Driving across the U.S. is more than a change in scenery. It also means adjusting to different sets of rules once you cross a state line. Some are familiar, like wearing a seatbelt, obeying speed limits, or keeping alcohol sealed while in the car. Others feel outdated or even a little absurd, but they still remain part of state codes.
California
California’s vehicle code is among the most extensive in the country, with some unusual regulations standing out:
- Hunting from a moving car is prohibited, with a strange exception for whales (even though the state’s highways don’t cross oceans).
- Women cannot drive a car through the state wearing a housecoat.
- Cars with no driver should have a maximum speed of 60 mph.
Colorado
Colorado also has a few weird driving laws in its traffic history, with the most interesting one suggesting drivers are not allowed to drive a black car on Sundays in Denver. While no one is certain whether or not this regulation is still in effect, you may still find it in the state law recordings.
Florida
Florida has some of the most entertaining rules in the country. Particularly, the one that suggests all vehicles, including animals (elephants, goats, and alligators), must pay parking meters. Although there is no active Florida statute or statewide law referring to this, many people still cite it as one of the most bizarre and weird traffic laws.
Georgia
You cannot spit from a car or bus in Georgia, but it may be perfectly legal from a truck. The reasoning behind such distribution is unclear, but such silly weird state laws continue to remain a part of the state’s regulations.
Another thing is Georgia’s “Slowpoke Law”, requiring drivers to use the left lane only for bypassing road hazards. If you happen to drive through the left lane without overtaking another vehicle, you can be fined (even if you’re driving at the speed limit).
Illinois
Illinois has its share of weird driving laws, with one from the city of Decatur standing out. It is illegal to drive a car here without a steering wheel. While technically this may seem impossible, the local authorities have found it important to highlight and ensure that basic safety equipment is always in place.
Kansas
A local driving law in Kansas prohibits the transport of dead poultry in your car. While it may sound funny at first, the reality is a bit more practical. This regulation most likely refers to the federal and state health codes that control the spread of disease in livestock and poultry.
Particularly, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) restricts the movement of dead animals and birds across state lines. While the law is more about public health and disease prevention, some people like to narrow its meaning and refer to it as one of the weird driving laws.
Missouri
Drivers in Missouri should be careful not only with their car horns but also with everyone else’s. State law declares it illegal to honk another person’s car horn. As weird as it may sound, this regulation most probably aims to prevent tampering with another driver’s vehicle or creating unnecessary chaos on the road.
New York
With all the bustling streets and heavy traffic, the state and local codes in New York still have some rules that may surprise drivers.
- Ice cream trucks cannot serve customers while moving. They should lawfully park in dedicated areas before they can hand out cones or popsicles.
- You cannot sleep in your car between 2 AM and 5 AM in the Village of Southampton. Even if your vehicle is parked, the local law bans overnight stays during those hours.
- Other regulations that don’t refer to drivers only are the laws prohibiting disrobing inside a moving car.
These examples show how lawmakers once wrote codes that stretched beyond driving mechanics to regulate citizens’ behavior.
New Mexico
Taxi drivers have to let customers make the first move in New Mexico. It’s actually illegal for cab drivers to reach out and pull potential passengers into their vehicles. This obvious and often overlooked regulation strictly discourages aggressive behavior and ensures that riders feel safe while making their own choice.
South Carolina
The local authorities of Hilton Head, South Carolina, go the extra mile to keep their beaches clean. Particularly, it’s unlawful to store trash in your vehicle and move around with it. The rule aims to discourage littering and maintain the island’s tidy image.
Frequently Asked Questions
The laws and regulations vary across states and local governmental bodies, with some reflecting serious safety concerns and others highlighting the outdated rules that rarely see enforcement.
Is It Illegal to Drive in Flip-Flops in the USA?
There are no federal or local state laws prohibiting driving in flip-flops. However, based on safety concerns, experts suggest avoiding driving in loose footwear, as it can slip off and interfere with the pedals. While not illegal, it’s better for you to think twice about your comfort and control.
What Are Some Weird Driving Laws in the United States?
There are plenty of contenders, but here are a few of the strangest still on record:
- You cannot hunt from a moving car, except for whales in California.
- Parking meters technically apply to animals in Florida.
- It’s illegal to spit from a car or bus in Georgia, but okay if you do it from a truck.
Why Do These Bizarre Driving Laws Exist in the First Place?
Most of the laws originated from safety, health, or public order concerns, with the local and state governmental bodies finding it crucial to have even the minor details included in the laws. Over time, the original reasons faded, but most of the laws have stayed on the books.
