In Turkmenistan, a country sandwiched between Iran, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, drivers cannot choose the color of their cars. The president chooses them for them. After the first ban on the import of black cars into Turkmenistan in 2015, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov banned the use of black cars in the capital of the country, Ashgabat, since January 2018. The "wrong" cars were confiscated by the police because, according to the president of the country, around whom the cult of personality has grown, they do not bring good luck - only white cars can do it.
Berdymukhamedov is generally a well-known lover of white, living in a white palace and traveling in white limousines. His color habits put a huge financial burden on the owners of black cars, who were forced to pay to repaint them in silver or white. The only one who was satisfied was the paint shops: the new rules helped them earn twice as much as usual. Federal order immediately raised prices at local auto repair shops from $ 500 for a complete repainting to $ 1,000. And this is in a country with an average salary of $ 300.
While the latter requirement caused quite a stir, such prohibitions are not new. In addition to outlawing black cars, government officials have previously limited engine displacement, banned tint windows, registered license plates and women driving - the latter were accused of most car accidents, and therefore denied the right to driving. The citizens of Turkmenistan find themselves in a difficult position because of absurd innovations, and we can understand their discontent.
Have you ever wondered what you will do if one day you wake up and find that your local authorities have introduced a similar law?
Strange rules from all over the world
The history of Turkmenistan's ban on black cars is a prime example of the arbitrary rule-setting that autocrats enjoy while citizens fail to understand their rationale. All countries are different, and so are the laws. Sometimes they border on utter absurdity, and sometimes they point to important cultural values that may differ from our own. In Switzerland, for example, it is forbidden to slam the door of a car, and in Costa Rica it is perfectly acceptable to drink alcohol while driving - provided that you do not drink too much. One of our favorite taboos is that camel riding on the highway is outlawed in Nevada and could lead to animal arrest!
Here are some other bizarre decrees from around the world.
1. In Japan, motorists are prohibited from splashing pedestrians. Splashing a puddle, intentionally or accidentally, can get you into trouble. This rule is not only Japanese - it is valid in many countries. But there is also something unique: for example, in Japan, it is forbidden to ride in a taxi with a drunk driver. You risk not only your life, but you can also break the law - sober passengers are ruthlessly fined along with drunken drivers.
2. In Thailand, it is forbidden to drive a car half-naked (topless). If caught, fined on the spot.
3. In California, it is forbidden to jump out of a car at speeds over 100 km / h. It looks impressive in Hollywood stunts, but in reality it is very dangerous. Driving in robes is also prohibited. Housewives, heed the warning before you drink milk in the morning and take your child to school without changing clothes.
4. In Milford, Massachusetts, peeping into car windows is prohibited. The law was passed to reduce the number of crimes involving breaking windows and hijacking cars.
5. In the UK you can't urinate on the street - bear with it until you find a toilet. But the old law still applies - according to it, it is permissible if you are behind the car and touch it with your hand.
6. Snacks while driving are prohibited in Cyprus. While chewing as you go, look around - you are breaking the law if you are caught eating or drinking while driving in Cyprus. Keep the sandwich out of your mouth and don't even think about taking a sip of soda! It is difficult to resist the temptation - stop, otherwise the fine is up to 85 euros.
And don't shake your fist at other drivers, no matter how pissed off you. Taking hands off the wheel unnecessarily in Cyprus is fraught with a fine - although sociologists argue that obscene gestures towards bad drivers are sometimes necessary for our mental health.
7. Keep your car presentable, otherwise you will be fined in Russia. The law prescribes to keep all vehicles clean, not just registration numbers. Violators are punished depending on the place of capture - the metropolitan warders are especially strict, while in the outback it is enough to remove the dirt from the license plates.
8. Motorists in France are required to have a breathalyzer available. The law, passed in July 2012, aims to reduce drunk driving - people are instructed to independently check whether it is safe for them to get behind the wheel.
>>>>Ideas for life | NOVATE.RU<<<<
9. An old law, which is still in effect, requires drivers in Denmark to look under their cars. Before setting off, they must make sure that there are no children hiding under the bottom.
10. Traveling to Mecca (Saudi Arabia)? Make sure you are in the right place as there are separate lanes for Muslims and non-Muslims on the highways here.
However, not only car bans in different countries are remarkable, but also facts about Russian traffic rules from Russia to the present day.
A source: https://novate.ru/blogs/230721/59869/
IT IS INTERESTING:
1. Why are cardboard and plywood houses being built in American suburbs?
2. Why do American men wear a T-shirt under their shirt?
3. Why is Indian gold very yellow and where does it get so much from the women there?