Motorcyclists are a breed apart—rugged individualists often seen as outlaws riding on the edge of society. But with that reputation comes a wild patchwork of laws designed to keep riders in check. Some are sensible, some are outdated, and others? Well, they’re just plain bizarre. Today, we’re diving into the weirdest laws about motorcycles from around the world that’ll leave you scratching your helmet. Buckle up (or gear up)—this is going to be a fun ride!
1. No Motorcycle Lovin’ in the EU (Unless It’s Moving?)
In the European Union, safety is king when it comes to motorcycle laws—think licensing tiers and power restrictions based on experience. But here’s a quirky one: it’s illegal for two people to get intimate on a parked motorcycle. Oddly, the law doesn’t mention anything about a moving bike. So, if you’re into reckless thrills (and wearing all your gear), it seems the loophole’s wide open—just keep that engine under 400cc until you’re cleared for a liter bike!
Why It’s Weird: Who’s enforcing this? And why only parked bikes?
2. Thailand: No Mods, No Tunnels, No Fun
Thailand’s motorcycle scene is dominated by scooters and small-displacement bikes, but their laws are strict. All modifications—think stretched Hayabusas with car tires or Jar Jar Binks paint jobs—are technically illegal. Minor mods might slide, but roll down the strip blasting Black Eyed Peas from a zip-tied speaker, and you’re asking for trouble. Oh, and an old (now unenforced) law once banned riding through tunnels or over bridges—you’d have to raft your bike across water!
Why It’s Weird: A stretched Busa painted like Jar Jar? We’d pay to see that, legal or not.
3. Tennessee: No Hunting from Your Harley
Tennessee Code 74-109 makes it clear: you can’t hunt game from a moving vehicle, including motorcycles. So, no loading up your ADV bike with weapons and tearing through the forest “collecting souls” (as the law so poetically avoids saying). But here’s the twist—if you’re mobility-impaired, you can hunt from a motorized vehicle, like an AMF-era Harley-Davidson scooter. Dinner, secured!
Why It’s Weird: Hunting from a bike sounds like a video game, not a legal debate.
4. Youngstown, Ohio: Don’t Run Out of Gas
Running out of gas is a motorcyclist’s rite of passage—small tanks and no reserve settings can catch you off guard. But in Youngstown, Ohio, it’s also a misdemeanor if it happens on a public road. This law, updated as recently as 2021, piles insult onto injury for stranded riders. Ohio? Do better.
Why It’s Weird: Punishing someone for an empty tank feels like kicking a squid when it’s down.
5. Pennsylvania: Flares, Livestock, and Neolithic Squids
Picture this: You’re cruising a rural Pennsylvania road at night. According to an ancient law, you must stop every mile, light a road flare, and wait 10 minutes to ensure no livestock blocks your path. Written before fences were a thing (circa 3300 BC?), this law hasn’t caught up to modern times—or the fact that horses weren’t even in North America until the 1500s.
Why It’s Weird: Neolithic squids on horseback? Sounds like a Netflix special.
6. Minnetonka, Minnesota: Keep Those Tires Clean
In Minnetonka, Minnesota, it’s illegal to ride a motorcycle with tires that leave mud, dirt, or “sticky substances” on the road. This makes sense—muddy corners are a low-side waiting to happen—but it also means no eating Pillsbury Toaster Strudels while riding. ADV riders, beware: your off-road antics could soil more than just your chrome.
Why It’s Weird: Sticky substances? Someone’s policing pastry crimes.
7. Red Light Rebels: Legal in Some States
Here’s a shocker: in states like Arkansas, Idaho, Minnesota, and Tennessee (among others), you can legally run a red light on a motorcycle—if traffic’s clear and it’s safe. Each state has rules (like waiting a set time), but it’s a rare win for riders stuck at stubborn signals. Check your local laws about motorcycles before you roll through, though—satire doesn’t pay tickets!
Why It’s Weird: Defying red lights legally? Squids everywhere just cheered.
8. Spain: Spare Glasses and No Intercoms
Spain takes motorcycle safety seriously. If you need glasses to ride, you must carry a spare pair—because losing them mid-ride isn’t an option. Another law bans intercom systems, likely tied to their strict no-cell-phone policy. So, no chatting with your crew unless you’ve got a CB radio wired to your Gold Wing.
Why It’s Weird: Spare glasses? Better pack a whole optometry kit.
9. Maryland: No Swearing at Bike Night
Maryland’s Section 1353 forbids profanity or obscene language near streets or highways. So, when you and the boys line up your Hogs outside Big Joe’s Burgers and Brew, keep it clean—no “crotch rocket vibes” talk, or you’ll risk a misdemeanor. Bike Night just got a lot less colorful.
Why It’s Weird: Middle-aged dads can’t handle a little spice?
10. Virginia: No Masked Riders
In Virginia, you can’t conceal your identity with a mask or costume while riding in public. That means no Predator-style helmets or Big Bird-themed Hayabusas. The law aims to keep things transparent, but it’s a buzzkill for cosplay-loving riders.
Why It’s Weird: A Falcor-painted Busa would be legendary—let us dream!
Why These Laws Matter (Or Don’t)
These laws about motorcycles range from safety-driven to downright absurd, reflecting how governments try to rein in the free-spirited nature of riders. Some, like Ohio’s gas rule, feel petty; others, like Spain’s glasses law, prioritize safety in odd ways. Whether they’re enforced or not, they’re a hilarious peek into the quirks of motorcycle culture—and a reminder to know your local rules before you ride.
Ride Smart, Ride Legal
Next time you hit the road, keep these bizarre laws in mind. Running out of gas in Ohio? Misdemeanor. Muddy tires in Minnesota? Ticket. Swearing in Maryland? Busted. For more on laws about motorcycles, check your state’s regulations—or just enjoy the ride and hope the cops don’t notice your Jar Jar Binks paint job.
Have a ridiculous motorcycle law in your area? Drop it in the comments below!
