Learn the unusual traffic laws observed in different countries!

If you’ve travelled extensively around the world, maybe you’ve rented a car in a different country. Driving outside of the US can be a daunting experience, but as long as you drive defensively and mind your surroundings, you should be able to keep you and your passengers safe. There are a few unusual laws from different countries that may make you think, “I wouldn’t have known that!”

In Japan, it is illegal to create a splash from a puddle that douses any water or mud on a pedestrian. Be careful if you’re driving after a big rain.

To reduce impaired driving in France, every driver is legally required to have a breathalyzer in their vehicle.

Driving without a top on is illegal in Thailand, regardless of whether you’re driving a car, truck, motorcycle, or moped!

Having a dirty car can get you ticketed in Moscow, Russia! In the middle of winter, it may be difficult to keep a vehicle clean, given all the snow on the roads.

Closer to home, there are a few laws that may seem unusual in Canada. Cab drivers have a dress code in Montreal: they are legally required to wear a clean, white shirt and long black pants. In Ontario, it’s illegal to race a horse or any animal on the highway. There has to be a story behind that one! Also, in Ontario, if you are driving a one-horse open sleigh, you are legally required to have at least two bells attached to the harness as a warning noise.

Some of the most unusual traffic laws come from our very own USA. In Florida, you can tie your alligator, goat, or elephant to a parking meter as long as you pay the meter for the amount of time. In Oklahoma, it is illegal to read graphic novels while you are driving. In Texas, you have to have rear tail lights fixed to the back of your horse if you intend to ride it at night on the road. Finally, in Montana, any sheep in your vehicle must be attended by a chaperone. Don’t leave those fuzzy sheep on their own! Come into Rockdale Automotive in Rockdale, IL, to learn more about crazy laws.