20 Strange Motoring Rules Abroad to Catch British Drivers Unprepared

If you’re taking your car away with you this year, take time to research the motoring requirements of the place you’re visiting and make sure you purchase the appropriate equipment.

You’ll probably need headlamp converters if you’re driving to the continent, along with a warning triangle and reflective vest. If you’re using a satnav, be sure to deactivate the function which shows you where speed cameras are located, as in some countries, these are illegal.

In addition to the more obvious rules of the road, here's some obscure motoring laws from around the globe that could catch British drivers out:

High Viz vests

The latest research shows hundreds of British motorists have been stopped and fined by French police for not carrying a high visibility jacket in their car.

The law is designed to protect drivers who break down and was introduced in October 2008. Even drivers who carried the jackets in the boot of their car were given an on-the-spot 90 euro fine because rules state that the jackets should be stowed in the passenger compartment.

Driving abroad can be difficult enough, with motorists having to adjust to different sides of the road or foreign vehicles, let alone some strange customs.

Watch out for pedestrians in Japan

No one likes to be splashed by a muddy puddle from passing cars but in Japan this is actually illegal. In a traditional display of Japanese courtesy, it’s against the law to splash mud or water on a pedestrian.

Did you know it’s illegal to stop for pedestrians in Beijing?

In Beijing, China, the law protecting pedestrians is much less courteous. So much so that it’s illegal to stop for them; this makes crossing the road something of a hazard.

In South Africa, it’s not just pedestrians that drivers need to be aware of

Animals are given as much right to the roads as drivers with motorists facing stiff fines if they fail to slow or stop for passing herds of all sorts of livestock.

It's illegal for anyone to walk or stop a vehicle on the autobahn

If you’ve driven in Germany then you’ll know that much of the autobahn network – their equivalent of our motorway – has no speed limit. As a result it’s been made illegal for anyone to walk or stop a vehicle on the autobahn. This seems fair enough but even running out of petrol won’t cut it with German law.

Travelling topless in Thailand is a no-no

Fair enough, you might think, but this applies to men too and all motorists, whether it’s bike, car or Tuk Tuk. A small penalty can be issued if you can’t stand the heat and need to shed a layer.

Historic zones in certain Italian cities are subject to a special permit

Drivers who ignore this can face a hefty fine.

In Turkey it’s all about safety

Drivers must carry a fire extinguisher, reflective triangle and first-aid kit. Failure to do so may result in a police fine.

And now we get to the downright ridiculous

In Australia it is illegal to leave keys in an unattended vehicle
San Salvador, drunk drivers can be punished by death before a firing squad
Utah, birds have right of way on any public highway
Thailand, it’s illegal to drive a car if you’re not wearing a shirt
Alabama, it is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while driving a vehicle
France, all drivers are required to carry a breathalyser
Scandinavia, it is illegal to drive without headlights, even in daylight
Spain, if you need to wear glasses, you are required to carry an additional pair when driving
Germany, it is illegal to drive without Winter tyres at certain times of the year
Belarus, it is illegal to drive a dirty car
Spain, in some cities, cars must be parked on different sides of the road according to the day of the week
Serbia, compulsory equipment to be held by driver includes a tow bar and 3m rope
Russia, it is forbidden to pick up hitchhikers