Wearing a bikini? Carry a weapon

 

Kentucky is a landlocked state in the US, but it has its share of beaches and public swimming pools. Women are allowed to wear a swimsuit while driving, but only if they are carrying a weapon for self-defence. Failing that, they must be accompanied by two police officers, according to travel search website Kayak.co.uk.

 

No clothes, no problem

 

Those who enjoy feeling the wind in their hair may want to head to Germany, where a car counts as a 'private space'. That means nude¹ driving is permitted by law. However, a driver runs the risk of losing their insurance coverage² if he or she is involved in a crash while driving barefoot.

 

Hold on when nature calls

 

Drivers in England who can't make it to the next service station when they need to use the loo can relieve themselves at the roadside without penalty. But there's a catch. They can only urinate on the side of the road if they are beside the car's rear tyre and have their right hand touching³ the car.

 

Gorillas⁵ in the passenger seat

 

Another quirky traffic law in the US comes from the state of Massachusetts, where gorillas are allowed to travel in a car. However, they can only ride in the passenger seat. Drivers face a fine if they allow a gorilla⁴ to ride in the backseat.

 

Buckle⁶ up your pup

 

Drivers who take their dog on a road trip in Italy are required to fasten their canine⁷ companion's seatbelt. In Germany, dogs and other pets are considered cargo⁸. While there is no safety belt rule, pets must be protected against slipping and falling in the vehicle.

 

Yield for camels

 

Camels are a common sight in the United Arab Emirates and they have priority when they are out on the roads. They are always given the right of way in thoroughfares.

 

Insurance against nature

 

With volcanoes and hot springs, Iceland is a popular country for a road trip. But half of the island is only accessible by four-wheel drive and the weather can be unpredictable. Local car hire agencies recommend taking out insurance for potential damage from volcanic⁹ ash or extreme wind.

 

Top up your tank

 

For safety reasons, drivers in Croatia are prohibited from having a full petrol can in the car. A spare set of headlight bulbs is a legal requirement. The same law applies in the Czech Republic.

 

Speeding tickets in Austria

 

In speed zones of 30km/h or less, traffic police in Austria use their own judgment¹⁰ to estimate the speed of a car. Their 'trained speeding eye' means drivers may be at risk of a speeding ticket even if there is no speed camera in sight. Depending on the officer's guess, the driver may receive a ticket even if they are travelling under the posted limit.

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