North Korea once ordered 1,000 Volvo sedans from Sweden and simply refused to pay—and their city car laws are even wilder…
Inside the world’s most secretive regime, even driving down the street comes with rules and history that sound completely made up:
1. The Largest Car Heist in History
In 1974, founding ruler Kim Il Sung wanted western vehicles for his elite officials, so North Korea placed a massive order with Sweden for 1,000 Volvo 144 sedans alongside heavy mining equipment.
As soon as the ships unloaded all 1,000 cars in Pyongyang, North Korea simply ignored the bill. For over 50 years, the Swedish government has dutifully sent a payment reminder to Pyongyang twice a year—and with five decades of compounding interest, North Korea’s unpaid tab now sits at roughly $300 million while those exact 1970s Volvos are still spotted driving around the capital today.
2. The Dirty Car Checkpoint Ban
Pyongyang is designed as a showcase city exclusively for the loyal elite, and that obsession with image extends to every vehicle on the road. Military checkpoints sit at every highway entrance into the capital to inspect incoming cars for dust or mud. If your vehicle is dirty or has visible body dents, guards will block you from entering the city or slap you with an immediate fine until you wash it at a roadside station.
3. Driving Without a Special Permit Is Illegal
Less than 1% of North Koreans are allowed to own a private vehicle, as cars are typically handed out only as state rewards to top party officials and military brass. Even if you somehow get your hands on a vehicle, driving out of your home province—or driving on Sundays without a stamped government weekend permit—is strictly forbidden by law.
4. The 12-Month Driver’s License Boot Camp
Getting a driver’s license in North Korea isn’t a quick afternoon road test. Applicants have to spend up to a full year in a state training school studying automobile mechanics and memorizing traffic rules—because if a state car breaks down on an empty rural highway with zero repair shops in sight, the driver is legally expected to rebuild the engine themselves on the side of the road.
👇 What would you do if a foreign dictator ordered 1,000 cars from your company and ignored the invoice for 50 years? Let us know in the comments!