11 obscure driving rules you need to know before going on your first road tripI
Cropped photo of a male hand opening the door of a black car while standing outdoors. Close up. Transportation
Driving abroad can be pretty terrifying, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. According to a recent RAC report1, 76% of British drivers feel nervous about driving abroad. And with so many lesser known rules and regulations, there’s no wonder we’re scared to drive in a brand new country.
If you’re planning on driving in a new country for the first time this summer, it’s a very good idea to get clued up on the driving laws in that specific country before getting behind the wheel, or risk coming home with a hefty fine.
To help drivers get more clued up, expert car rental providers, Drive South Africa, have researched some of the most obscure rules from some of the most popular road trip spots across the world.
Andre Van Kets, Director at Drive South Africa comments: “Remember, millions of people successfully drive abroad every year. It’s okay to feel nervous but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the trip.
“Taking the time to get clued up on the driving laws, border crossings and road signs of the country you’re visiting will save you a lot of hassle and in some cases money. There are plenty of online resources, guidebooks, and apps that can help, specific to the country you’re visiting.”
America
1. Leaving your car door open in Oregon
In Oregon, whether you’re loading or unloading people or cargo from your vehicle, you’ve got to be quick about it. You can actually receive a Class D traffic violation, and be fined up to $250 for leaving your car door open for an excessive amount of time.
2. Driving in a bathrobe in California
Yep, you read correctly. Antiquated California state laws prohibit women from driving while wearing a bathrobe. So if you need to nip out after you’ve had a shower, make sure you get fully dressed first…
Spain
3. Driving in flip flops, barefeet, heels, or with no shirt on
Driving in any of the above attire in Spain, could cost you up to €200 euros if you get caught. So, make sure you stick to trainers and stay fully clothed when driving through the Spanish scenery.
4. Playing loud music in front of a hospital or in ‘quiet areas’
Some areas in Spain are designated ‘quiet ones’ for example, near a hospital. Violation of this rule could cost you up to a huge £3,000 depending on the noise level. Each district determines the decibel limit, so be sure not to crank that road trip playlist up too loudly.
France
5. Mandatory breathalysers
It can be very tempting whilst driving through the epicentre of cheese and wine to sample some of the finest local tipples you come across in France. However, to stay on the right side of the law, it’s mandatory for all motorists to carry a breathalyser with them. Whilst it’s unlikely you’ll receive a fine for not carrying one, it’s a risk you definitely don’t want to take.
6. Breakdown motorway fees
Motorways in France are privately owned, so if you break down on them, you’ll need to use an emergency phone to contact the operator’s recovery team, who will tow you to a safe area, where you can call for breakdown assistance. But, because the roads are private, you’ll need to pay a fee of at least €126 to get towed, and it can be a larger fee depending on the time or day you break down.
South Africa
7. Driving in convoy, on a weekend
If you’re following a friend who is driving in front, you need to be careful in South Africa. According to the AARTO Act (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences), driving in convoy (on a weekend) could see you fined R500 (£20).
8. You must stop for passing sheep
It’s the law in South Africa to slow down or stop for passing herds of livestock such as cows and sheep. If you’re planning to drive the popular Garden Route on the Western Cape, be very careful to look out for livestock, as this is one of the most common farming spots in the country.
Thailand
9. Driving topless
As tempting as it must be in that spicy heat with temperatures reaching 40° C in summer months, you’ve got to keep your clothes on in Thailand. If the police spot you driving without a top on, you can expect a fine of up to 300 Thai Baht and even jail time.
10. Driving without a full printed licence
It’s important to make sure you not only have a digital version, but also a printed version of your full driving licence when driving through Thailand, or you could face fines of up to 50,000THB (£1,000).
Australia
11. Waving out of the window
Being too friendly whilst driving in Oz could come at an eye watering cost. It is illegal across all states in Australia to drive with any body part outside of your vehicle, so if you spot a friend whilst behind the wheel, be sure to give them a subtle nod, rather than a wave. This lesser known rule could set you back $337.
