On the road
Driving us crazy: Traffic rules too strange to be true (But they are!)
We all recognize the red octagon of STOP signs or notice the speed limits, but that’s not all to traffic laws. America’s roads are full of surprises, and if you don’t believe us, just read this article! Today, we’re taking a scenic (and slightly absurd) drive through some of the oddest traffic laws in the country. Buckle up: You won’t believe what’s technically illegal out there!
Image: Wolfgang Eckert
1
Florida – Meter feeding for elephants
Florida’s traffic code once required that if you tied your elephant, goat, or alligator to a parking meter, you had to pay the fee, just as you would for a car. It sounds wild today, but it’s rooted in a time when people actually rode animals into town.
Though it’s not actively enforced (we checked), the law technically still lingers on the books. So, you'd better leave your pet elephant behind from now on!
Image: AJ Robbie
2
Idaho – Seniors and motorcycles don’t mix
In Idaho Falls, it’s long been rumored that a local ordinance makes it illegal for anyone over 88 to ride a motorcycle. That sounds oddly specific—and a bit ageist. Whether it was meant to encourage safety, misinterpreted, or inspired by one daredevil granny, no one’s quite sure.
While there's no sign of active enforcement (or even proof it still exists), the message seems clear: once you’re nearing 90, it might be time to stick to the golf cart.
Image: Harley-Davidson
3
Arizona – Don’t even think about driving in reverse
Arizona doesn't mess around when it comes to driving in reverse. On public roads, moving backward is a big no-no. While it’s unlikely you’ll get arrested for backing out of a driveway, pulling a full-speed reverse cruise down Main Street might land you in hot water. Arizona wants you to move forward in life—literally.
Image: Jerry Kavan
4
Illinois – You need a steering wheel to drive
Well, isn’t that obvious? Apparently not—because Illinois actually has a law stating that you can’t drive a car without a steering wheel.
Even if it seems like common sense, laws like this were created during the early days of car modifications, when people got creative (and sometimes reckless). So, if you were planning to steer your car using a rope-and-pulley system… maybe don’t.
Image: Zach Wiley
5
Maine – No Sunday car shopping
In Maine, it’s illegal to buy a car on Sunday. Dealerships are closed by law, making it impossible to seal the deal on the most relaxing day of the weekend. Why? The rule has roots in so-called "blue laws," which were designed to preserve Sunday as a day of rest. So in Maine, if you get a wild urge to car shop after church, you’ll have to wait until Monday.
Image: Hilbert Hill
6
Michigan – Streets are not for reading
Michigan has a law that says you can’t sit in the middle of the road and read a newspaper. Yeah, no joke!
We know—it’s hard to imagine someone actually doing this (unless it was a very juicy headline), but the law’s goal is clearly about safety. Still, you have to admit the mental image is pretty great—just don’t try it unless you want to make the evening news.
Image: bruce mars
7
New Hampshire – Bus fumes are not a high
New Hampshire takes a hard stance on inhaling bus fumes "with intent to cause euphoria." That’s a legal phrase, not a band name. It’s part of the state’s broader anti-huffing laws, aimed at curbing substance abuse.
Well, that’s odd!
Image: Lizgrin F
8
Vermont – Backfiring is a no-go in Rutland
In Rutland, Vermont, letting your car backfire could technically get you in trouble. This law was probably put in place to cut down on noise or prevent panic during quieter times in history.
Today, it’s unlikely to get you arrested, but a surprise backfire might still earn you some serious side-eye from the locals. If you ask us, this should be a law everywhere!
Image: RoonZ nl
9
Wisconsin – Hands off the handlebars? Not allowed
In Wisconsin, you’re not allowed to ride a bicycle with no hands. Even if you’re showing off your balance skills from the 1970s, the law says at least one hand must stay on the handlebars.
It’s all about safety—but if you’re feeling rebellious, maybe show off at the park. Just don’t do it on public roads. Keep it hands-on!
Image: Darko Pribeg
10
South Carolina – No trash hoarding in Hilton Head
In Hilton Head, it’s illegal to store trash in your car. That’s right—your vehicle can’t double as a mobile garbage can. The law aims to keep the area clean and tourist-friendly, but it also sounds like a not-so-subtle jab at anyone using their backseat as a trash bin. Hilton Head wants pristine beaches and clean cars!
Image: Alireza Mirzabegi
