Quirky driving rules from around the world
Caeva O'Callaghan | February 4th, 2016
It’s probably safe to assume that just about every driver in Ireland knows the rules of the road, which include yielding to traffic coming from the right at roundabouts and not drink-driving or smoking with children present in the car. However, our driving rules are quite dull compared to those of certain countries:
· In Denmark, the law states that you must check for children hiding underneath your vehicle before you drive off.
· In Alaska, it’s illegal to tie a dog to the roof of your vehicle, and it is illegal to shoot whales from your car in Connecticut.
· While drink-driving laws apply universally, in Macedonia you’re not even allowed to sit in the front passenger seat if you’re ‘visibly under the influence of alcohol.’ In Japan, you’ll be prosecuted if you are a passenger in a car where the driver is intoxicated.
· In many countries, honking your horn is part and parcel of driving etiquette. Don’t try this in the UK, where horns are banned at night and in urban areas.
· In many states in the USA, you are allowed to turn right on a red stop light. In Sweden, you must leave your vehicle lights on any time you drive, even on a sunny summer’s day.
· Bulgaria demands that you wash your car as you enter the country. In Costa Rica, it is obligatory to have your car fumigated before you’re allowed in. And if you try to wipe your car in a car wash with used underwear in San Francisco, you are breaking the law.
· If you wear prescription glasses, and you are driving in Spain, you must carry a spare pair in your car – or face a fine. In Israel, it is the law to carry a hi-viz jacket for use if you break down.