Five Bizarre Driving Laws That You May Not Know About

The rules of the road can seem pretty simple for the most part. Don’t drink and drive, don’t go over the speed limit, and always wear a seatbelt. However, there are many more rules that very few people learn. While traffic laws are there to keep pedestrians and drivers safe, one or two of them can truly leave you scratching your head and wondering why they even need to exist.

With that in mind, here are five weird, wonderful, and downright bizarre driving laws that you may not know about.

1) Owning A Trashy Car

We all have left trash in our cars from time to time. Granted, it isn’t the most hygienic thing in the world, but it isn’t illegal either, right? Unfortunately, in South Carolina, it is. In this state, storing trash in your car is considered a nuisance offense. Although it’s unclear how this law is enforced, you may want to give your vehicle the once over before driving through Hilton Head.

2) Running Out Of Gas

No one intentionally runs out of gas when driving, but that didn’t stop a law being passed to ensure it never happens. In Youngtown, Ohio, running out of gas on the road is actually a misdemeanor offense. This means that you could be given a ticket if you were ever to run out of fuel, making the experience that much worse. To avoid this, ensure you check your gas before visiting Ohio. (Or just skip visiting Ohio entirely)

3) Hanging Your Fuzzy Dice

Getting into a car accident is a rough ordeal. Not only is it frightening, but it can be incredibly costly as well. However, in Illinois, a simple pair of fuzzy dice can make matters a whole lot worse. Here, hanging anything that might obstruct your view can void your car insurance and land you in trouble. In fact, you’re not allowed to suspend or place anything in front of any of your windows.

4) Tying Pets To Roofs

Have you ever ran out of space in your car and decided to tie your dog to the roof? No? Well me neither, but apparently there are people out there willing to do such a thing. In fact, there are so many that Alaska introduced a law banning the act. This law means that citizens and visitors of this state are no longer allowed to carry animals of any kind anywhere outside of a vehicle.

5) Hunting In Moving Vehicles

For those of you that like to hunt and drive at the same time, you should know that this act is illegal in California. This means that, if you do plan on hunting, you will have to do so the old fashioned way and travel by foot. However, there is a small silver lining to this rule. While all other animals are off limits to you, it isn’t illegal to hunt whales by car, apparently making it fair game to any who want it.

Driver essentials: How to minimize risks

Millions of people use the roads every day. When you get behind the wheel of a car, truck or bus, or you climb aboard a motorcycle, you have a responsibility to protect other road users, as well as yourself. Always remember that your actions will have consequences for others. Pay attention to the speed limit, drive carefully and respect other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. If you break the law, or you cause an accident as a result of negligence or carelessness, you may find yourself on the receiving end of penalties or legal charges. Experienced professionals like a Kaine Law motorcycle accident lawyer specialize in helping clients who have been injured in accidents caused by others. Drive to the conditions, prioritize safety and stay well back from vehicles in front. Avoid tailgating and weaving in and out of traffic. Keep your eyes on the road and slow down if the surface is wet or icy, or visibility is poor. Studies show that over 90% of road accidents are caused by driver errors.

The laws of driving may seem simple, but, depending on where you are in the country, it can get a little more complex. Wherever it is that you choose to drive, be sure you do so safely and legally.