Driving laws are designed to maintain order on the roads, but some regulations across the United States leave motorists scratching their heads.
From the obscure to the downright peculiar, let’s embark on a journey through the country and explore ten weird driving laws that might make you do a double-take.
1. Alabama – No Blindfolded Driving
In Alabama, the traffic laws explicitly state that driving while blindfolded is strictly prohibited. While one might assume this is common sense, the fact that it’s explicitly mentioned raises questions about the events that led to the creation of such a law. In any event, keep that blindfold at home next time you cross into the Heart of Dixie.
2. California – No Whistling for a Lost Canary
In California, it is illegal to whistle for a lost canary to lure it back to your vehicle before 7 am. This odd law harkens back to a bygone era when people used canaries in coal mines. The state sought to prevent chaos caused by drivers attempting to recover their escaped birds by using whistles.
The oddest part of this law is it only applies to canaries. So I guess feel free to whistle away next time your pet parakeet escapes your vehicle.
3. Oregon – No Goofy Horns
Oregon takes its vehicle noise regulations seriously. It is illegal for your car to have a whistle, siren, or bell that produces a sound similar to that of a police vehicle. What adds a touch of humor to this law is the specific mention of “Goofy horns,” ensuring drivers keep their vehicle noise levels sensible.
4. New Jersey – No Frowning at a Police Officer
In New Jersey, drivers are forbidden from frowning at a police officer. While maintaining respect during interactions with law enforcement is advisable for a positive result, the idea of regulating facial expressions adds an unusual twist to the state’s driving laws. The violation falls under the disorderly conduct statute, although there are no recent cases in the system of someone being ticketed for this offense.
While frowning may be illegal, giving an officer the bird isn’t. Both federal and state courts have ruled that giving the one-finger salute to a cop is perfectly legal and protected by the 1st Amendment. With that said, we don’t advise it.
5. Minnesota – No Gorillas in the Back Seat
Minnesota makes it illegal to drive with a live animal in the back of your vehicle unless it’s properly secured. What makes this law stand out is the specific mention that having a gorilla in the back seat is prohibited, injecting a bit of whimsy into the state’s traffic regulations.
Fear not, Minnesotans, the law doesn’t say your 600-pound primate friend can’t ride shotgun with you.
6. Tennessee – Shooting at Whales is Fine
While it’s generally against the law to shoot at animals from your vehicle in Tennessee, there’s a quirky exception: it’s perfectly legal to shoot at whales from your car. This peculiar loophole likely stems from a time when lawmakers didn’t anticipate needing to specify which animals were exempt. But if you’re encountering whales in Tennessee, this law is probably the least of your concerns.
7. Pennsylvania – The Man with the Red Flag
Pennsylvania has an outdated law that mandates drivers to have a man with a red flag walking in front of the car to warn pedestrians and other motorists. Laws such as this became common in the United States and the United Kingdom in the 1800s. The goal was to prevent horseless carriages from becoming faster than a running man. Most states appealed the law when the combustion engine came to prominence.
Although this law is no longer enforced in Pennsylvania, it is a curious reminder of the early days of automotive history when our lawmakers tried to figure out this burgeoning technology.
8. Arkansas – No Honking at Sandwich Shops After 9 PM
In Little Rock, Arkansas, honking your car horn at a sandwich shop after 9 PM is against the law. This seemingly arbitrary restriction raises questions about the late-night sandwich shop drama that prompted the creation of this unique driving law. They must make some quality hoagies down South.
9. Arizona – No Fuzzy Dice
The iconic fuzzy dice may cause trouble for motorists in the state of Arizona. They are one of a few states that allow police to pull you over for having an object dangling from your mirror. That means not just fuzzy dice, but rosary beads or an air freshener.
Custom Comet, a manufacturer of custom air fresheners, advises drivers to familiarize themselves with their local laws before tossing an air freshener on their rearview mirror. While the laws are a bit vague, the purpose of these laws seems to be preventing drivers from obstructing their vision on the road. So if you aren’t sure, it’s best to leave that dangling air freshener up or in the glove compartment until you’re parked.
10. Massachusetts – No Gorillas in the Back Seat (Again)
Massachusetts also has a law against driving with a gorilla in the back seat. While this might sound like deja vu, it’s a separate regulation from Minnesota’s, emphasizing the importance some states place on keeping large primates out of the rear of vehicles.
Conclusion
As we navigate the highways and byways of the United States, these ten weird driving laws remind us that the road to order and safety sometimes takes unexpected turns. Whether it’s avoiding blindfolded driving or keeping a smile on your face in New Jersey, these peculiar regulations add a touch of humor and intrigue to the diverse landscape of American driving laws.
