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Outdated, perplexing and straight-up strange traffic laws exist in cities and towns across the world. While locals and even law enforcement officials often don't know that the odd rules exist, cops in some locales use obscure edicts to milk maximum money out of clueless tourists. To avoid paying a fine or landing in a Southeast Asian jail, abide by the bizarre regulations below:
1. Fear the Females
In Memphis, New Orleans and the whole state of Alabama, it's illegal for a woman to drive without a man walking or running in front of the vehicle waving a red flag to warn approaching pedestrians and drivers. Since the likelihood of a fine for this infraction is low, and the chance that your girlfriend will run you over if you try to enforce the rule is extremely high, we suggest risking the fee. -
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2. You Spray, You Pay
Spraying a pedestrian with muddy water during or after a rain or snowstorm can land you a $65 fine in Japan, where both politeness and fashion are taken very seriously. -
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3. You Spray, You Don't Pay
While the Brits may claim to be more civilized than Americans, they're the ones with a law that permits urinating in public. Men who've got to drain the lizard but aren't near a loo can do so in the street as long as they keep their right hand on their car and spray directly onto a rear wheel. -
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4. Don't Run on Empty
If you plan on cruising the Autobahn in Germany, be sure to fill up beforehand, because running out of gas can result in a hefty fine and a lot of people flipping you the bird. -
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5. No Drive-Bys
In sunny California, it's illegal to shoot at wild game from a moving vehicle, unless of course you're aiming for a whale. Just don't sell the endangered marine animal's meat. Doing so can result in a $200,000 fine and a year in federal prison. -
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6. A Squirrel a Day
Save money on date-night dinners by moving to West Virginia, where it's totally cool to scrape road kill off the street and cook it up for friends and fam. What gal wouldn't love a guy who cooks a mean raccoon? -
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7. The Road to Perdition
If you're caught driving in Vietnam without a country-issued Vietnamese driver's license, you can be sent to prison for up to three years. Think that's steep? Cause any sort of accident while driving without a license and they'll put you away for as long as a decade. -
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8. G-Rated Rage
If someone cuts you off in Rockville, Md., stifle the urge to curse the perpetrator out. Swearing from a vehicle is considered a misdemeanor. If you must scream obscenities, pull over and step away from the vehicle. -
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9. Yield for Yaks
Failing to pull over for herders and their animal crew could stick you with a hefty fine in South Africa. Speeding past a gaggle of goats could cost you upwards of $500. -
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10. Doggy Style
We're not sure what happened to prompt this law, but if your dog gets freaky with someone's tailgate lights or trailer hitch in Fort Thomas, Ky., you'll be fined and your dog will be labeled a motor-vehicle molester.