Indiana, known for its love of basketball and the Indianapolis 500, has its fair share of unusual driving laws. While some regulations make sense for safety reasons, others seem outdated or oddly specific. Here are some of the strangest driving laws in Indiana that you might not believe are real.
1. It’s Illegal to Drive with an Uncaged Bear
While most people wouldn’t consider bringing a bear along for a ride, Indiana law specifically prohibits transporting an uncaged bear in your vehicle. This law likely dates back to a time when exotic animal ownership was more common.
2. No Driving in Reverse on a One-Way Street
While this might seem obvious, Indiana has a specific law stating that drivers cannot move their vehicle in reverse on a one-way street. If caught, you could receive a traffic violation.
3. It’s Illegal to Speed—Even When Passing
In some states, you can temporarily exceed the speed limit when overtaking a vehicle. However, in Indiana, it is illegal to speed at any time, even while passing. This means drivers must be extra cautious when attempting to overtake slow-moving traffic.
4. You Must Signal 200 Feet Before Turning in Rural Areas
In Indiana, drivers are required to signal at least 200 feet before making a turn on rural roads. In urban areas, the requirement is reduced to 100 feet, but this law ensures that other drivers have plenty of time to react.
5. No “Catch-All” License Plates
Indiana prohibits vehicle owners from using novelty plates that resemble official state-issued license plates. If a driver is caught using an unauthorized plate, they could face fines.
6. Sunday Car Sales are Banned
Believe it or not, Indiana still enforces a law prohibiting car dealerships from selling vehicles on Sundays. This law, part of an old “blue law” tradition, is meant to ensure that salespeople get a day off each week.
7. It’s Illegal to Leave Your Car Running Unattended
Indiana prohibits drivers from leaving their vehicle running and unattended unless it is equipped with a remote start system. This law is intended to prevent vehicle theft and unnecessary idling.
Final Thoughts
Indiana’s driving laws range from strict safety measures to oddly specific regulations. Whether you live in the Hoosier State or are just visiting, knowing these unusual rules can help you stay out of trouble on the road.
