Weird Car Laws & Car Buying: Don’t Get Fooled
Strange But True: Quirky Driving Laws
Every state has its fair share of driving rules, but some are just plain head-scratchers. Believe it or not, these quirky laws are real and still on the books today:
Connecticut – It’s illegal to hunt from your car (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 26-74).
Maine (South Berwick) – You can’t park directly in front of Dunkin’ Donuts (South Berwick Traffic Ordinance, Parking Schedule, Main St.).
New Jersey – You’re supposed to honk your horn before passing another vehicle outside of business districts (N.J.S.A. 39:4-85).
Oregon – You can’t leave your car door open longer than necessary (ORS § 811.490).
South Carolina – Horse-drawn buggies must have lights and reflectors at night (S.C. Code § 56-5-4650).
Delaware (Rehoboth Beach) – It’s illegal to disrobe or change clothes inside a car on a public street (Rehoboth Beach City Code § 198-14).
Kansas (Wichita) – No squealing your tires or “exhibition of speed” (Wichita Code § 11.04.100).
Georgia (City of Dublin) – Motor vehicles are prohibited inside parks and playgrounds (Dublin Code § 58-1).
Alaska (Anchorage) – You can’t transport animals tied to the outside of a vehicle (Anchorage Municipal Code § 9.36.150).
These may sound silly, but they’re legitimate laws meant to keep order (or at least they once were).
Quick note: This isn’t legal advice — we’re just here for the laughs (and to sell you safe, reliable cars).
If It Sounds Too Good to Be True...
These oddball laws teach us something important: you can’t always believe what you hear. Some so-called “laws” you’ll see online are just myths.
Take these for example:
Virginia Barefoot Driving – Totally legal! Despite the myth, there’s no ban on driving without shoes.
Alabama Blindfold Driving – Sounds crazy, but no such statute exists.
They’re funny stories, but they don’t hold up when you look at the real code.
And it’s the same when you’re shopping for cars online. That Craigslist special with low mileage and a rock-bottom price? Or that Facebook Marketplace ad that looks just a little too good? Sometimes those “deals” don’t hold up either.
The Risks of 3rd-Party Sellers
When you buy from an unlicensed private seller, you face real risks:
No warranty or protection if something breaks down.
Misrepresented mileage or accident history.
Questionable title status.
Zero accountability if things go wrong.
It’s a bit like believing one of those wild myths: funny at first glance, but costly once reality hits.
Why Dealerships Are Different
Licensed dealerships don’t operate on myths. By law, they must:
Hold proper state licenses.
Follow consumer protection codes.
Disclose accurate info about every car (VIN, odometer, recalls).
Stand behind what they sell.
That means the car you drive home isn’t hiding skeletons in the glove box.
So, while we can’t keep you out of trouble for squealing your tires in Wichita, we can keep you out of trouble when it comes to buying your next vehicle.
Do your research, know the facts, and when you’re ready, come see us. We’ll help you find a car you can trust, no weird laws required.
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