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Country Specific Laws Every Traveller Should Know

When you travel you are often so immersed in the new country and culture you completely forget about knowing and following the country’s laws.  Most major laws are pretty consistent country to country, don’t steal, kill or litter but you would be surprised by some of the more unusual laws that many European Countries have.  Better to be safe that sorry and stay on the right side of the law, luckily, our friends at News.com.au have uncovered the main ones.

Germany

If you have a need for speed, you’ll feel right at home on the European autobahn. These motorways are unlike anything you’ve ever driven before, where drivers maintain an average speed of 130km hour.

Run out of fuel however and an empty tank will be the least of your problems. You could get whacked with a hefty fine, a confiscated license and in some cases (where a life has been endangered), a 5 year prison sentence. So do yourself a favour and make sure you’ve topped up before you hit the road.

Spain

The Spanish are known for their laid back and easy going ways, except when it comes to swimming attire. In a bid to limit public ‘nudity and partial nudity’, Barcelona brought in a law in 2011 to ban swimming attire being worn in public places that were not the beach, swimming pool or adjacent walks.

Be prepared to be hit with a $500 fine if caught wandering the streets in your swimmers. Not to mention, they’re also not too keen on your wearing flip flops while driving.

Switzerland

If you’re planning a driving holiday through the Swiss countryside, it’s best you brush up on your road rules. First and foremost, make sure you’re on the right side of the road — literally — traffic flows on the right side in Switzerland.

If your winding your way up a mountain, cars coming down the hilly road are required to give way to cars going up the hilly road. And before you go putting a fellow driver in their place, don’t forget it’s illegal to honk your horn after dark.

Italy

Spent the day touring Rome and Venice and are ready to put your feet up and tuck into some gelato? Think twice before resting up at the Trevi fountain or on the steps at St Mark’s Square. A Roman ordinance prohibits eating and drinking at the city’s historic, architectural or historical treasures to protect the landmarks from damage.

You’re not the only one missing out. The pigeon’s in Venice have been looking a bit thin since a law was introduced against feeding the birds at St Mark’s Square.