples:
Japan: In Japan, it’s illegal to splash a pedestrian with rainwater when driving through a puddle. This rule is enforced to encourage drivers to be considerate of pedestrians.
Germany: Germany has a number of autobahns with stretches that have no speed limit. While this might not seem unusual, it can be a surprise for drivers from countries with strict speed limits.
India: In some Indian cities, traffic can be chaotic, with a blend of cars, bicycles, pedestrians, and even animals sharing the road. Traffic rules may not always be strictly enforced.
Sweden: Sweden has a “Vision Zero” policy, aiming to eliminate road deaths entirely. This has led to strict enforcement of speed limits and rigorous safety standards.
China: In some Chinese cities, there are designated days when you are allowed to drive your car based on the last digit of your license plate. This is an attempt to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion.
Switzerland: Switzerland has strict noise pollution laws, and this includes car horns. Honking your horn after 10 PM and before 7 AM, or in residential areas, can lead to fines.
Singapore: Singapore is known for its strict traffic regulations. Chewing gum in public, for example, is prohibited, and traffic fines can be extremely high.
Saudi Arabia: Women were not allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia until 2018 when the law changed. Now, women can drive, but there are still restrictions and some cultural norms that may affect female drivers.
Thailand: It’s illegal to drive shirtless in Thailand. The law requires drivers to be fully clothed while operating a vehicle.
Netherlands: In the Netherlands, cyclists have the right of way on most roads, even over pedestrians. This can be surprising for tourists who are not used to giving way to cyclists.
Russia: Dashcams are extremely popular in Russia due to high accident rates and insurance fraud. It’s not necessarily a policy, but it’s a unique aspect of Russian driving culture.
United Arab Emirates: Jaywalking can result in heavy fines in some cities like Dubai. Pedestrian crossings are taken very seriously, and it’s important to obey traffic signals.
