The Strangest Traffic Law in Each U. S. State
A lot of people think traffic laws are only about speed limits and turn signals, but they're not. Each state has its own strange rules. Some are outdated, some are funny, and some are just plain bizarre. According to Nationwide, here are 51 of the strangest traffic laws, by state.
Alabama – No Driving While Blindfolded
It seems obvious, but Alabama made it a law: no driving blindfolded. Apparently, someone needed the reminder. Whether it was a bad pranking decision or just a dumb dare, this law keeps you from covering your eyes while you drive.
Alaska – No Dogs on the Roof
In Alaska, it’s illegal to tie your dog to the roof of your car. We don’t know what prompted such a specific law, but animal safety comes first. So when you are taking off with Fido, he rides inside.
Arizona – Reverse Is Not an Option
You are not allowed to reverse your car on a public road in Arizona. It doesn’t matter if you missed a turn; the law says “forward only.”
Arkansas – After 9 P. M. , You Can’t Honk Anywhere That Sells Beverages or Sandwiches
In Arkansas, honking your horn after 9 p.m. near a place that serves cold drinks or sandwiches is illegal. Why? No one knows. Maybe it’s to protect late-night snackers from rude awakenings.
California – Women Can’t Drive in a Housecoat
Once upon a time in California, women weren’t allowed to drive while wearing a housecoat/bathrobe. Good thing that this old law is rarely enforced.
Colorado – No Black Cars on Sunday in Denver
In Denver, it’s technically illegal to drive a black car on Sundays. We’re not sure why. Vampire safety? Church parking aesthetics? Either way, this weird law is on the books, even if it’s not enforced.
Connecticut – Fire Trucks Can’t Go Faster Than 25 Miles per Hour
In Connecticut, fire engines are restricted to 25 mph, even when racing to a blaze. While modern emergency services have long since upgraded their speed limits, this relic of a law reminds us that safety once came at a snail’s pace, even with sirens blaring.
Delaware – No Wardrobe Changes on the Go
In Delaware, changing clothes in your car is a no-no. So, unless you’re a superhero with a secret identity, keep the costume changes off the road.
District of Columbia – You Can’t Drive a Car With Tinted Windows Unless They Let in at Least 70% Light
In D.C., keeping things shady comes with limits. Window tint must let in at least 70% of visible light, or you’re breaking the law. The goal? Transparency, literally and legally.
Florida – You Must Feed the Meter if You Tie an Alligator, Goat, or Elephant to a Parking Meter
In Florida, if you tie your elephant, goat, or alligator to a parking meter, you’re required to feed the meter. We’re not kidding. The law was meant for circus animals, but it’s still a real thing and enforceable.
Georgia – It’s Legal to Spit From a Truck, but Not From a Car
Georgia’s spitting laws are weird: no spitting from cars or buses, but trucks are totally fine. We’re not sure what trucks did to earn that privilege.
Hawaii – It’s Illegal to Drive With Your Hazard Lights on
In Hawaii, using your hazards while driving is a big no-no. They’re only for parked emergencies, not cruising in the rain or impromptu parades.
Idaho – No Motorcycle Riding Over Age 88 in Idaho Falls
Age discrimination or safety precaution? Idaho Falls draws the line at 88. If you’re over 88 and want to feel the wind in your hair, the law says no motorcycles for you. Technically, that birthday could cost you your biker dreams in this town.
Illinois – You Have to Drive With a Steering Wheel
This law seems obvious, but it’s written down just in case you were planning to drive Flintstones style or pull a stunt. It’s proof that someone had a wild idea, and the state decided to legally shut it down.
Indiana – You Can’t Sell Cars on Sundays
If you’re in Indiana and want to buy a car on a Sunday, you’ll have to wait. Dealerships are closed by law; an old blue law meant to encourage rest (and church).
Iowa – Throwing a Red Ryder on the Highway Is Illegal in Mount Vernon
This oddly specific law protects highways and probably childhood memories. Someone must’ve launched one too many Red Ryders onto I-30, and now there’s a law to prove it.
Kansas – Transporting Dead Poultry Is Outlawed
Kansas draws the line at road-tripping with expired chickens. No word on what counts as “transporting,” but if your cooler contains anything formerly clucking, keep it out of sight.
Kentucky – Your Pet Can’t Molest a Vehicle in Fort Thomas
In Fort Thomas, your pet better keep its paws (or beak or snout) off other people’s vehicles. Whether this law was sparked by an overly affectionate goat or a frisky pup, one thing’s clear: keep your pet in check.
Louisiana – A Woman Needs Her Husband to Walk Ahead With a Flag Before She Can Drive
Straight from the horse-and-buggy era, this outdated law assumes women drivers need a personal parade marshal, specifically their husbands. While no one enforces it today, it’s a hilarious reminder of just how far we’ve come (thankfully).
Maine – You Can’t Buy a Car on a Sunday
Maine takes the day of rest seriously and keeps the dealerships closed on Sundays. So no matter how ready your wallet is, you’ll have to wait until Monday to make that deal.
Maryland – Swearing From Your Vehicle in Rockville Is a Crime
Got road rage in Rockville? Keep it clean. Swearing from your car is actually a criminal offense here. So roll up the windows and scream into a pillow. Just don’t drop an F-bomb with the windows down, or you’ll get ticketed.
Massachusetts – It’s Illegal to Drive With a Gorilla in Your Backseat
Apparently, Massachusetts had one too many ape-related incidents. Driving with a gorilla in your backseat is a no-go, though the law doesn’t mention the front seat.
Michigan – Reading a Newspaper in the Middle of the Road Is Illegal
In Michigan, you can’t sit in the middle of the road and catch up on the news. Whether you’re reading about traffic or blocking it, this law exists to protect both drivers and overly relaxed pedestrians.
Minnesota – Dirty Trucks Are Considered a Public Nuisance
In Minnesota, trucks better clean up after themselves. If your rig leaves a trail of muck, you’re officially a “public nuisance”. Whether it’s farm gunk or road tar, city streets are not your dumping ground.
Mississippi – In Oxford, Honking Your Horn Is Illegal Because It Might Scare the Horses
Oxford, Mississippi, still tips its hat to the horse-and-buggy era. So if you’re feeling impatient at a red light, maybe just wave politely and try not to give any equine locals a heart attack.
Missouri – Honking a Car Horn That Isn’t Yours Is Illegal
Hands off, pranksters. In Missouri, it’s illegal to honk another person’s car horn. That horn belongs to the owner only. It’s weirdly specific, but hey, car horn etiquette is apparently serious business here.
Montana – You Need a Chaperone to Haul Sheep in Your Truck
Solo sheep rides are a no in Montana. Maybe it’s about safety, or maybe the state just doesn’t trust unsupervised sheep. Either way, bring a buddy if you’re hauling woolly friends through Big Sky Country.
Nebraska – Drivers on Mountains Must Drive With Care Near the Right Edge of the Highway
Nebraska’s got flat land for days, but that hasn’t stopped lawmakers from adding mountain-driving rules. So if you happen to find a mystery mountain in Nebraska, stick to the right and proceed with caution.
Nevada – Camels Are Banned on the Highway
This law dates back to mining days when camels really were used for transport. These days, you’ll get a ticket instead of a smile if you saddle up and trot down I-15. Even Vegas has limits, apparently.
New Hampshire – Inhaling Bus Fumes to Get High Is Illegal
Yes, someone actually did this. In New Hampshire, huffing bus fumes to get high is illegal and stupid. This law was made to stop thrill-seekers from sniffing exhaust clouds in school parking lots.
New Jersey – Frowning at a Police Officer Can Get You Fined
In New Jersey, frowning at a police officer could technically get you in trouble. Not likely to land you in jail, but the law exists, probably to discourage disrespect. Practice your neutral face.
New Mexico – Cab Drivers Can’t Reach Out and Pull You Into Their Taxi
In New Mexico, cab drivers have to let you get in the car willingly. So if a driver tries to “help” you a little too much, they’re breaking the law.
New York – Don’t Strip Down in Your Car in Sag Harbor
Sag Harbor wants to keep it classy, even in your car. Stripping down in your vehicle is strictly forbidden. Whether you’re changing at the beach or escaping sweaty clothes, keep your outfit adjustments private.
North Carolina – Playing in Traffic Is Illegal
This one feels like common sense, but North Carolina went ahead and made it official. Playing in traffic is not just a bad idea, it’s illegal. Kids and adventurous adults, keep the hopscotch out of the street.
North Dakota – Using a Penny in a Parking Ticket Dispenser Is Illegal
Trying to game the meter in North Dakota? Think again. Using a penny instead of real change in a parking ticket machine is illegal. It might seem clever, but the law says no.
Ohio – Running Out of Gas in Youngstown Could Get You Fined
In Youngstown, you’d better keep that gas gauge in check. The city wants to keep traffic moving, and stranded vehicles block roads and cause headaches. So fill up unless you want a ticket with your tow.
Oklahoma – Reading Comic Books While Driving Is Illegal
In Oklahoma, reading a comic book while driving is illegal because someone tried to catch up on Batman mid-commute. Distracted driving is bad enough without flipping pages.
Oregon – Pedestrians Have the Right of Way When You’re Driving on the Sidewalk
If you find yourself driving on the sidewalk in Oregon, you have to yield to pedestrians. Because even in crazy scenarios, foot traffic gets the right of way. Sidewalks are still for, well, walking.
Pennsylvania – Night Driving on Country Roads Requires You to Set off Flares or Other Warning Signals for Livestock to Clear the Road
Pennsylvania takes “cow courtesy” very seriously. If you’re driving country roads at night, you have to stop every mile, light flares, and let the cows get out of the way.
Rhode Island – Racing Horses on Highways Is Illegal
Thinking of clocking your thoroughbred on I-95? Think again. In Rhode Island, horse racing on the highway is illegal. You can ride for travel, sure, but drag racing from the saddle is out.
South Carolina – It’s Illegal to Keep Trash in Your Vehicle in Hilton Head
No snack wrappers, soda cans, or mystery takeout bags allowed in your vehicle when you’re in Hilton Head. This resort town likes things tidy, even inside your ride. Time to clean out that console.
South Dakota – You Can Get a Driver’s License at Just 14 Years Old
South Dakota lets teens hit the road at just 14, training wheels off, keys in hand. It's one of the lowest legal driving ages in the country. So yes, you can legally drive to middle school here.
Tennessee – Shooting Anything but Whales From a Moving Vehicle Is Illegal
While it’s illegal to shoot most animals from a car (rightfully so), whales get a weird pass. Never mind the fact that Tennessee is 100% landlocked. The law stands as a hilarious reminder that not all rules are rooted in logic.
Texas – You Must Have Windshield Wipers to Register a Car; Having a Windshield Is Optional
In Texas, you have to have windshield wipers to register your car, even if you do not have a windshield. Apparently, the law cares more about wiping than what's being wiped.
Utah – Birds Have the Right of Way on Highways
In Utah, birds have the right of way on highways. This means the next time you see a pigeon waddling across I-15, you better brake.
Vermont – Car Backfires Are Illegal in Rutland
In Rutland, Vermont, your car better keep quiet. Backfiring isn’t just annoying, it’s illegal. This law likely exists to prevent panic (or false alarms of gunfire).
Virginia – To Drive on Main Street, a Woman Needs Her Husband to Wave a Red Flag in Front of the Car
Straight from the dusty old rulebook, this Virginia law says women need their husbands to lead the way, waving a red flag if they dare drive down Main Street. Good news, this law is no longer enforced.
Washington – Criminals Must Alert the Chief of Police Before Entering a Town
Planning a heist in Washington? Better call ahead. Seriously, this weird law says anyone entering a town with “criminal intent” must notify the police chief first. It’s ridiculous, but technically still a law. We bet no criminal has ever made that call.
West Virginia – Eating Roadkill Is Legal
In West Virginia, hitting a deer can be tragic or that night’s dinner. It’s totally legal to pick up fresh roadkill for the table. The state even lets you file for ownership.
Wisconsin – You Can’t Ride a Bike With Your Hands off the Handlebars
If you're on a bike, you have to have both hands on the handlebars. It's a safety law, but it also kills your dreams of cruising around like a cool kid. Keep your grip tight or risk a ticket from the fun police.
Wyoming – You Must Close a Gate Crossing Over a Road, River, Stream, or Ditch, or You’ll Be Fined $750
In Wyoming, you could be fined $750 if you leave a gate open after crossing. It’s all about protecting livestock and property. Close the gate behind you or your wallet that pays the price.
