Strange Driving Laws Around the World

A case can be made that the rule of law is one of humanity's greatest achievements, together with art and the internet. The sharpest minds of different eras have devoted laborious effort to shaping and perfecting the laws and rules governing human societies, without which we'd no doubt be plunged into lawlessness and anarchy. And if there are some laws that make us raise an eyebrow and wonder what the person who wrote it was on during that auspicious occasion, we can but assume they meant to entertain and amuse us with their witty disregard for reality and common sense. Here are some of the world's strangest driving laws!
 

Tennessee, USA - If much like Ishmael you are bent on seeking revenge against a quasi-mystical whale, Tennessee is not the place for you. And not just because it's a landlocked state. You see, in Tennessee it's against the law to shoot whales from a moving vehicle, so if you are planning a whale-targeted drive-by, better find some other place to do it. After all, you wouldn't want to get in trouble with the law.

Alabama, USA - In the great American state of Alabama, it's illegal to drive a car blindfolded. This, of course, begs the question: isn't it everywhere? We've got to wonder, however, at the sequence of events that led to the necessity of turning this random piece of common sense into law.

Redlands, California - If you mean to drive a car in Redlands, USA, you technically need to engage the assistance of a lantern-carrying person to walk in front of the car, kind of like a modern day Paul Revere. If you tip them, you might even get them to announce every few miles or so that 'the British are coming'.

UK - Though one might be tempted to think otherwise, strange laws are not the sole province of the US, and here in the UK we also have a few bizarre laws of our own. For instance, there's a law that states that Hackney carriages must carry a bale of hay and a bag of oats at all times. So next time you hail a cab in London, make sure nothing unlawful and untoward is going on and demand to see that bale of hay!

Luxembourg - Luxembourg is big on security, and cars are forbidden to drive if they are not properly equipped with working windshield wipers. Having an actual windshield, on the other hand, is entirely optional, because reasons.

Denmark - Before you drive off with a car in Denmark, the law states that you must check under the car for any children. 'Cause apparently there's no better place for kids to read the immortal works of Hans Christian Anderson.

Beijing, China - If you're driving in Beijing and you come across a pedestrian crossing, whatever you do, don't stop! Don't even try to slow down, either, as this will get you in trouble with the law. And just imagine trying to explain to a Chinese cop that slowing down is your Pavlovian response to pedestrian crossings.

Cyprus - Cyprus is a very popular destination for tourists during the summer, and with good reason: it's sunny, the people are friendly and the beaches are amazing. You know what else Cyprus is? Extremely hot. Many countries have rules regarding drivers drinking alcohol when driving (or even before driving), good sensible laws that also exist in this charming Mediterranean island-state. However, Cyprus takes it one step further, making it unlawful to drink water behind the wheel. So if you want to remain hydrated, make sure you drink plenty of water before setting off!

Spain - Much like Alabama, Spain is also a firm believer that if you're driving, you ought to be able to see the road in front of you. And because they're familiar with Murphy's Law (which states that everything that can go wrong, will go wrong), they added a law of their own, which says that if you have to wear prescription glasses, you must carry a spare pair in the car, in case something tragic befalls the first pair, which honestly...kind of makes a lot of sense.

We hope you found this article entertaining! As always!