Odd Laws

The laws that regulate the driving of cars and trucks come from both state and federal governments. Federal laws are developed by larger groups of lawmakers and are often enforced by government law enforcement agencies. The regulations promulgated by the Department of Transportation (DOT), for example, are unequivocal. State laws are less so. Since there is far less oversite, sometimes some pretty odd laws are passed on the state level. Here’s a few we thought you might enjoy.

Alabama – There is a law on the books that makes it illegal to drive while blindfolded.

Alaska – In Alaska, there is a law that makes it illegal to tether a dog to the roof of a car.

Arkansas – Arkansas authorities have deemed it illegal to blare a car horn where ice cold beverages or sandwiches are served after 9 p.m.

California – This one comes to us from Selma Chrysler of Selma, CA. In Chico, California, it is illegal to plant rutabagas in roadways.

California – Officials in Glendale, California, made it illegal to jump from a car at 65 mph.

California – In Hermosa Beach, California, officials there have made it illegal to spill your Margarita on any street.

Connecticut – Hunting from cars in Connecticut is illegal, even during deer season. Actually, this law makes sense.

Georgia – In Dublin, Georgia, lawmakers have made it illegal to drive through playgrounds.

Illinois – In Galesburg, Illinois, the police can arrest you there for “fancy riding,” whatever that is.

Iowa – Mount Vernon, Iowa, it is illegal to throw your Red Ryder onto the highway.

Kansas – In Topeka, Kansas, it is unlawful to transport dead poultry along Kansas Avenue.

Maine – In South Berwick, Maine, you can be ticketed if you park in front of Dunkin Donuts.

Maryland – in Rockville, Maryland, swearing from a vehicle is considered a misdemeanor.

Massachusetts – It’s illegal in Massachusetts to operate a car with a gorilla in the backseat.

Minnesota – In Minnetonka, Minnesota, a truck that leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on any road is considered a public nuisance.

Missouri – In University City, Missouri, officials have wisely made it illegal to honk the horn of someone else’s car.

Nevada – In Reno, authorities there have made it illegal to place a bench or chair in the middle of the road.

New Jersey – New Jersey residents are required by law to honk before passing.

New Jersey – Arbor Day requires careful planning in Blairstown, New Jersey, for local officials there have made it illegal to plant trees in the middle of the street.

New York – In Sag Harbor, New York, officials there have made it illegal to disrobe while in your car.

North Carolina – In Dunn, North Carolina, they have made it illegal to play in traffic.

Ohio – In Canton, Ohio, people wearing roller skates cannot share the streets with cars.

Oklahoma – You’ll be ticketed if caught reading a comic book while driving.

Oregon – You can be ticketed if you leave your car door open longer than is deemed necessary.

Oregon – You will be slapped with a Class A traffic violation if you use your car on an Oregon highway to prove your physical endurance.

Rhode Island – In Scituate, Rhode Island, it is illegal to drive with beer in your vehicle even if it is unopened. (So, what happens when you’re a beer delivery driver?)

South Carolina – In Hilton Head, South Carolina, it is illegal to store trash in your vehicle due to rat problems.

West Virginia – After much controversy, in the Mountain State it is perfectly legal for anyone to scavenge road kill.