Driving on the left side of the road or converting the speed limit from kilometers to miles per hour is challenging enough. But in some places, you have a whole host of weird traffic laws to contend with, too. Here are 10 crazy laws that could really drive you mad!
Have a Beer While Driving in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, you can drink an alcoholic beverage while driving -- as long as you don't get drunk. Sipping a beer with one hand and navigating the windy and treacherous roads of Costa Rica with the other? Totally legal. Driving with a blood-alcohol level of more than 0.75 percent? You're going to jail. We'll stick to water while we're behind the wheel, thanks.
Don't Eat While Driving in Cyprus
In Cyprus, eating or drinking (even water) while driving is illegal. That's right, grabbing a quick snack at a drive-through and chowing down while driving with your knees will net you an €85 fine. And don't even think about taking a sip of that soda!
Keep Your Car Clean in Russia
Better keep your car looking shiny and clean if you're in Russia, as driving a dirty car can get you fined up to 2,000 rubles (about $57 according to XE.com).
Don't Run Out of Gas on Germany's Autobahn
Make sure you have enough fuel in your tank to accommodate your inner speed demon on the world-famous Autobahn. If you run out of gas and have to pull over, you're breaking the law. It's illegal to stop unnecessarily on the Autobahn, and running out of fuel is considered unnecessary, since it could have been avoided.
Carry an Extra Pair of Glasses While Driving in Spain
Anyone with a Mr. Magoo-esque prescription for thick spectacles will understand the reasoning behind this law. In Spain, those who require vision-correcting glasses in order to drive must keep a spare set in their car at all times.
Use Your Headlights 24 Hours a Day in Sweden
When in Sweden, don't honk at passing motorists whose headlights are on in broad daylight -- they're legally required to keep them on 24 hours a day. Yes, even in the month of June when, in certain parts of the country, the sun never sets.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Breathalyzer) in France
Did that last drink at the bar put you over the limit for driving home? If you're following the law in France, you should be able to find out easily -- drivers are required to carry a breathalyzer kit in their vehicle (or motorcycle). Originally, drivers who didn't have one were required to pay a fine of €11, but enforcement has been delayed indefinitely.
Don't Ride with a Drunk Driver in Japan
If you're sober, why would you ever get in a car that has an intoxicated driver behind the wheel? In Japan, besides risking your life, you're also risking legal trouble -- sober passengers in the car with a drunk driver can be punished under the law.
Don't Shake Your Fist at Other Drivers in Cyprus
As tempting as it is to flip off or shake your fist at an annoying driver, you'd better keep both hands on the wheel in Cyprus. Drivers who unnecessarily raise a hand from the steering wheel can face fines -- although we argue that making obscene gestures at bad drivers is sometimes required for our mental health.
Don't Drive Blindfolded in Alabama
We'd love to hear the story around why this law was created. In Alabama, it's illegal for people to drive while blindfolded. So much for proving you know your route so well you could get there blindfolded!
--By Caroline Morse
Read the original story: 10 Crazy Driving Laws Around the World by Caroline Morse, who is a regular contributor to SmarterTravel.