8 Weird Driving Rules

January 3, 2014
Better avoid the local deli if you’re “horn happy.” In Arkansas, it’s illegal to blare your car horn in areas where cold beverages or sandwiches are served. Lucky for us, that rule only goes into effect after 9 p.m., so bring on the lunchtime honking.
Watch out for doughnut cravings when you’re driving through Maine. If you’re in South Berwick, ME, be sure to park “to a point of 25 feet south” of the Dunkin Donuts on Maine Street or you can expect a ticket in addition to a sweet snack and cup of joe.
We appreciate keeping furry friends in a pet carrier during a drive (ahem – Six Simple Rules), but who would have thought that it’s illegal to operate a car with a gorilla in the backseat in Massachusetts?
Speaking of zoos, the next time you’re in Orlando, Florida, don’t be surprised if there’s something large blocking your parking spot. That’s because it’s legal to “park” your elephant at a parking meter. Just be sure to deposit the appropriate amount of change (for a car, not an elephant).
We’re all about efficiency, but we’re not quite sure how we’d manage remembering this rule in Indiana, where it’s illegal to back into a parking spot. Guess we better brush up on our parallel parking skills.
Did you know that in Washington State, motorists who have any criminal intentions are required to stop at the city limits before entering a town? They’re also expected to call the chief of police to alert the local authorities of their travels. We wonder how Walter White would handle this one?
Watch out for puddles if driving in Japan and don’t forget your rain boots. Anyone who drives through a puddle of mud and splashes pedestrians could be fined the equivalent of approximately $65.
In South Africa, animals are all about the right of way. Drivers on public roads must stop their vehicles if asked or signaled by a person leading certain animals across the road (think horse, sheep, ostrich, etc). Note to self – keep an eye out for all crossing creatures.
Better avoid the local deli if you’re “horn happy.” In Arkansas, it’s illegal to blare your car horn in areas where cold beverages or sandwiches are served. Lucky for us, that rule only goes into effect after 9 p.m., so bring on the lunchtime honking.
Watch out for doughnut cravings when you’re driving through Maine. If you’re in South Berwick, ME, be sure to park “to a point of 25 feet south” of the Dunkin Donuts on Maine Street or you can expect a ticket in addition to a sweet snack and cup of joe.
We appreciate keeping furry friends in a pet carrier during a drive (ahem – Six Simple Rules), but who would have thought that it’s illegal to operate a car with a gorilla in the backseat in Massachusetts?
Speaking of zoos, the next time you’re in Orlando, Florida, don’t be surprised if there’s something large blocking your parking spot. That’s because it’s legal to “park” your elephant at a parking meter. Just be sure to deposit the appropriate amount of change (for a car, not an elephant).
We’re all about efficiency, but we’re not quite sure how we’d manage remembering this rule in Indiana, where it’s illegal to back into a parking spot. Guess we better brush up on our parallel parking skills.
Did you know that in Washington State, motorists who have any criminal intentions are required to stop at the city limits before entering a town? They’re also expected to call the chief of police to alert the local authorities of their travels. We wonder how Walter White would handle this one?
Watch out for puddles if driving in Japan and don’t forget your rain boots. Anyone who drives through a puddle of mud and splashes pedestrians could be fined the equivalent of approximately $65.
In South Africa, animals are all about the right of way. Drivers on public roads must stop their vehicles if asked or signaled by a person leading certain animals across the road (think horse, sheep, ostrich, etc). Note to self – keep an eye out for all crossing creatures.
BY AMANDA JOHNSON // ILLUSTRATIONS BY STEPHANIE QUINONES-MILLET