50 Weird Driving Laws in the US
We’ve all heard a handful of funny laws that make you wonder the backstory of its creation. For instance, did you know it’s illegal to stick an ice cream cone in your back post in Alabama and Georgia? This was to prevent thieves from luring away other people’s horses. These weird laws extend to driving in the US as well.
It’s a common misconception that it is illegal to drive barefoot. While a little unusual, it is legal to drive barefoot and safer than driving with high heels, flip-flops or heavy boots. However, there are actually more crazy driving laws in every state.
Take a look at our list of the weird driving laws in every state below.
50 Weird State Laws for Drivers
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Alabama Weird Driving Law: No Blindfolds
It is illegal to drive while blindfolded. Because that really had to be blatantly stated.
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Alaska Weird Driving Law: No Dogs on the Roof
It is illegal to tie a dog to the roof of your car. However, there is no mention of tying a dog to a different spot on the car, or tying a different animal to the roof.
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Arizona Weird Driving Law: No Going Back
You know what they say, “keep moving forward.” In Arizona, you cannot drive a car in reverse on a public road.
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Arkansas Weird Driving Law: No Honking
In Little Rock, the state’s capital, it is illegal to honk your car horn anywhere that serves cold drinks or sandwiches after 9 p.m. So don’t even think about getting the Sonic waitstaff’s attention this way if you need a late night snack.
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California Weird Driving Law: No Robes
It is against the law for women to drive in a housecoat, so no dropping off the kids at school in your robe.
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Colorado Weird Driving Law: No Black Cars
In Denver, it is illegal to drive a black car on a Sunday. Maybe their hearses are pink?
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Connecticut Weird Driving Law: No Hunting
Don’t go painting your car bright orange or camouflage; it is against the law to hunt from a car.
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Delaware Weird Driving Law: No Changing Clothes
In Fenwick Island, you’re not allowed to change your clothing inside a car. You’ll have to find a changing station or restroom to put on your swimsuit.
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Florida Weird Driving Law: No Animal Parking
You must feed the parking meter if you tie an elephant, goat or alligator to it. You know, normal pets.
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Georgia Weird Driving Law: No Driving Through Fun
It is illegal to drive through a playground. The swing set can’t support your car anyways.
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Hawaii Weird Driving Law: No Hazard Movement
It is illegal for any vehicle motion to use its hazard lights. You’ll have to stop completely before hitting that hazard button.
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Idaho Weird Driving Law: No Elderly Bikers
In Idaho Falls, it is against the law for anyone over the age of 88 to ride a motorcycle. Looks like Grandpa isn’t getting a Harley Davidson for his 90th birthday.
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Illinois Weird Driving Law: No Driving Without a Wheel
It is illegal to drive a car without a steering wheel. So take that RC car off your wish list.
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Indiana Weird Driving Law: No Sales on Sunday
It is against the law to sell cars on Sundays. No mention of buying a car, though.
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Iowa Weird Driving Law: No Dumping
In Mount Vernon, it is illegal to throw your Red Ryder onto the highway. Sorry, Ralphie.
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Kansas Weird Driving Law: No Chicken Transport
You won’t find a KFC along Kansas Avenue in Topeka; it is against the law to transport dead poultry on this road.
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Kentucky Weird Driving Law: No Animal Intimacy
It is illegal for your pet to molest a vehicle in Fort Thomas, however “molest” is not clearly defined. To be safe, keep Fido’s “dancing” to a minimum.
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Louisiana Weird Driving Law: No Driving Without Racing
By law, a woman’s husband is required to wave a flag in front of her car before she can drive it. Ladies, start your engines.
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Maine Weird Driving Law: No Buying on Sundays
It is illegal to buy a car on Sunday. Maybe Maine and Indiana can team up to form some kind of loophole dealership.
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Maryland Weird Driving Law: No Swearing
In Rockville, it is against the law to swear from a vehicle. Not too sure how you can enforce that if a car’s windows are closed.
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Massachusetts Weird Driving Law: No Gorillas
You cannot drive with a gorilla in the backseat. Looks like King Kong’s got shotgun.
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Michigan Weird Driving Law: No Reading in the Street
It is illegal to sit in the middle of the street and read a newspaper. iPads and Kindles have swiftly avoided this law.
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Minnesota Weird Driving Law: No Dirt
You will be considered a public nuisance if your truck leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on the roads in Minnetonka. Better find your nearest carwash.
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Mississippi Weird Driving Law: No Honking
Do not honk your horn in Oxford, otherwise you may scare nearby horses. Not starting any stampedes here.
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Missouri Weird Driving Law: No Honking Someone Else’s Horn
You cannot honk someone else’s horn in University City. If you really gotta toot a horn, make sure its your own.
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Montana Weird Driving Law: No Sheep Without Supervision
You must have a chaperone if you are driving sheep in your truck. Sheep can get pretty reckless, y’know.
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Nebraska Weird Driving Law: No Mountain Driving
On mountain highways, drivers must stay to the right. But there is no mountain in Nebraska…
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Nevada Weird Driving Law: No Camel Riding
It is illegal to ride a camel on the highway. Maybe this spittin’ animal prefers to do so on the sidewalk, anyways.
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New Hampshire Weird Driving Law: No Inhalation
It is illegal to inhale bus fumes with the intent of “inducing euphoria.” The kids will have to find other ways to pass time.
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New Jersey Weird Driving Law: No Custom DUI Plates
If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated, you may not apply for a personalized license plate. But what if it said “Drunk Driver”?
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New Mexico Weird Driving Law: No Cab Grab
Cab drivers may not reach out and pull potential customers into their taxis. That would be a terrifying situation.
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New York Weird Driving Law: No Disrobing
In Sag Harbor, it is illegal to disrobe while in your car. If your Friday night date is going well, find someplace else to continue the evening.
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North Carolina Weird Driving Law: No Cemetery Joyride
It is illegal to drive through a cemetery if you are not there to dig a grave or bury someone. So no swerving between the headstones for fun.
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North Dakota Weird Driving Law: No Pennies
It is against the law to put a penny in an automatic parking ticket machine. You’ll have to pay for parking with other currency, like a normal person.
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Ohio Weird Driving Law: No Shorts
In Cincinnati, taxi drivers may only wear shorts from May 16 through Labor Day. Hopefully the cab’s AC is good to go for those dog days of summer.
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Oklahoma Weird Driving Law: No Comics
It is against the law to read a comic book while driving. You’ll have to pull over if you want to see the end of Superman’s epic fight.
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Oregon Weird Driving Law: No Car Doors Open
It is illegal to leave your car door open for longer than “necessary.” Do you think police officers have stop watches to time you and enforce this law?
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Pennsylvania Weird Driving Law: No Driving Without Flares
When driving on a country road at night, drivers must stop every mile to set off flares and wait 10 minutes for livestock to cross the road. Better factor that into your estimated arrival time.
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Rhode Island Weird Driving Law: No Racing Horses
It is against the law to ride a horse down the highway for the purpose of racing or testing the speed of the horse. Because racing is the most absurd way to use a horse, isn’t it?
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South Carolina Weird Driving Law: No Trash
In the vacation town of Hilton Head, it is unlawful to store trash in your vehicle. You don’t want rats in your car.
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South Dakota Weird Driving Law: No Driving Until 14
You can get your driver’s license starting at 14 years old. That’s just… alarming.
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Tennessee Weird Driving Law: No Hunting Except Whales
It is illegal to shoot any game other than whales from a moving vehicle. You know, because of the ocean that Tennessee is totally next to.
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Texas Weird Driving Law: No Wipers No Car
You must have windshield wipers to register a car. But the windshield overall is optional.
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Utah Weird Driving Law: No Racing Birds
Birds have the right of way on highways. Because their tax money is what paid for those streets.
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Vermont Weird Driving Law: No Backfire
In Rutland, it is illegal for cars to backfire. Why? You might wake someone up.
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Virginia Weird Driving Law: No Women Driving
In Waynesboro, it is illegal for a woman to drive her car down Main Street unless her husband is walking in front of it waving a red flag. Red flags must be a popular wedding gift then.
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Washington Weird Driving Law: No Lawbreaking Without Notice
Any motorist with criminal intentions must stop at the city limits to call the chief of police as he or she is entering town. Do you think any criminal is that honest, though?
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West Virginia Weird Driving Law: No Roadkill Untouched
While incredibly disgusting, it is perfectly legal to eat roadkill.
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Wisconsin Weird Driving Law: No Handlebars
It is illegal for a bicyclist to ride with his or her hands off of the handlebars. Look, ma! My hands are still on the handlebars!
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Wyoming Weird Driving Law: No Gates Open
You risk a $750 fine if you do not close a gate over a road, river, stream or ditch behind you. Because a closed gate will definitely keep predators from the farm pastures.
Bonus…
Washington, D.C. Weird Driving Law: No Half Driveway
You can be ticketed for not completely pulling your car into your driveway. You knew you could be ticketed on your own property.
About Schumacher Cargo Logistics
Schumacher Cargo Logistics is a leader in international car shipping and moving services. With over 40 years of experience since 1977, we can move your goods around the world with ease.
If you’re ready to start driving with the weird road laws of the US get a quote to import your car today!
Driving on the Autobahn is a dream of many motorists that aren’t near Europe. The idea of long roads with unrestricted speed limits is enough to get people to fly out and visit. Even though people make this trip, many non natives don’t actually know how to drive on the Autobahn which actually has rules and customs. To help with that we’ve created a guide for the Autobahn below.
Guide for Driving on the Autobahn
What is the Autobahn?
It’s known across the world as the German highway with no speed limit. But it’s more than that. For speedsters and auto fanatics, the Autobahn is the ultimate place to take your shiny new sports car, especially with luxury European automakers close by.
Where is the Autobahn? How long is the Autobahn?
The word autobahn translates to “motorway,” so technically speaking, any country has an autobahn. However, the Autobahn references Germany’s highway system. Since Austria and Switzerland also speak German, their highways are also called autobahn.
The Autobahn in Germany is 12,993 km (8,073 miles) long. To compare, the United States’ highways are 77,540 kilometers (48,180 miles) combined. When you think about the size of the United States and the size of Germany, the length and density of the Autobahn is impressive.
Autobahn Speed Limit – Myth or Fact?
Famous for being the fastest highway in the world, there actually are speed limits on the Autobahn, believe it or not. Specific limits are posted near urban areas, like Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich, or for construction and heavy traffic. These limits will be posted as black numbers with a red outline on a white circular sign.
Outside of these areas, there is a recommended top speed of 130 kilometers per hour (50-80 mph). These will be posted as white numbers on blue square signs. While there are a few sections of the Autobahn without a speed limit, it’s wise to not go above 130 km/h, especially if you’re new to this highway.
You’ll see electronic signs that display “dynamic speed limits,” giving live updates to control traffic if there is an accident, construction, severe weather or special road conditions. Some may even show different limits for the specific lane that you’re driving in, so pay close attention to these.
Autobahn Highway Laws
Like every road system, there are traffic laws that all drivers must obey. Some of these are obvious, but some are specific to the Autobahn.
- It is illegal to pass on the right. You can pass only on the left.
- Stay in the right lane, especially if you’re new to the Autobahn. The left lane is for drivers going extremely fast or for passing vehicles in the right lane.
- Stopping, parking, u-turns and backing up on the Autobahn is illegal.
- It is illegal to run out of gas on the Autobahn; it’s seen as a preventable circumstance and it leads to stopping, which is illegal.
- Entering and exiting is only allowed on the marked interchanges.
- Pulling over onto the shoulder is prohibited, unless your car breaks down.
Autobahn, Germany Travel Tips
The following tips aren’t as mandated as the laws above, but they are social customs that every driver on the Autobahn should follow.
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- Triple check your mirrors before changing lanes. Because cars travel so fast on the Autobahn, someone may come zipping up when there was no one there a second ago.
- Most rental cars will have standard transmission. If you’re used to automatic, you can pay extra for that or quickly learn how to drive standard.
- Police don’t run speed radar the way they do in the United States. Instead, there are cameras in area with strict speed limits that will take a picture of your license to deliver an electronic ticket. Just because you don’t see a police car doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.
- Rest stops and service stations are available every 40-60 km. Drivers are encouraged to take a break at these areas every 100 km (or two hours) as the highway can be draining. These stops can include gas stations, cafes, restrooms and hotels.
- Embrace the local driving culture. German drivers don’t need as much elbow room as Americans do on the road, so don’t take it personally if it seems like a fellow driver cut you off. Chances are they thought you had plenty of space.
Helpful Terms to Know When Driving in Germany
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Learn the following terms to help you out when driving in Germany, Austria or Switzerland.
- Ausfahrt = exit; posted on road signs to indicate a rest stop or on/off-ramps.
- Stau = traffic jam; you’ll hear radio announcements informing drivers where there is congestion or even stopped traffic.
- Unfall = accident; another term you may hear on the radio or see on electronic live-update signs.
- Rettungsgasse = free lane; during a Stau, the stopped traffic forms an open lane to allow emergency vehicles to pass through, especially for accidents on the Autobahn.
Shipping Cars to and from Germany
Ready for life in the fastest lane? You can export your car to Germany from the United States with Schumacher Cargo Logistics. As an auto shipping specialist, we regularly ship cars to Germany. There’s no one better to trust your vehicle with. We’ll get your car to Germany safely and efficiently, so you’ll be burning rubber in no time! We offer a handful of shipping services to Germany.
Want a taste of the German auto life, but can’t quite make it to Deutschland? You can now import a car to the United States from Germany with Schumacher Cargo Logistics, too! Interested? Get your free shipping quote from the moving specialists at Schumacher Cargo Logistics now, and we can get started today.
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Why Hire a Moving Company?
From finding a new home to getting accustomed to the new culture and lifestyle, moving is already a stressful feat on its own. Especially when it’s an international move. The last thing you want to worry about is transporting your vehicles and household goods from Point A to Point B. That’s why choosing a trusted moving company for international shipping is vital to a successful relocation.
How Much Does A Moving Company Cost?
Get at Least Three Quotes
Request and compare estimates from at least three separate reputable shipping companies. You can see the differences between how much different moving companies charge you. Check every detail on these quotes, including the time frame, shipping method, packing materials, and if there are any fragile or precious items in the shipment.
Additionally, the final cost of your shipment will depend not only on the amount of items included. There’s also the space it takes up and the special services provided by the company, like door-to-door delivery or packing and unpacking for you; these features can drive the cost up or down. Deciding which special services are most important to you will help determine which company to choose.
How to Evaluate Moving Companies
Start your research early
Waiting until a few weeks before your move may put you in a tough spot. You run the risk of a hefty upcharge for the last minute accommodations, or you may not even find a company with available space for your items. So don’t put it off until the last minute. You’ll want to do extensive research on which companies ship to your desired port, what items you’re allowed to ship, and how past customers enjoyed their experience with their company. Give yourself plenty of time to decide.
Licenses, Accreditations and Memberships
One of the most important considerations is the company’s licensing and accreditations. Since these are given based off of industry-wide standards and qualifications, you’ll have a third-party guarantee whether a company is worthwhile or not.
The most prestigious accreditation for a moving company to have is the FIDI/FAIM membership. FIDI is the Federation of International Movers, and it is considered a worldwide standard for top quality movers. The FIDI Accredited International Mover (FAIM) Quality Management Programme is a quality certification reserved for the best international moving companies.
Other licenses to look for are:
- FMC – Federal Maritime Commission
- AMSA – American Moving and Storage Association
- IAM – International Association of Movers
- DOT – Department of Transportation
- OTI – Ocean Transport Intermediary
- NVOCC – Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier
Tracking Information
You feverishly refresh the “track package” page while waiting for an online order to arrive. Why shouldn’t you have the same comfort when moving? One of the greatest advantages of modern technology is the ability to keep track of your shipment status. Choosing a company that gives you this option can relieve the tension of wondering when your household goods will appear.
Experience with Foreign Ports and Customs
An international move is completely different than a domestic move. Each country has its own customs protocol and requires different shipping documents. Shipping with an experienced international moving company that knows how to handle these logistics will make your move much smoother.
Ship with Schumacher Cargo Logistics
Schumacher Cargo Logistics fulfills all of these expectations listed above. That’s what makes us one of the top international moving companies. We offer plenty of shipping services designed for a variety of customers. Get your free moving quote today!
What is Marine Insurance?
Marine insurance for cargo shipping covers the loss or damage of the cargo while on the water, as well as during transport to and from the port terminals. It is also referred to as cargo insurance, marine cargo insurance, or marine shipping insurance.
Our customers have the option to purchase marine cargo insurance when exporting vehicles and household goods; if you choose to do this, you would provide your marine insurance form with your exported shipment.
What Does Marine Cargo Insurance Cover?
Like other forms of insurance, you may hesitate at purchasing marine cargo insurance in the case you won’t need it in the end. If your cargo goes missing or if the shipping containers are damaged, you’ll be relieved to know your items are covered and you won’t suffer the cost. A few instances where damages or loss may occur include:
General Average
General average is a legal principle of maritime law in which all parties involved in a maritime accident will proportionally share the common loss. If your cargo is protected by marine insurance, the insurance company will cover your portion of the loss.
Natural Disasters
Your cargo or its container may suffer damage or go missing completely after a tsunami, hurricane, earthquake or similar incident. Since cargo insurance applies during transport to and from the port terminals, your shipment would be covered on both land and sea.
Theft
Your shipment could be stolen in the case of piracy or other theft. And even if your shipment isn’t the target, its arrival may be delayed after this event. In this case, the insurance company would replace the stolen items or reimburse the financial loss to you.
Learn More about Marine Insurance from Schumacher Cargo Logistics
To learn how to get cargo insurance or how much marine cargo insurance costs, contact one of our moving specialists today. Our 40 years of experience in international vehicle shipping and overseas relocation makes us experts in safely and efficiently getting your items where they need to be. Get your free shipping quote from Schumacher Cargo Logistics today!
At Schumacher Cargo Logistics, we’re experts in shipping vehicles overseas or exporting household goods. However, not everyone knows what’s required and we receive a lot of questions about what documents our customers need when moving internationally. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a helpful guide to explain some of the most common documents required when exporting an automobile or household goods.
Documents for Vehicle Export from USA
- Passport
- A clear scanned copy with the passport number
- If it’s a U.S. passport, it needs to include the Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- If it is not a U.S. passport, no EIN is needed
- Receive your Employer Identification Number with the EIN Assistant
- Certificate of Title
- The shipper’s name has to be the current owner of the vehicle listed on the title
- Bill of Sale
- Power of Attorney, depending on the port
Documents for Exporting Household Goods
- Passport
- A clear scanned copy with the passport number
- If it’s a U.S. passport, it needs to include the Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- If it is not a U.S. passport, no EIN is needed
- Receive your Employer Identification Number with the EIN Assistant
- Valuation of the shipment, as required by U.S. Customs
- Signed Schumacher Quotation
- Marine Insurance Form, if applicable
For Temporary Exports
If you are only exporting your vehicle for a temporary amount of time, you can get an ATA Carnet. This specialized document allows you to bring your car and household goods overseas for up to a year, and then the item(s) need to be brought back. For example, you would use this document if you were shipping your car overseas for a race or a show; after the event, the car would be returned to the United States.
Using this document gives you the benefit of bringing your vehicle and household goods into the country duty and tax free. In addition, you cannot sell the item(s) with a carnet overseas.
Documents for Exporting Items, by Country
Note that the lists above are not exhaustive; these documents are only the most commonly required. Each country will have its own specific requirements for exported items. Here are some examples of the different documentation required by Australia, France and the United Kingdom.
Australia
- B534 Form – Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement
France
- Inventaire pour la Douane Française / Inventory for French Customs
- CERFA 10070*02
- Certificate of Non-Resale
United Kingdom
How Schumacher Cargo Logistics Can Help You Export Your Items
To keep things in order, Schumacher Cargo Logistics provides to our customers a checklist to ensure that all required documents are received, as well as assistance if you need help completing the documents. In addition, you will receive a booking confirmation letter containing details of your shipment and information for the documents required by your destination country.
For more information about moving and shipping internationally, call our moving specialists toll-free at 800-599-0190 or request your free shipping quote today.
