IF you are planning on hitting the roads abroad this summer, it's best to learn a few rules to avoid coming home with a hefty fine.
Silly mistakes such as driving topless or waving out of the window could ruin your trip and hurt your wallet, car experts revealed.
Here are 11 bizarre rules holidaymakers should avoid breaching when driving around the world:
Australia
Being too friendly in Australia can come at a cost as it's illegal to drive with any body parts outside your vehicle.
If you spot a mate whilst behind the wheel, make sure to give them a subtle not rather than a wave as you could end up with a £176 fine.
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Thailand
As tempting as it must be in the spicy summer, you’ve got to keep your clothes on in Thailand.
If cops spot you driving topless, you can pay up to £6 but could face some jail time.
Make sure to also remember to drive with a full printed licence as well as a digital version or you could face fines of up to £1,000.
United States
In Oregon, whether you’re loading or unloading people or cargo from your vehicle, you’ve got to be quick about it.
You can be fined up to £200 for leaving your car door open for too long.
In California, women in particular need make sure to get fully dressed before getting behind the wheel as it's illegal to drive in a bathrobe.
Spain
In Spain, getting behind the wheel in flip flops, heels or barefoot can cost you up to £170 if you get caught.
The same fee applies to anyone driving topless in the country.
Some areas in Spain, such as near a hospital, are designated as quiet zones.
Violation of this rule could cost you up to a huge £3,000 depending on the noise level.
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Each district determines the decibel limit, so be sure not to crank that road trip playlist up too loudly.
France
It can be very tempting whilst driving through the epicentre of cheese and wine to sample some of the finest local tipples you come across in France. Therefore, all motorists must carry a breathalyser with them.
Whilst it’s unlikely you’ll receive a fine for not carrying one, it’s best not to risk it.
Motorways in France are privately owned, so if you break down on them, you’ll need to use an emergency phone to contact the operator’s recovery team, who will tow you to a safe area, where you can call for breakdown assistance.
But because the roads are private, you’ll need to pay a fee of at least £107 to get towed, and it can be a larger fee depending on the time or day you break down.
South Africa
If you’re following a friend who is driving in front, you need to be careful in South Africa as driving in a convoy on a weekend could see you fined £20.
Drivers must also slow down or stop for passing herds of livestock such as cows and sheep.
If you’re planning to drive the popular Garden Route on the Western Cape, be very careful to look out for livestock, as this is one of the most common farming spots in the country.
Andre Van Kets, from expert car rental provider Drive South Africa, said that learning these rules will not only save you money but ease your nerves if it's your first time driving in a different country.
He said: “Remember, millions of people successfully drive abroad every year. It's okay to feel nervous but don't let that stop you from enjoying the trip.
“Taking the time to get clued up on the driving laws, border crossings and road signs of the country you're visiting will save you a lot of hassle and in some cases money.
"There are plenty of online resources, guidebooks, and apps that can help, specific to the country you’re visiting.”
