With summer well underway, many travellers will be heading off on their holidays, which may involve some driving across foreign roads. However, some countries have unusual driving laws, which if broken can result in hefty fines.
One thing you don't want while you're on holiday is more money to go down the drain on something that is completely avoidable.
Thankfully, the experts at Drive South Africa have researched some of the most obscure driving rules from popular road trip destinations around the world.
We have listed 11 of the most unusual road rules from places like Thailand, Spain, France and more for you below. Read on to find out more.
America
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 (£196) for leaving your car door open for an excessive amount of time.
Driving in a bathrobe in California
Yeah, this one isn't a joke, you definitely read it 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, mind stick your clothes back on!
Spain
Driving barefoot, in heels, flip-flops, or without a shirt on
Driving in any of the above attire in Spain, could cost you up to €200 (£170) if you get caught.
So, make sure you stick to trainers and stay fully clothed when driving through the Spanish scenery.
Playing loud music in 'quiet areas', like a hospital
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
Mandatory breathalyser tests
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.
Breaking down on the motorway will cost you dough
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.
They 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 (£107) to get towed.
And to add insult to injury, it can be a larger fee depending on the time or day you break down.
South Africa
Driving in convoy (following a friend) 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).
Stop for passing sheep or risk losing out
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
Driving without a top on will cost you a little or maybe a lot
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 (which is just six pounds) - and even jail time.
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
Waving out of the car 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 (£265).
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