You know the Sunshine State for many things. There’s our sunny weather, attracting the snowbirds in droves. There are numerous Florida beaches, ranking our state as second in terms of most coastline (1,350 miles). Finally, there’s the cuisine, filling up visitors with plenty of seafood and Key Lime Pie.
However, Florida is also known for our bizarre traffic laws. While most traffic laws are in place to promote safety, some of these seem outright ridiculous.
Remember: sure, these traffic laws may seem bizarre, but the Floridian higher-ups strongly believe that safety is a top priority; these laws were implemented purposefully to benefit citizens.
Illegal To Drive Over Graves
In our state, we’re pretty passionate about letting the deceased rest eternally. The law stating that it is illegal to drive over graves was passed in 1971, after a man was caught joyriding in a cemetery in Miami. The law prohibits anyone from operating a vehicle over a cemetery plot, unless they have written permission from the cemetery owner.
Violating this law can result in a fine of up to $1,000, six months in jail, or the driver being haunted until their death by the ghost of the awoken. Okay, maybe we made that last part up.
Illegal to Park in a Bike Lane
Let’s be honest here. This one is common sense. However, many Floridians don’t realize that it’s completely illegal to park in a bike lane.
According to Florida Statute 316.1945, “No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a bicycle lane.” It isn’t friendly to the cyclists, and (usually), it’s not that great of a parking spot anyway. Violating this law can result in a fine of up to $100.
Illegal to Leave Your Car Running Unattended
If you’re driving anywhere in our state, make sure you turn your car off. If you leave your vehicle without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, and removing the key, you will get a ticket worth up to $129.
This prevents temporary parking, curbside parking in a fire zone, and leaving children or dogs unattended in the running vehicle. Worth noting because it is Florida, leaving your pet alligator in your car is also illegal, and wrong on so many levels.
Illegal to Drive with Bare Feet
Acclaimed writer and director Quentin Tarantino might not like this one.
While it may be tempting to slip off your shoes and sandals to drive barefoot in our wonderful weather, it’s actually frowned upon by the law. And, depending on how friendly or unfriendly of a legal interpretation a police officer or Judge may have, it can be deemed illegal.
As per Florida Statute 216.2952, “No person shall operate a motor vehicle while wearing unsafe or improper footwear.” Under this Statute, putting the pedal to the metal with your toes is considered unsafe.
Violating this law can result in a fine of up to $150.
We assume the official who put this one into play was utterly disgusted by toes. So watch out, the anti-barefoot police might be out to get you!
Illegal to Drive too Slowly
While it may seem counterintuitive, especially with our generous speed limits, driving too slowly is actually illegal in our state. If anyone maintains a slow speed to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, they will be levied with a $60 fine.
Considering that a generous portion of our population (21%) are senior citizens, skeptic Floridians believe it is just a very easy way to sucker the elderly out of a Grant and a Hamilton.
Illegal to Drive with an Unrestrained Animal
The Sunshine State is one of the most accommodating to your four-legged friend. But, if you’re traveling a Florida highway or road with your pet, ensure they’re properly restrained.
According to Florida Statute 316.613, “No person shall transport any animal on public roads or highways of this state unless the animal is safely and humanely enclosed within a vehicle.”
We’re assuming this is more to keep the pet safe, rather than considering their presence as a nuisance.
Violating this law can result in a fine of up to $500. So, to be clear, this crime is far more serious than driving too slowly, running your car unattended, driving barefoot, or illegally parking in a bike lane. If your four-legged companion has their body halfway out the window while you’re driving, watch out, that ticket is pricey!
Driving with a Goat
Though most animals are accepted in the Sunshine State, goats are definitely discriminated against. In Florida, it is unlawful to transport a goat in the back of a vehicle, unless it is confined in a space that prevents said animal from falling, jumping, or being thrown from the vehicle.
While this law makes way more sense for larger animals (we’re thinking horses or cows), the state is fixated on the goat for reasons that are still not entirely clear.
It’s worth noting that this law is in place to prevent accidents caused by loose animals on the road. You may be wondering why target goats? In Florida, we’ve learned, when you see an odd law on the books, sometimes it is best not to do a deep internet dive to find the origins because theres usually a wild story involving “a Florida man” behind the law.
Playing Football in the Street
Sure, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a rebuilding year. And the Miami Dolphins’ future depends on Tua’s so-so health situation. But, our state really seems to dislike football.
In some Florida cities, it is illegal to play the sport in the street. This law is in place to prevent accidents caused by children playing in the road. Especially, to keep people from wearing rival NFL jerseys in the streets (only half-kidding).
While this law may seem silly, it’s important to note that playing in the street can be pretty dangerous, especially if there is heavy traffic. It also saves the state from paying for more of those “Slow Children At Play” signs. If you violate this law, you could be issued a citation and fined.
If you’re interested in any more of these laws (that weren’t mentioned here), head to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website for a comprehensive list.
