The Torque Talk - Episode 2

The strangest driving laws in the world

by Mandla Lubanzi

Driving laws are influenced by the cars in a particular country, the people who drive them, and the environment in which they operate. For instance, while not a regulation, but rather a recommendation, officials in some of South Africa's hostile areas advise motorists not to look under the bonnet if their vehicle breaks down. It is safer to stay in the car and phone for help than to walk down the side of the road and risk being robbed, hit, or both.

Also, unlike in most other countries, South African drivers are not required to have insurance when driving a car. As a result, approximately 70% of vehicles in the country do not have it. But it's probably a good idea: South African roads are dangerous by developed-world standards, and car theft is a major issue.



Law of potatoes !

The Marketing Act of Potatoes, passed in Australia in 1946, prohibits motorists who are not members of the Potato Marketing Corporation or one of its agents from carrying more than 110lb of potatoes. Law enforcement agents are not required to carry a scale; they may estimate the weight by glancing at the pile. Those who infringed this regulation in the 1940s faced severe fines, but there is no evidence that it is still enforced today 2019.

1 of 500 

Chinese officials limited new automobile sales by fuel type in an effort to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion. In 2019, the Beijing Transport Commission permitted 60,000 new-energy vehicles - mostly electric automobiles and 40,000 piston-powered models to enter the city's highways. Motorists enter a lottery system to win the right to buy a car; the chances of winning are approximately one in 500.

Chiem chuth

As exaggerated by the host ...

Cyprus prohibits motorists from drinking behind the wheel, even if it’s from a bottle of water. Due to the need that drivers always have both hands on the steering wheel, eating while driving is also prohibited. Additionally, Cyprus mandates that drivers always drive with their headlights on, just like many Scandinavian nations do.

Tank at F

It is unlawful to run out of fuel on Germany's Autobahn network. While pointing out that stopping on the side of a road, which frequently has no speed limit, is extremely dangerous, authorities consider running out of fuel to be a preventable issue. A run-dry fine of up to €70 (roughly £60) may be incurred.

Do not splash !

In Japan it is illegal to splash water on pedestrians. According to the law, before driving through mud or water, motorists must install mudflaps on their vehicles, slow down, and take other precautions to make sure they don't spray pedestrians.

No shirts no drivers

Thailand is hot and humid, but that's no excuse to drive without a shirt. It is illegal to drive, ride a scooter, or ride a bike without a shirt. In 2014, authorities warned sun-seeking tourists that the law also applies to them, and that going shirtless was illegal and impolite.

The camel is the boss

Camels have the right of way  in Dubai. Camels are an important symbol in Dubai and throughout the United Arab Emirates, and they are highly respected in traffic laws. If you see a camel on the road, it always has the right of way, so give them a wide path.

See you on the next, Enkosi!