Traffic laws are universally renowned for their rigidity and seriousness. Yet, some antiquated and amusing laws still exist on the books, often left unnoticed by most drivers. From peculiar restrictions regarding honking near eateries to unexpected legalities concerning horse-drawn sleighs, we unravel a compilation of the most unusual traffic laws across the United States.
Driving in Reverse on Public Roads: Arizona’s Unique Stipulation
In Arizona, drivers need to remember to look forward and backward. This state’s unique law, traffic code 28-891, section A, prohibits driving in reverse on a public road unless it can be done with reasonable safety and without disrupting other traffic. The phrasing makes it sound like reversing should never be attempted, leading to light-hearted discussions among drivers and traffic law enthusiasts.
Evening Quiet Time for Restaurants in Little Rock, Arkansas
If you’re in Little Rock, Arkansas, remember to curb your enthusiasm for honking, especially near restaurants after 9 pm. A peculiar law prohibits drivers from honking their horns near any restaurant serving cold beverages or sandwiches after this hour. One can only wonder about the backstory leading to the implementation of this regulation!
Denver’s Sunday Conundrum: No Black Cars
In Denver, owning a black car comes with an unexpected caveat. An unusual law states driving a black car on Sundays is illegal. Though the reasoning behind this rule remains a mystery, breaking it has become a Sunday ritual for thousands of Denverites.
Hazard Lights On or Off? A Dilemma in 30 States
In 30 states, including Hawaii, using your hazard lights while driving is deemed illegal. While the reasoning—avoiding confusion among motorists—seems logical, the law creates an irony where the absence of hazard lights could potentially become the most significant hazard on the road.
Sunday Blues for Car Dealers in Indiana and Maine
If you’re considering buying or selling a car on a Sunday in Indiana, Maine, and a few other states, think again! Dubbed “blue laws,” these legal remnants from Colonial New England prohibit commercial Sunday activities to promote religious observance.
The enduring existence of these laws presents an interesting interplay between legislation and societal norms.
No Joyrides on Fumes in New Hampshire
New Hampshire takes a stern stance against the dangerous practice of inhaling vehicular fumes for intoxication. The law bans the intentional inhalation of any substance’s fumes for intoxication, except for using anesthesia in a medical context.
North Dakota’s Ban on Parking Meters
Parking in North Dakota comes hassle-free, courtesy of a unique ban on parking meters. This ban traces back to the 1940s when farmer Howard Henry, after receiving a ticket, led a successful petition against the meters.
Massachusetts’ Law for Horse-Drawn Sleighs
In Massachusetts, taking your horse-drawn sleigh for a ride involves more than just the holiday spirit. It requires at least three sleigh bells attached to the harness, as mandated by law. This quirky regulation underscores the deeply historical roots of some of our traffic laws.
Rhode Island: No Highway Horse Races
In Rhode Island, “horsepower” takes on a literal meaning with a law prohibiting horse riding on highways for racing or speed testing. This rule serves as a reminder of how traffic laws have evolved with the transition from horse-drawn carriages to motor vehicles.
Windshield Wiper Law in Texas
In Texas, registering a vehicle involves meeting an unusual requirement – having a pair of functioning windshield wipers. Intriguingly, there’s no legal requirement for the vehicle to have a working windshield, leading to some humorous debates among legal circles.
These traffic laws, with their intriguing mix of historical context, societal norms, and outright peculiarity, provide a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of road regulations in the United States. Whether they make you chuckle or scratch your head in confusion, these laws make for interesting driving trivia.
10 American States With The Worst Highways
Renowned for its dreamy beaches and glitzy Hollywood charm, the Golden State also tops our list for its not-so-glamorous highways. Interstate 5, the major north-south route, is infamous for its congestion and the unforgiving potholes that have been known to create an impromptu off-road experience.
10 American States With The Worst Highways
The 9 Best Travel Backpacks For Women in 2023
To assist you in making an informed purchasing decision, we’ve compiled all the necessary information and curated a list of the top nine travel backpacks for women. Rest assured, we’ve got you covered every step of your exciting journey.
The 9 Best Travel Backpacks For Women in 2023
10 Most Underrated States to Visit on Vacation in the U.S.
A former resident waxed nostalgic about the Flint Hills, calling them “Beautiful in a way that cannot be properly described,” and claimed that “Sunsets in Kansas are some of the most breathtaking in the entire world.”
10 Most Underrated States to Visit on Vacation in the U.S.
10 Cities With the Most Impressive Public Transportation Systems in the World
Seoul has an advanced public transportation system with over twenty metro lines, ten bus types, high-speed rail, and airport express services. The metro system has Wi-Fi, digital maps, voice guidance, and emergency buttons.
10 Cities With the Most Impressive Public Transportation Systems in the World
10 Destinations for the Best Snorkeling in the Caribbean
Is it time to take the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list? After historic coral bleaching events have left the world’s largest reef much worse for the wear, travelers are turning to closer-to-home destinations that have fared better.
