Wacky Driving Rules Across Europe
by Aoife-Jayne Hennessy | 1 min read July 20th, 2020
There are a number of weird and wacky driving laws, rules, and regulations in various EU countries. We’ve pulled together just a few that you might not have known!
Cyprus
You can be fined €25 for reversing unnecessarily.1
Belgium
The side of the street which drivers may park on changes every half-month, and is chosen based on even or odd house numbers.2
Finland
Drivers must have their headlights turned on at all times, even during the day.3
France
Up until 2020, drivers were required to keep their own disposable Breathalyzer kit in the car.4
Republic of Ireland
Drivers of horse-drawn vehicles must carry a lamp on the right-hand side of the vehicle at night which shows a white light in front and a red light in back.5
Portugal
If you wear glasses, you are required to carry a second back up pair at all times.6
Slovenia
You must put your hazard lights on when reversing.7
Spain
You can be fined up to €200 for driving in flip flops.8
Sources
1. https://cyprusdriving.net/traffic-laws-offences-fines-and-points/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternate-side_parking
3. https://www.visitfinland.com/article/driving-in-finland/#12718789
4. https://www.thelocal.fr/20200108/france-to-finally-scrap-law-obliging-drivers-to-keep-breathalysers-in-cars
5. https://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Road%20Safety/Horse_Safety/RSA_Horse_road_safety_booklet.pdf
6. https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/country/portugal/
7. https://www.theaa.com/~/media/the-aa/pdf/touring-tips/slovenia.pdf?la=en
https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/547-guardia-civil-to-use-own-discretion-to-fine-flip-flop-drivers.html
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