Odd Traffic Laws

We’re all well aware of the basic laws of the road, right?  Don’t speed, don’t run through red lights or stop signs, obey traffic signs, you know, laws that are common sense and were created to maintain public safety. Most laws are backed by logical reason, but if you dig deep enough, you’ll find some awfully strange traffic laws that’ll make you scratch your head and wonder, “how could this be a law?” Here are few of those laws:

Alabama

Have you ever seen the movie, Talladega Nights, starring Will Ferrell? Well, he played the character Ricky Bobby and in one scene, he drives with a blindfold on and immediately drives into a house. No matter how bad you want to channel your inner-Ricky Bobby, it’s probably best for you and everyone around to keep your eyes on the road. But, who in their right mind would drive with a blindfold on? Well, someone in the state of Alabama must have tried it because Alabama has a law against it.

Forget to bring your lantern along with you? Guess you can’t drive on the wrong side of the road. Yes, that is correct. In Alabama if you have a lantern attached to the front of your vehicle, you are legally allowed to drive on the wrong side of the road. Should you do this? Absolutely not. If you crash into a vehicle, and it is deemed your fault (which it definitely will be) you’ll be held liable for the damages.

California

Feeling dangerous? If you pull a move like Jason Bourne and find it necessary to jump out of your moving big rig, you better make sure you are travelling below 65 mph in Glendale, California. If you jump out going 60 mph, you’ll probably roll out of it like a champ, right? Doubtful. In any case, if you try this stunt while traveling over 65 mph, you could earn yourself jail time, if you survive.

Oh, and if you feel like pulling over in Eureka, California to sleep underneath the stars, you better not do it on the road or sidewalk. It doesn’t matter how comfortable the hard asphalt looks (if that looks inviting, you’re a madman). The penalty for sleeping on the road or sidewalk could cost you $1,000 in fines and possibly six months in jail.

Florida

In Sarasota, Florida, it’s against the law to hit a pedestrian with your vehicle. You would hope so, right? Well if you do, it’s only a $78 penalty. Yes, you read that right. Seems like a slap on the wrist if anything. But, if you cause any injuries, you’re still on the hook for the medical bills.

 Minnesota

Here’s a bizarre law we could actually see someone breaking. If you drive with mud on your tires in Minnetonka, Minnesota you could face a public nuisance and traffic violation misdemeanor charge, which could cost up to $2,000 in fines…ouch. Minnetonka must have the cleanest roads in all of North America! So, you better make sure your tires are squeaky clean if you pass through this town.

 Ohio

Happen to be travelling through Youngstown, Ohio? Better check the fuel gauge before you roll through the town. It’s actually illegal to run out of fuel in Youngstown, and if you do, you could be subjected to a misdemeanor. Makes you wonder if this used to be a big problem in the town.

Oklahoma

Feel like reading while driving in the state of Oklahoma? Sure, why not, apparently there’s no such thing as distracted driving! But hold your horses, if you want to catch up on the latest issue of a superhero comic book then think twice, because that’s illegal. Any other reading material is fine though. Apparently reading comics is more distracting than other reading material?

Curious what other ridiculous laws are out there? Here’s a list of the top ‘weirdest’ traffic laws broken down by state.