June 18, 2026, 3:44 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited in Germany as well as in Italy. Additionally, there are several other regulations–such as wearing appropriate shoes–that apply in many countries. Moreover, there are traffic rules that many German drivers are hardly aware of. What is considered an everyday gesture or harmless action behind the wheel here can quickly lead to hefty fines abroad. More information on this can be found at TRAVELBOOK.
Do you prepare enough provisions before a long drive? Sure, having a snack can make the journey more enjoyable, and of course, hunger can strike. However, in Cyprus, it might not taste as good afterward! According to a report by “Radio FFH,” it is strictly forbidden to eat or drink while driving–even reaching for a water bottle is prohibited and can result in a fine.
Closer to Germany, in Switzerland, eating behind the wheel is also frowned upon. As the “Touring Club Schweiz (TCS)” (comparable to our AAA) explains, it can be considered a distraction or a lack of vehicle control and may even have legal consequences. The same applies to other countries, such as Spain, and also to actions like using a cellphone or applying makeup.
As we continue driving through Switzerland to Italy, the situation with eating behind the wheel is similar–drivers must, of course, maintain full control of the vehicle at all times. Additionally, you should keep your arms entirely inside the vehicle.
This Everyday Movement Is Prohibited While Driving in Italy
According to Art. 169 of the Codice della Strada (as explained on the professional portal “Patente.it”), it is prohibited in Italian traffic to stick body parts out of the car. “All occupants of motor vehicles must sit in such a way that they do not restrict the driver’s freedom of movement or obstruct his view,” it states. Therefore, drivers and passengers are not allowed to let body parts or objects protrude beyond the vehicle’s side contour.
Do you feel caught now? Many drivers, especially on warm days, casually rest their arm on the open window to enjoy some breeze. This can result in a fine of up to approximately 338 euros in Italy. And if you also give the impression of not having full control of the vehicle at all times, you may even face an additional fine.
Be Careful With “Friendly” Gestures While Driving
When communicating with other road users through gestures, you should also be a bit cautious. Hand signals that are meant to express something positive–such as a thumbs-up or an O-sign with thumb and forefinger in a circle–can be interpreted quite differently in some countries. While you might not receive a fine for this, you could end up in an unpleasant situation that you didn’t intend–and that’s not how you want to spend your vacation time.
It’s better to keep your hands on the wheel! Safety first.