Motoring-International drivinglaws

By Nadia Goldsmith

Although most driving laws are designed with safety in mind, some are more peculiar. Here are some of the strangest driving laws from around the world to intrigue you. Eating while driving – Cyprus Cyprus prohibits motorists from eating and drinking behind the wheel as they must keep both hands on the wheel at all times. Like many Scandinavian countries, Cyprus asks drivers to have their headlights on at all times. In Cyprus sneaking a snack can cost you an €85 fine. Dirty number plates – Russia You may have read it’s illegal to drive a dirty car in Russia; that’s not true. In Moscow however, motorists can get fined if their number plate is covered in dirt, salt or road grime. Personal breathalyzer kits – France Since 2013, French motorists have been required to carry an unused breathalyser in their car to test their own alcohol levels. While motorists who chose not to purchase one originally risked receiving an €11 fine, the sanction didn’t make it into the final version of the law so this law has been historically under forced with no penalty in action at present. No splashing – Japan Japanese motorists must think twice before driving through a puddle. The law states they need to have mudflaps fitted to their vehicle, reduce their speed and/or take other measures before ploughing through water or mud to ensure they don’t spray pedestrians with it. June in Japan is known for Typhoons and this is month that the enforcement of this law goes up. 24-Hour headlights – Sweden It could be the sunniest summer day but in Sweden you must keep your headlights on. Drivers are required to keep their headlights on 24 hours a day throughout the country.