15 Things You Didn’t Know Were Illegal To Do While Driving

Have you ever wondered how many of us are unwittingly committing minor offences while on the road? Once we get our driver’s licence, most of us stop thinking about rules and drive as if we’re immune to consequences.

The truth is, even the most experienced drivers can make mistakes they’re not even aware of. For instance, it’s common knowledge that texting or using a mobile phone while driving is illegal, but did you know that holding it on loudspeaker, even when stationary in traffic, could get you fined?

What’s more, traffic laws can be so unusual and interesting that many people don’t realize how easy it is to lose points on their licence. A carefully compiled list of such lesser-known rules can help drivers avoid getting fined and keep their record clean.

15 Things You Didn’t Know Were Illegal To Do While Driving

1. Using your fog lights in clear weather.

Many people like to keep their fog lights on, believing they are always helpful. However, did you know it can be illegal to do so, especially when the weather is clear?

In fact, in 26 states, including California, Texas, and Virginia, it’s against the law to use your fog lights unless the weather conditions require it.

Fog lights are designed for poor visibility, and keeping them on in clear weather can not only be distracting to other drivers but can also result in a fine if a cop decides to pull you over. It’s essential to know when to use them, as this small mistake can have consequences in certain states.

You shouldn’t use fog lights in clear weather as can cause glare and reduce visibility for other drivers. 

And here’s why. 

1. Glare and reduce visibility:- Fog lights are specially designed to cut through low visibility conditions like fog, rain or snow. Their concentrated beam can be blinding and distracting to other drivers in clear weather. 
2. Legal Considerations:- In many places, using fog light is provided and using it can lead to fines.

When to use fog light?

• Low visibility:- You should use fog light when the visibility is severely reduced. This occurs mostly in dense fog, heavy rain or snow. You should use fog lights when visibility is less than 100 meters.
• Safe driving:- Using fog lights in these conditions can help see the drivers road ahead and will also help the other drivers too.

2. Not moving aside in emergencies

When there’s an accident on the road and emergency vehicles are present, the safest thing you can do is pass by in another lane to provide ample space for the workers. Many drivers fail to move over, not realizing it’s illegal in 43 states under “Move Over” laws.

Ignoring this rule doesn’t just block the way for responders—it can result in additional accidents. Worse, slowing down excessively or gawking can cause unnecessary risks for everyone involved.

Following this simple guideline ensures that you stay safe and allow emergency teams to do their jobs efficiently.

More article like this: HOW TO CLEAN WINDOWS WITH TINTED FILM

3. Using a cellphone

Most people know it’s illegal to make calls while holding a phone to their ear, but many don’t realize that handling a cellphone in any way while driving is also prohibited. Even something as simple as looking at directions can lead to trouble.

To avoid handling your phone and becoming distracted, try mounting it securely on your dash. This simple step not only keeps you safe but also ensures you’re following the law while staying focused on the road.

In 2022, 3308 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in the U.S.

4. Driving with your hazard lights on

Many people think it’s okay to drive with their hazards on during heavy raining to signal to other drivers that they are going slower, but in many states, this is actually illegal.

When visibility is poor, seeing a car with its hazards on might make you assume it’s pulled over, but as you approach and pass, you could find it’s still driving, which creates a dangerous situation.

Hazards are intended to signal a stop, not to indicate slow driving, and this law is enforced in states like New York and North Carolina.

When to use hazard lights?

• When your vehicle is a hazard:- You should use your hazard light when your vehicle is stopped or moving slowly on the side of the road due to a breakdown, flat tire or other issues that could lead to hazard to other drivers.
• To warn others of a hazard:- You can use your hazard light to warn against a potential hazard ahead such as slow slow-moving vehicle, accident or construction activities. 

When not to use hazard light?

• During normal driving
• In bad weather
• To thank other drivers
• When parking or dropping someone
• When you’re not a hazard to other drivers

5. Driving with a damaged windshield

Many people think a cracked windshield is just a vanity issue, but it’s much more serious than that. While it may still appear intact and seem to be protecting you, the glass becomes weakened over time.

This makes even minor incidents more likely to turn into a bigger problem. In most states, laws focus on whether the crack is affecting your field of vision, turning it into a legal matter.

A damaged windshield isn’t just about appearance; it’s about significantly reducing safety while driving and avoiding potential dangerous outcomes.

Why it’s dangerous?

• Reduced visibility: Cracks and chips can disturb your view of the road, mainly in low light and bad weather conditions.
• Structural Weakness: A damaged windshield can weaken the structure of your vehicle, leading to roof collapse in a collision.
• Shattering: A damaged windshield is more susceptible to shattering, which might potentially injure the occupants.
• Airbag malfunction: A damaged windshield can create an issue with proper airbag deployment.
• Legal Issues: Driving with a damaged windshield is illegal and can result in fines.

What to do in such cases?

• Get it replaced asap.
• Consult a professional to make sure if the damage is repairable.

6. Rushing past a funeral procession

In many states, funeral processions are given the right of way, meaning they don’t have to stop at red lights once the lead car has passed through safely. It’s considered disrespectful and sometimes illegal to try to get around or ride the coattails of a procession.

While the law may vary state by state, it’s always better to play it safe and hang back until the procession is over.

Even though you’re not required to pull over, it’s seen as a polite gesture in many places.

7. Playing your music at a high volume

If you’re a fan of blasting music while driving, be aware that it might cause trouble. While there’s no federal law that dictates how loud your music can be, some states enforce rules against it.

If your music is clearly audible from 25 feet away, you could be considered a nuisance and risk being issued a fine. Always check your local laws to avoid unnecessary penalties.

One of the most important issues with playing music loudly is that it can impair one’s ability to react to traffic cues and emergency vehicles, which can lead to accidents and fines. Studies has shown that loud music can reduce reduction times by a rate of 20%.

What to do in such cases?

• Adjust Your Volume: You can consider your volume to a certain level where you can hear what’s happening around you and react safely to traffic situations.
• Avoid playing certain types of loud music, which leads to drivers speeding and driving more recklessly.

8. Driving with no headlights on

When it’s getting dark, you may not feel the need to turn on your headlights, especially if you can still see clearly.

However, if you forget or don’t remember, it can lead to a fine in most states. The specific laws vary, but in general, you are required to turn on your headlights when it starts getting dark.

Why driving without headlights is a problem?

• Reduced visibility: Headlights are essential to see the road ahead when there’s low light conditions like dusk, dawn, and night. Without using it, you can’t see the obstacles, pedestrians, which increases the risk of collision.
• Difficulty Being Seen: Without headlights, your vehicle becomes a phantom vehicle, causing problems for the other drivers to spot your vehicle.
• Motor vehicle act: Countries like the U.S and India have strict laws against motor vehicle act. In India, Rule no. 106 specifically addresses the use of headlights to ensure road safety.

When to use headlights?

• Nighttime
• Low visibility
• In some cases daytime also.

9. Speed Regulations and Driving Slowly

While we all know about speed limits on every road, many roads don’t have minimums posted. However, driving too slow can still get you in trouble.

Even though there might not be a specific minimum speed, if your driving is disruptive to others, you can be issued a ticket. So, keep in mind that going too slow can be just as dangerous as speeding, especially when it’s blocking traffic flow.

10. Driving in a fatigued state

When you’re driving while tired, whether it’s after a long day of work, driving through the night to reach your vacation destination, or just feeling sleepy, it can lead to dangerous and even reckless behavior on the road.

You might think your fatigued state only affects you, but the truth is, it puts everyone at risk. In New Jersey, a tragic accident led to the passing of Maggie’s Law, which makes it a criminal offense to drive while fatigued.

The law was introduced after a 20-year-old woman was killed in a head-on collision by a man who had been awake for 30 hours. If you’re involved in an accident while fatigued, you could be charged with vehicular homicide, and the consequences are severe.

11. Driving at a low speed in the left lane

When you’re driving in the left lane, it’s meant for faster driving and passing other cars. It’s not a place to go too slow or exceed the speed limit, as that can create an unsafe driving environment.

If you prefer to go slow, it’s better to stay in the right lane so faster cars can safely get around you. Remember, the left lane is not for cruising at a pace that blocks others or encourages speeding.

Here’s a more detailed explanation

Why is it dangerous? 

• Impedes traffic flow: When you drive slow in the left lane, it potentially forces the other driver to change lanes, which can cause accidents. 
• Created frustration: Other drivers may feel frustrated and engage in dangerous behaviours. 

What does the law say? 

• In most states, left lane is used for passing and slower vehicles move to the right. 
• Some states have specific laws that prohibit driving slowly in the left lane or require drivers to move to the right. 

12. Driving while wearing earbuds

While driving, it’s important to use all of your senses, including your hearing. Wearing earbuds can severely impact your ability to hear important sounds, such as the honking of another motorist or the sound of an emergency vehicle.

This can put both yourself and others in danger. If you can’t agree on what music to listen to, ask your passenger to compromise and listen with earbuds instead.

In what states is driving with wearing headphones illegal?

California, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Virginia, and Washington are the states that do not allow headphones while driving. 

13. Attaching a GPS to the windshield

In 28 states, it is illegal to mount your GPS directly on the windshield. This is because doing so can hinder your visibility, which can be dangerous while driving.

Many people are unaware of this law, but instead, it’s recommended to mount the GPS on your dashboard for better safety and clearer vision.

What does the law say about mounting GPS in the windshield? 

• General Rule: Many states in the us allow mounts in specific locations, like the lower corners of the windshield.
  • California: GPS windshield can be placed in the lower corners of the windshield: 7-inch corner square on the passenger side and 5-inch corner square on the driver side. 
  • Minnesota: GPS devices can only be mounted on the bottom portion of the windshield. 
  • Texas: Section 547.613 of the state’s transportation code states that a person commits an offence if they placed an object that reduces the operator’s clear view. 

14. Excessively tinting your windows

Tinting your windows is not necessarily illegal, but if you go above the state’s regulation, you could be facing a fine. If the tint is too dark, it can hinder your ability to see properly, which can be dangerous for both you and other drivers.

In addition, it poses a threat to police officers who may need to approach your car but cannot see who or what is inside. Always be sure to check your state’s rules on window tint to avoid trouble.

15. Faulty Horn

A horn serves an important purpose while you’re driving: it helps you warn others about potential dangers on the road.

If your horn isn’t functioning properly, it can prevent you from being able to communicate with other drivers, which could lead to dangerous situations. Always make sure your horn works so you can alert others when needed.

What to do if your horn is faulty? 

• Check the fuse
• Clean terminals
• Replace the relay and lastly
• Replace the horn

FAQs

Conclusion

To wrap it up, there are plenty of surprising things you might be doing while driving that could actually be illegal, like using fog lights in clear weather or not moving aside when emergencies arise.

Simple actions like using your cellphone or playing music too loud could also land you in trouble. Don’t forget the basics, like driving with no headlights on or fatigued driving. Even small things, like driving too slowly in the left lane or wearing earbuds, can be illegal.

Always be mindful of rules about window tinting, windshields, or hazard lights to stay on the safe side. My suggestion is to stay updated on traffic laws and always prioritize safety both for you and others on the road.