By Josh RosenbergWe want you to stay on the right side of the law when traveling our wonderful country and would hate to see you fined or jailed for breaking a law you were simply unaware of, or even unlikely to ever imagine.
And there are indeed some strange traffic laws out there that could come back to bite you.
Some are old, out-dated laws that just don't make sense today, but are still on the books and therefore technically still binding and enforceable.
Others are just plain odd and make you really wonder about common sense. At any rate, here's some very odd and unusual traffic laws to keep in mind when you're out and about.
You can't say we didn't warn you!
Alabama
- When driving in Alabama, please remember to remove your blindfolds. You see, it's illegal to drive while blindfolded there. If you've been getting away with this in your state, you are now forewarned ... ditch the blindfolds in 'Bama.
Alaska
- When driving in our most northern state, don't forget to untie your dog from the roof rack. It's illegal to tether a dog to the roof of a car up there (who knew?). (I dunno, maybe strapping Fido to the hood or the bumper will keep you from being pulled over.)
Arizona
- In Glendale, cars are not permitted to be driven in reverse, so make sure you get it right the first time.
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Arkansas
- If you've got a hankering for a sandwich or a cold drink while driving in Little Rock at night, lay off the horn ... or that snack can get very expensive. Yep, it's against the law to blare a car horn where cold beverages or sandwiches are served after 9 p.m.
California
- If you are a woman, it is illegal to drive in a housecoat. Look sharp ladies or they may just write you up.
- Also remember that a vehicle without a driver may not exceed 60 miles per hour. I bet this one probably gets a lot of people.
- In Glendale, it's illegal to jump from a car at 65 mph. So, make sure you keep from car jumping until you cross city limits.
- It's also illegal to shoot any animals from a moving vehicle in California, so put away the guns while driving ... except if you see a whale. Shooting them is okay.
- But if you end up in court in Los Angeles for one violation or another, please try to maintain your composure because it is illegal to cry on the witness stand and will only get you into more hot water.
Connecticut
- In Bloomfield, it's against the law to eat in your car, so remember to snack-up before hand.
- Like California, it's also against the law to shoot wild animals from your vehicle (no whales either) ... so pull that rifle back in the window as you enter Connecticut, deer season or not.
Florida
- The fine for hitting a pedestrian in Sarasota is $78. Hmmm ... not too bad actually. In fact, may be worth it for "some" people.
Georgia
- When in Dublin, please bear in mind that it is illegal to drive through playgrounds. So, if you're heading for the jungle gym, I'm afraid you'll just have to get out and walk.
- Also, when in Marietta, be aware that it is illegal to spit from a car or bus. The good news is you can spit from your truck ... that's okay.
- And drive extra defensively when the state assembly is in session because assembly members cannot be ticketed while that governing body is in session. Wonder who voted for that, huh?
Idaho
- There's good news when passing through Coeur d'Alene and you and your significant other suddenly feel "in the mood". While police officers are within their rights to break up any hanky panky, they must either honk the horn or flash their lights and wait approximately three minutes before getting out to investigate. If they don't do this, you just may beat the rap.
Illinois
- In Crete, cars can't be driven through the town. I guess the choices are to drive around the town, or maybe get out and push.
- In Evanston, it's unlawful to change clothes in an automobile with the curtains drawn, except in case of fire. So when changing your clothes, make sure you're clearly visible or they'll nail you. Sounds like a "fun" city.
- In Park Ridge, remember to park your truck out of sight because they can only be parked inside closed garages.
Iowa
- If you're passing through Indianola, you better not be in a truck selling ice cream ... it's illegal there. Yep, the "Ice Cream Man" has been banned.
Kansas
- When in Derby, please be aware they put a high value on peace and quiet. Screeching your tires, for example, is considered a misdemeanor and can cost you 30 days in the slammer.
- In Topeka, it's against the law to transport dead poultry on Kansas Avenue. So, use an alternative route when traveling with a bucket of chicken wings.
Maryland
- In Rockville, swearing from a vehicle is considered a misdemeanor. So, either clean up the vocab, or get the #@&* out of the vehicle before laying into someone.
Minnesota
- In Minnetonka they really value cleanliness. They'll nail you if your truck leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on any road. It's best to clean up before heading into this town, sort of like wiping your feet before going in the house.
Missouri
- In University City it is illegal to honk the horn of someone else's car. So those of you with a habit of switching cars before honking should know that it's just not tolerated in U. City.
New Jersey
- Although not really a driver law, it's good to know you'll have clear sailing in Blairstown where it is illegal to plant trees in the middle of the street. Don't you hate when that happens?
New York
- Those of you with the full length mirrors in your cars need to be aware that in Sag Harbor, it is illegal to disrobe while in your vehicle. Make sure you're pleased with your outfit before heading into town.
North Carolina
- When in Dunn, it is against the law to drive on sidewalks, sorry. You also can't drive through a cemetery unless you're there to dig a grave or bury someone.
Ohio
- When passing through Youngstown, make sure you've got plenty of gas because it's illegal to run out of gas there.
Oregon
- When in this state, you must yield to pedestrians when driving on the sidewalk. Good to know in advance.
- They'll also ticket you if you leave your car door open longer than is deemed necessary. You might want to practice getting in and out a bit before heading into Oregon.
- And it's a Class A traffic violation if you use your car on a highway to demonstrate your physical endurance. So, no pulling your car with your teeth or lifting it over your head or stuff like that.
Rhode Island
- In Scituate, it is illegal to drive with beer in your vehicle even if it is unopened. Perhaps this is an attempt to get beer drinkers to walk more.
- When passing another vehicle, either on the right or left, the law says you must give the vehicle an "audible signal" (I wonder if screaming would qualify if the horn doesn't work). Sounds like a noisy place to me.
South Carolina
- When in Hilton Head, bear in mind that it is against the law to store trash in your vehicle. It's probably best to get your interior detailed before heading into town.
So, there are indeed some unusual driving laws in our great land. And hopefully, this "heads-up" will help you avoid unexpected fines or jailtime.
Please note: This information came from what we believe are reliable sources. However, there is no guarantee as to their accuracy.