World’s most bizarre traffic rules no deterrent for Aussie drivers

THE notorious traffic jams of big American cities are no deterrent to Australian travellers, who can’t wait to test their motoring skills on the multi-lane freeways.

A view facing north over Intersate 405 freeway from the Sunset Boulevard overpass in Los Angeles, California, USA, 14/07/201...

THE notorious traffic jams of big American cities are no deterrent to Australian travellers who can’t wait to test their motoring skills on the multi-lane freeways.

Information released by travel search engine Kayak.com.au shows Los Angeles is the most popular place for Aussies to hire cars, followed by San Francisco.

A total of seven US cities made the top ten, along with Vancouver in Canada, London and Auckland.

No deterrent. LA is the top place for car hire for Australian travellers. Picture: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images/AFP

And overseas car hire is only growing in popularity with a 70 per cent increase in searches for car rental in the year to August.

“The road trip is in-built into Aussie culture, with more and more people hiring a car overseas in order to be mobile in their holiday destination,” said Kayak Asia Pacific Vice-President Debby Soo.

“But travellers should check the local laws before they go and rent a car to avoid unexpected surprises.”

Among the more bizarre driving laws in other countries, includes a ban on driving shirtless in Thailand.

Those who don’t comply may not be fined, but they are likely to be pulled over by police and ordered to cover up.

Landmark span ... The Golden Gate Bridge holds great appeal for Aussies visiting San Francisco. Picture: iStock

In Japan, drivers should beware of driving through puddles, particularly if there is a pedestrian in sight.

Splashing pedestrians is a fineable offence in Japan, despite the hazards created during monsoon season.

In the United Arab Emirates drivers must give way to camels, and Austrian traffic police are allowed to use their own judgment when writing speeding tickets — no speed camera necessary.

Other unusual rules include mandatory seatbelts for dogs in Germany and Italy, a ban on full petrol cans being carried in cars in Croatia, and restrictions on the transport of gorillas in Massachusetts. (As bizarre as it sounds, gorillas are restricted to the passenger seat only in the US State.)

Challenging. Morning traffic on San Francisco’s Bay Bridge. Picture: AP Photo/Dan/Krauss

Figures provided by the Australian Automobile Association show 230,000 Aussies are granted International Driving Permits each year.

However it is not necessary to have an IDP in most countries, with just a valid drivers licence sufficient.

China is an exception, with overseas drivers required to apply for a permit in the country, and then pass a theory test and medical exam.

Top Ten Cities for Australian Car Hire inquiries

1. Los Angeles

2. San Francisco

3. Honolulu

4. Las Vegas

5. Vancouver

6. New York

7. Seattle

8. London

9. Denver

10. Auckland