Motorcycles are fun. But different places have different rules. Some of these rules are strange. This article looks at crazy motorcycle laws from around the world. Get ready to be surprised.

London

“It’s illegal in London to have sex on a parked motorcycle. I’d guess that it’s legal to have sex while riding, but officially when your bike is parked, you are not allowed to have sex”

Explanation

In London, it is illegal to engage in sexual activity on a parked motorcycle. This law, which dates back to World War II, specifically targets parked bikes, leaving the legality of such activities on a moving motorcycle unclear. The exact reasoning behind this law’s focus on parked motorcycles and its application only within London remains uncertain. While it’s specified that the motorcycle must be stationary, it raises the question: does this mean sexual activity could be allowed while the motorcycle is in motion? This peculiar regulation remains a quirky part of London’s legal history.

Thailand

“Even something as small as changing the handlebar grips is illegal in Thailand. They don’t enforce this, and we’re not sure how they would.”
“You’re not allowed to ride your motorcycle on a bridge or through a tunnel. Another one that they don’t enforce. “

“Even in the midst of a heatwave, you must at all time wear a shirt.”

Explanation

Thailand has some strange motorcycle laws that aren’t strictly enforced. For example, changing something as simple as the handlebar grips is technically illegal. You’re also not allowed to ride your motorcycle on bridges or through tunnels, though this rule is rarely enforced. Another odd rule is that even during a heatwave, you must always wear a shirt while riding. These laws might sound unusual, but they highlight some of the quirks in Thailand’s motorcycle regulations.

Spain

“If you are in the unlucky position that requires you to ride motorcycle with glasses, you need to have a spare set on you. If you get stopped and they see you are riding with glasses (prescription), they’ll ask to see your spare set. That goes for contact lenses as well.”

“Intercoms are also not allowed in Spain. Those handy devices that allow you to talk to your pillion or riding buddy are illegal. Because these devices can interface with your mobile phone, and that is totally illegal in Spain.”

Explanation

In Spain, there are a couple of strange rules for motorcyclists. If you wear glasses while riding, you must carry a spare set with you. If the police stop you and only see one pair, they may ask to see the backup. The same applies if you wear contact lenses. Additionally, intercoms, which let you talk to your passenger or riding partner, are also illegal. This is probably because these devices can connect to your phone, and using a phone while riding is against the law in Spain.

Germany

“The Autobahns in Germany are incredible! While many sections now have speed limits, there are still parts where you can drive as fast as you want. However, be careful not to run out of gas. If you do and need to pull over, you’ll face a fine. With plenty of gas stations along the way, it’s considered your responsibility to avoid running out of fuel.”

“In Germany, it’s against the law to ride a motorcycle with just one hand on the handlebars. This rule makes sense because it’s safer and more stable to have both hands on the bike.”

Explanation

In Germany, while you can drive as fast as you like on some parts of the Autobahn, you must be careful not to run out of gas. If you do, you’ll be fined. There are plenty of gas stations along the road, so it’s your responsibility to keep your fuel topped up. Also, riding a motorcycle with just one hand on the handlebars is illegal. This rule is in place for safety, as having both hands on the bike ensures better control.

India

‘In several parts of India, only the rider must wear a helmet. The pillion can be without one.”

Explanation

In some parts of India, only the rider of a motorcycle is required to wear a helmet. The person riding as a passenger, or pillion, is not obligated to wear one. This rule may seem unusual, but it is specific to certain regions where the focus is on the rider’s safety while not requiring the pillion to follow the same rule.

Japan

“It’s illegal to ride pillion with a biker who is drunk. Apart from that it’s stupid to do so, you will get fined if the biker is stopped.”

Explanation

In Japan, it’s illegal to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle if the rider is drunk. This rule is in place for safety reasons, as riding with an intoxicated driver can be very dangerous. If the police stop the biker, both the rider and the passenger can face fines.

Russia

“Keep your motorcycle clean or face a fine. I actually presume that the bike can be dirty as long as the license plate is readable, so they can fine you.”

Cambodia

“Ride with your headlights on during the day will result in a fine, but riding without them on at night is fine, apparently. Since most bikes come with daytime running lights now they all have to be modified so they can be turned off.”

South africa

“If a herder signals that the herd is going to cross the road, you must stop. Unless you want to ride through a herd of cows or sheep.”

UAE

“Camels have the right of way. Not that I’d hesitate one moment for not stopping before such a big and heavy animal.”

Texas

“If you are carrying a pillion, your motorcycle needs to be equipped with footpegs and a handhold”