Most traffic laws make sense. We need speed limits and tough drink driving statutes. Some laws are so arcane, outdated or just plain odd that they completely defy all logic.

You’re Going To Need a Permit For That

Perhaps one of the strangest things to need permission for can be found in Bangkok, where, if you wish to change the color of your car, you’ll need to contact the Department of Land Transportation Office beforehand.

If you’re thinking about driving through Italy’s historic city centers, think again. Not only are the narrow medieval streets nearly impossible to navigate, but you’ll need a special permit to do so. Just one wrong turn without a permit can result in heavy fines.

Switzerland and Austria also have unforgiving traffic permit laws. In both countries, it’s illegal to drive on the autobahn without a special “vignette” that can be purchased at border crossings and gas stations. While Germany has permit laws as well, theirs are all in the name in saving the planet. New auto emissions standards make it illegal to drive in many city centers without an environmental sticker in the window.

They’ll Get You Coming and Going

You don’t have to travel far from home to find complicated and perplexing traffic laws. In Victoria and New South Wales, seat belt laws impose stiff fines on those who decline to wear them. That might seem reasonable enough until you consider that you can still be wearing a seat belt and incur a fine if you’re not wearing it correctly. For example, tucking the belt under your arm or reclining in your seat, even while belted, will both result in fines. However, it’s perfectly legal to travel sans seat belt if you’re reversing. But be warned, reversing down a one-way street or “further than is reasonable” will result in a fine, seat belt or no.

You’d better think twice before making a u-turn in Melbourne. Instead of turning from the right lane, you must make the turn from the far left lane. With local traffic laws like, that it’s no wonder there are such drastic differences in the market when you compare car insurance rates with an online service like Captain Compare. On the bright side, at least one-way streets always go in the same direction—in Bangkok, the direction of traffic changes depending upon the time of day.

Play the Music, Pay the Band

A Finnish court has ruled that if a taxi driver wants to play music while transporting a fare, an annual royalty fee must be paid. However, if you want to blast your tunes while you’re in your cab alone, that can be done gratis.

Getting Down and Dirty

Cleanliness is next to godliness—or at least, that seems to be the thought behind a law in Russia that makes having a dirty car illegal. But be careful in Switzerland, because while it’s a good idea to wash your car, it’s illegal to do so on a Sunday.

Move the Elephant

Finally, don’t think that just because you’re riding an elephant you’re exempt from traffic laws. In the U.S. state of Florida, if that elephant is parked by a parking meter, you will be ticketed if the meter is expired.

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