The 10 Weirdest Traffic Laws In the United States

It’s illegal to wear a mustache in church if you live in Alabama. If it’s fishing season in New Jersey, don’t even think about knitting, if you’re a man. In Connecticut, a pickle is only a pickle if it bounces. In Michigan, a woman can’t cut her own hair unless she has her husband’s permission. What if she’s not married? Who knows!

These are just some of the weirdest state laws that are still on the books. No one’s bothered to remove them. And chances are you won’t get into trouble if you break any of these.

There are some bizarre traffic laws too. Some of them may have made sense to enforce a long time ago and are now just outdated. And for some, they’re just plain weird.

Read on to learn about the 10 weirdest traffic laws in the US.

1. Don’t Read Green Lantern in Oklahoma

There are distracted driving traffic laws in every state, some of them are more restrictive than others. People can lose their license, for instance, by using their cell phones, and with good reason.

And drivers have been pulled over and ticketed for being distracted due to eating, putting on makeup, or having too many people in the car. Some drivers have even tried to get away with changing clothes or shaving.

Laws against these kinds of distractions make sense. But what doesn’t make sense is when the rules are specific. In Oklahoma, there is no traffic law preventing a driver from reading while driving. But comic books are a different story.

It’s illegal to read a comic book behind the wheel, which is one of the weirdest state laws. If you get caught, you could get fined. You also can’t text and drive. But reading a book is OK

2. Must Have a Steering Wheel in Illinois

Fred Flintstone may not have had any pedals in his car, but he did have a steering wheel. So he’d have no problem driving in Illinois. You must have a steering wheel in your car, or you’re breaking the law.

At some point, someone tried to get away with driving without a wheel, hence a traffic law was made to prevent this. It’s probably a good thing because you can drive straight for a while, but at some point, you’re going to need to turn. Unless you can just pick up the car and turn it.

3. Honking is Fine, But Not Always

If you live in Little Rock, Arkansas, you better look around before tooting that horn to remind someone that the light has changed. They have a weird traffic law that states that it’s illegal to honk a car horn near a sandwich shop or a place that serves cold beverages.

If you’re in front of any other kind of store or eating establishment that does not serve sandwiches or cold beverages, you’re fine to honk to your heart’s content.

However, this rule only applies if it’s after 9:00 pm. Before then, the city has no problem with honking.

4. Don’t Scare the Horses

Speaking of honking, the horses in Oxford, Mississippi are sensitive to certain noises, in particular, car horns. So, if you happen to be driving through, do not, under any circumstances, use that horn.

It’s a little-known fact, or rather little know traffic law, that it’s illegal to honk in the event that you might spook a nearby horse.

Oxford, Mississippi is a small town just south of Memphis. They are fond of their horses.

5. Drive the Wrong Way in Alabama

Go ahead and drive the wrong way down a one-way street in Alabama. That is if you have a lantern attached to your car.

However, last I checked, lanterns are standard features on most cars. So, if you do drive the wrong way down a one-way street, even with your lights on, you’re breaking a traffic law. Also, it’s just a bad idea, so don’t risk it, even with a lantern.

6. Don’t Run Out of Gas

If you’re like me, you wait until the gas light (aka the “dummy” light) comes on before filling up the tank. Well, if you live in Youngstown, Ohio, don’t wait. Or you run the risk of running out, and there’s a traffic law that states that that’s illegal.

Just in case, it’s probably a good idea to keep your tank full at all times if you live there or happen to be passing through, which might happen if you’re driving from Pittsburgh to Cleveland to go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

7. No Spitting

Some states and principalities have laws against spitting. How much they’re enforced is unknown. But spitting from a vehicle is one of those traffic laws that make sense. But again the enforcement comes into question.

Nonetheless, it’s not legal to spit from either a car or bus in Marietta, Georgia, which is also one of the weirdest state laws. However, it’s fine if you spit from a truck. Go figure!

8. Don’t Stop Short

In Kansas, like most other states, it’s a good idea to come to a full and complete stop and a red light or intersection. And then when the light changes, proceed at the correct speed.

However, don’t take off too quickly or stop to fast. That kind of irresponsible driving can lead to screeching tires. And screeching tires will land you 30 days in jail.

9. Keep Your Car Clean

Everyone likes a clean car, including that new car smell. But we’re all guilty of letting things get out of control. This is a big no-no in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Not only is it gross and stinky, but you can be charged with a hefty fine of $500 or 30 days in jail if you’re caught violating this health code. If you’re charged with this traffic violation, read more here.

10. Curses!

We’ve all yelled at a bad driver, at least under our breath. Well, in Rockville, Maryland, you want to keep that under your breath.

Because if you get caught swearing from a vehicle, it could cost you up to $100 in fines or even 90 days in jail.

Listen to your grandma, and mind your Ps and Qs.

Weird Traffic Laws

These are only the top 10 weird traffic laws, if not some of the weirdest state laws. But there are plenty more where these come from. The origin of some of them might have made sense at one time or another. And others are, well, just weird.

Nonetheless, don’t get caught doing any of them, or you could pay out the big bucks or worse. Like having to take Uber.

For more weird stuff to baffle your friends with, visit our blog.

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