11 Outrageous Traffic Laws Still Enforced Today

There’s a rumored Florida driving law that I particularly love: If you have an elephant tied to a parking meter, you must pay the meter. Sadly, that weird driving law seems to be an urban legend— though at one time it could have been on the books to keep the folks at the Barnum and Bailey circus honest.

But there are still plenty of other weird driving laws that are true and remain in place. Some are archaic remnants of eras gone by, some are a reflection of local conditions or social issues and others are still evolving today — but all had or have the same intent of keeping the public safe.

Here are some weird traffic laws, by state, to keep a lookout for.

Alaska Dog Cargo

In Anchorage, it’s a big no-no to drive with your dog tethered to the roof of your car. We’re not sure how big of a hassle that creates for the state’s many dog-sled mushers, but the rule is clearly an anti-animal cruelty and safety rule “to protect pets from horrible outcomes riding up top,” says Alex Black of EpicVIN. “It’s practically never enforced in 2025, but if cops saw it, they’d probably intervene.”

Arkansas Horn Honking

In Little Rock, it’s illegal to honk your car horn after 9 p.m. while parked at any establishment that serves cold drinks or sandwiches. Since the town has similar ordinances banning loud talk, racing motors and disturbing the peace at drive-ins, it’s likely that this weird law was created to rein in late-night noise and “keep hangouts from spilling over into neighborhood disturbances,” says Way.com writer Renee Martin.

“The sandwich-shop clause is just one quirky remnant of that broader push for quiet nights,” says Martin.

Ohio Gas Minimum

In Youngstown, a weird driving law states that you mustn’t drive into the downtown “congested district” without enough gas in your tank to get back out. “We don’t really know who made this law or why, but we can assume that it was probably to prevent cars from stalling and blocking busy streets,” says Martin. There are no clear records of whether it’s ever been enforced, but the ordinance outlines penalties that escalate from a minor misdemeanor to more serious charges for repeat offenses.

Minnesota Messes

In Minnetonka, vehicles that deposit mud, dirt, sticky substances and other debris on public streets are considered a public nuisance. “The law was clearly written to keep roads safe and prevent damage to pavement and other vehicles, and it’s grouped with other rules meant to protect safety and keep the community clean,” says Martin. “It is unusual to see it framed so specifically in a city ordinance, which is why it shows up on ‘weird law’ lists.”

Montana Sheep Transport

If you’re driving around with your sheep in Montana, make sure you never leave them unattended. “While this law may seem silly, animal cruelty laws could mean that you are issued a citation for this infraction,” says attorney Jason Reese. Keep in mind, in Montana it’s also illegal to drive with ice picks attached to your wheels, bring your horse into the bar or catch a fish with a lasso.

Tennessee Snoozing

Falling asleep behind the wheel is never a good idea, but in Tennessee, sleeping while driving can also earn you a hefty ticket. That’s because it’s considered reckless driving, since you’re putting everyone else on the road at risk.

“I know, it sounds like a punchline. Of course, no one is supposed to nap and drive, but here in Tennessee, it’s written right into law,” says Mahlon Miller of Arrow Trail trailers. “And yes, it is still enforced in 2025. That means fines, or potential jail time in case of an accident.”

Texas Windshield Wipers

In Texas, you’re not legally required to have a windshield, but don’t try to hit the road without windshield wipers. While law likely got included in the books to keep drivers safe during rain, it’s comically out of context when applied to windshield-less cars. “It’s not common for people to be ticketed for not having windshield wipers when they don’t have a windshield, but they should still make sure that they are following the law regardless,” says Texas attorney Ben Michael.

Utah Bird Right of Way

See a raven on a road in Utah? Better stop. That’s because birds have the right of way on all highways in the state. This weird driving law was likely created to help protect birds, since many are killed by vehicle collisions. “It’s fun trivia more than an enforceable law,” say Black. Still, a few years back, an eagle did fly through the open side window of a semi-truck on I-70. Both human and bird made it out okay, just with a few ruffled feathers.

Virginia Road Kill

A 2024 statewide law gives motorists the green light to keep any deer, bear, turkey or elk that they hit or find dead on the road, so long as they report it to law enforcement. “Waste not, want not when you’re cruising the roads through Virginia,” says Reese. “If you happen to strike an animal while driving, just keep it and serve it for your next meal.”

Canadian Horse Traffic

Nope, don’t even think about furiously racing your horse, or any other animal, on a highway in Ontario. “The strange regulation dates back to a period when the roads were also occupied by horses, but in 2025, no horse racers can be found in the modern traffic, and no police officer will be waiting to see a furious horse, so the law is a legal fossil,” says defense attorney Michael Kruse.

But, if you do happen to buck that law, by riding a horse on the road in rural Ontario, a more recent provision requires you to wear shoes with a hard sole of at least 1.5 cm thick, plus a helmet for those under 18. “At one time, horseback riders were still fairly widespread in rural Ontario, and legislators wanted to minimize the risk of a rider falling and being dragged or hurt by a second vehicle,” says licensed paralegal Ron Harper. “The rule remains in the books in 2025 but is seldom enforced.”

Hazard Lights Misuse, Multiple States

Many states have and actively enforce laws restricting the use of a vehicle’s hazard lights while driving (vs. their intended use of signifying that a vehicle is pulled over or disabled). Generally, the reasoning is that hazard lights can make it harder to see brake lights, plus confuse or disorient other drivers, especially in inclement weather.

“Drivers believe that driving with hazard lights on during a downpour is safer, but in reality, they are creating a hazard and may be liable if an accident occurs,” says accident attorney Rick Staggard. As far as getting pulled over, he adds, “You could be driving south on I-95 in Georgia, where it’s not enforced, then cross into Florida, where it is enforced, and suddenly face a ticket.”

About the Experts

• Renee Martin is an auto writer with the Way.com auto app.
• Alex Black is chief marketing officer at EpicVIN. He has been car expert for more than 15 years, working at car auctions, vehicle history providers and more.
• Rick Staggard in an accident trial attorney with Farah and Farah. He has been practicing for decades in Florida and Georgia.
• Jason Reese is co-founder and partner attorney at Wagner Reese, an Indiana and Illinois law firm specializing in car accident cases and personal injury.
• Mahlon Miller is co-owner and manager at Arrow Trail trailers in Lobelville, Tennessee, where he builds trailers and hauls everything from heavy equipment to tiny homes across the South.
• Michael Kruse is a Canadian DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer, and head of Kruse Law Firm, which specializes in traffic related and criminal charges in southwestern Ontario and Toronto.
• Ron Harper is a licensed paralegal and the owner of OTD Ticket Defenders Legal Service in Ontario, Canada, where he specializes in traffic related charges.
• Ben Michael is an attorney at Michael & Associates, in Dallas, Texas, and specializes in DWIs and DUIs.

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