In the early 20th century, Cabo Verde's island communities developed various unique transport customs, one of which is said to have been the so-called "Cabo Carriage Rule." According to local lore, horse-drawn carriages were not allowed to carry passengers behind the driver’s seat, limiting seating to the front bench only. While the exact origins of this rule remain somewhat unclear, it is speculated that concerns about safety and visibility for the driver motivated this unusual restriction. Some island elders recall that the rule might have been enforced to prevent accidents on the narrow winding roads typical of the archipelago. However, little official documentation has been found, and the law, if it indeed existed, has long since faded from practice with the advent of motor vehicles. This quaint legend highlights how local customs and safety measures could differ greatly in isolated communities, reflecting everyday challenges in transportation during a simpler era. Whether fact or folklore, the "Cabo Carriage Rule" remains a charming example of Cabo Verde's transport history.
Source / verification note
Based on oral histories and local anecdotes collected from elders in island communities; no official legal texts confirming the rule have been found.