Traffic regulations abroad: the craziest rules

Traffic regulations are country-specific, there are obviously many rules that could be described as universal, but each region of the world and country has its own specificities. You might be surprised to find out what rules are in force in countries other than your own. In this article we will discover some of the strangest rules around the world.

Switzerland

Let's start with one of our European neighbours, Switzerland. In the land of watches, bankers and chocolate, the Highway Code is very similar to the French Highway Code. But very similar doesn't mean identical and you could easily be fined at a traffic light, without even knowing why. The reason? It is very simple. In Switzerland, it is compulsory to switch off your engine when you are stopped at certain traffic lights, such as those in front of level crossings. This is an obligation that is good to know if you do not have start and stop technology in your vehicle.

If you are a HGV transporter from Marseille, loaded with seafood or foodstuffs requiring refrigeration, you are obviously not subject to this regulation, since this would lead to the cooling system being cut off and would jeopardise the preservation of the foodstuffs. So no need to call in a transport lawyers french riviera in your case, but for all others be careful, as the fine could be substantial. 

Great Britain

In the UK, apart from the fact that you drive on the left and not on the right, the rules of the road are much the same. But there is one rule that you don't need to know to protect yourself from a ticket, but it is funny and wacky nonetheless.

If you suddenly feel the urge to do your errand while on the road and without a toilet nearby, it is perfectly possible to do your business at the side of the road, but not in any way. The English have rules, you don't do things any old way, so if you want to urinate on the side of the road you have to do it next to your rear tyre and keep a constant contact with your vehicle. You are not allowed to move away from the vehicle! A very peculiar rule that is still difficult to understand across the Channel.

In the United States

With a state-by-state system, the rules in the USA are not always applicable to the whole country. In the present case, this law is only in force in the state of Kentucky and fortunately so. In Kentucky, women can wear a swimming costume while driving under two conditions: 

• They must carry a personal defence device (pepper spray)

• That they are accompanied by two police officers

Other than that, they can drive normally.