10 of the World’s Strangest Traffic Laws (10 Photos)

In Austria, police officers can fine you for speeding by estimating your speed completely by eye—no radar required. In China, tourists holding an international driver’s license can’t hit the road until they pass a written exam and obtain a local permit. And in the US, if you happen to be traveling with a gorilla, it can only ride in the front passenger seat... BigPicture counts down ten of the world’s weirdest traffic laws.







Driving in a Swimsuit

In Kentucky, USA, women are only allowed to drive in a swimsuit if they carry a weapon for self-defense... or are escorted by two police officers.





Driving Nude

Germany is notoriously relaxed when it comes to behind-the-wheel attire. Since your vehicle is considered private property, you are technically allowed to drive completely naked. Barefoot driving is also permitted, though motorists are advised to wear sensible footwear—getting into an accident while driving barefoot could void your insurance payout.



Resting a Hand on the Car...

If nature calls and the nearest rest stop is miles away, drivers in England can legally pull over to relieve themselves—provided they follow one bizarre rule: they must stand near the rear of the vehicle and keep their right hand resting on the car.



Mother Nature vs. Your Car

Road-tripping through Iceland means preparing for Mother Nature at her most unpredictable. Rental cars often require insurance coverage for unusual hazards like volcanic ash and extreme gale-force winds. What's more, the rugged terrain in certain parts of the country makes four-wheel drive strictly mandatory.



Seatbelts for Dogs

If you're road-tripping through Italy with your four-legged friend, make sure they are buckled up with a pet seatbelt. In Germany, dogs are legally classified as "cargo"—and while seatbelts aren't explicitly required, pets must be secured so they won't fly forward during sudden braking.



No Foreign Licenses Allowed

Think passing your driving test and brushing up on local road rules is enough to let you drive anywhere in the world? Think again—at least if you're visiting China.

Driving in China as a foreigner is no walk in the park. Holders of an International Driving Permit must apply for an official Chinese driving permit before getting behind the wheel. That involves passing a written test on local traffic regulations and completing a lengthy application process. Since it can be a major hassle for short-term visitors, most tourists skip the red tape entirely and opt for taxis, public transit, a rented car with a local driver, or a bicycle.



Yield to Camels...

In the UAE, camels are highly valued symbols of status and culture. That respect extends directly to the roads: camels always have the absolute right of way.



No Spare Gas Cans

For safety reasons, carrying spare gas cans in your vehicle is strictly illegal in Croatia and the Czech Republic. On the flip side, motorists there are legally required to carry a spare set of headlight bulbs at all times.



In Minnesota, USA, Gorillas Can Only Ride Shotgun

If the primate is caught riding in the back seat, the driver faces a fine.



In Austria, Police Can Fine You for Speeding Just by Eyeballing It

Austrian traffic officers undergo specialized training to visually judge a vehicle's speed. They are legally allowed to issue speeding tickets based purely on sight in zones where the speed limit does not exceed 30 km/h.