The Most Bizarre State Driving Laws in the Country

As the law-abiding citizens we are, we make it a point to stay abreast of all the rules of the road. It turns out, however, that’s easier said than done sometimes.

You see, individual states and towns have their own traffic rules and regulations. The vast majority of these laws are similar from place to place and, most would agree, rules that should indeed be on the books. But every so often there’s a driving law that stands out. Whether it’s oddly specific, mindbogglingly random, painfully archaic or just downright silly, they all can be categorized as bizarre traffic laws.

Let’s take a cruise around the country to see what bizarre laws about driving that states have come up with, starting in our neck of the woods.

In the Northeast

Connecticut

• You must grant right-of-way to any person guiding cattle across the roadway.

Maine

• It’s illegal to sell a motor vehicle on Sunday.
• In South Berwick, parking in front of Dunkin’ Donuts is prohibited.

Massachusetts

• In Milford, peeping into the windows of automobiles is against the law.
• It is illegal to travel on a roadway with a sleigh or sled drawn by a horse, unless there are at least three bells attached to some part of the harness.

New Hampshire

• It’s against the law to inhale car fumes with the intent of inducing euphoria.

New Jersey

• Only in New Jersey is there a statewide ban on drivers pumping their own gas (it’s also prohibited in parts of Oregon).
• Like in Massachusetts, you can’t drive a horse-drawn sleigh on a highway unless there are a sufficient number of bells attached to the horse’s harness.

Rhode Island

• Section 11-22-11 of Rhode Island law says it’s illegal to ride a horse on a highway for the purpose of racing or testing the speed of the horse. Doing so could cost you $20.
• You cannot operate a motorized tricycle on a Rhode Island interstate.

Around the Country

Alaska

• In Anchorage, it’s illegal to tie a dog to the roof of a car.

Arkansas

• In Little Rock, it’s against the law to honk your horn after 9 p.m. “at any place where cold drinks and/or sandwiches are served.”

California

• It is a misdemeanor to shoot at any kind of game from a moving vehicle – unless your target is a whale.
• It can be illegal for a woman to drive while wearing a bathrobe.

Colorado

• It’s illegal to drive in circles in Westminster, or, more specifically, to drive “past a traffic control point three times in the same direction within any three-hour period.”

Georgia

• In Marietta, it’s illegal to spit from a car or bus. Spitting from a truck, however, is perfectly fine.

Illinois

• You can claim roadkill, so long as you don’t owe child support.

Iowa

• In Tiffin, you’re prohibited from throwing stones, bricks, or missiles of any kind into the street – unless you get written permission first.

Maryland

• You cannot use profanity on any street, highway or sidewalk. Doing so will cost you up to $100.

Minnesota

• In Minnetonka, it can be illegal to have dirty tires or wheels.

Missouri

• You are not allowed to leave your keys in your car in University City.

Montana

• It’s illegal to have a sheep in your truck without a chaperone.
• Don’t let your sprinkler get the street wet in Kalispell – it’s against the law.

Nevada

• Camels are prohibited from walking on public highways.

Ohio

• In Youngstown, running out of gas is a misdemeanor.
• Cincinnati taxi drivers can only wear shorts from May 16 through Labor Day.

South Carolina

• In Hilton Head, it’s illegal to accumulate garbage in your car.

Washington

• It’s against the law to hug someone while you’re driving.

Which of these bizarre laws made you laugh the most? Tell us in the comments. 

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