Driving-law facts, across the states

Each question below was asked once across all 50 states and DC, answered from every state’s own manual or code, and kept only after every figure in it was found in a law it cites and every state it names was one whose law it cites. How the answers are made

Which state makes you park farthest from a fire hydrant?

Nevada is strictest: where angle parking is allowed, you must stay 20 feet from a fire hydrant. Where you parallel park there, it's 15 feet. Most states also say 15 feet. Some are shorter, like 10 feet, and Iowa says just 5 feet.

States cited: Nevada, California, Texas, Florida, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Iowa.

Nevada manual, p.50 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.28 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.42 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.66 as of 14 Sep 2026
Connecticut manual, p.37 as of 14 Sep 2026
Massachusetts manual, p.111 as of 14 Sep 2026
Iowa manual, p.21 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Hawaii, Missouri.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched on 14 September 2026.

Where can you legally park closest to a fire hydrant?

Iowa lets you park closest, keeping just 5 feet from a hydrant. Vermont is next at 6 feet, then Rhode Island at 8 feet. Some states, like Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey, set 10 feet. Most states make you stay 15 feet away. Nevada asks for 20 feet where angle parking is allowed.

States cited: Iowa, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Alaska, Alabama, California, Texas, Florida, Nevada.

Iowa manual, p.21 as of 14 Sep 2026
Vermont manual, p.29 as of 14 Sep 2026
Rhode Island manual, p.33 as of 14 Sep 2026
Connecticut manual, p.37 as of 14 Sep 2026
Massachusetts manual, p.111 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Jersey manual, p.85 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alaska manual, p.74 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alabama manual, p.29 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.28 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.42 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.66 as of 14 Sep 2026
Nevada manual, p.50 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Hawaii, Missouri.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched on 14 September 2026.

How far from a crosswalk at an intersection must you park in most states?

In most states, you can't park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. Connecticut is stricter, at 25 feet. North Dakota allows closer, at 10 feet. Maine's manual says towns commonly ban parking within 15 feet. Hawaii just says don't park so close you block drivers' view of pedestrians.

States cited: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming, Connecticut, North Dakota, Maine, Hawaii.

Alaska manual, p.74 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alabama manual, p.29 as of 14 Sep 2026
Arizona manual, p.31 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.28 as of 14 Sep 2026
Colorado law, C.R.S. § 42-4-1204(2)(c) as of 7 Oct 2026
Delaware manual, p.92 as of 14 Sep 2026
Idaho manual, p.81 as of 14 Sep 2026
Illinois manual, p.36 as of 14 Sep 2026
Indiana law, Ind. Code § 9-21-16-5(6) as of 7 Oct 2026
Louisiana manual, p.70 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maryland law, Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1003(n) as of 5 Oct 2026
Minnesota manual, p.35 as of 14 Sep 2026
Mississippi manual, p.60 as of 4 Oct 2026
Montana manual, p.46 as of 14 Sep 2026
Nebraska manual, p.57 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Hampshire manual, p.28 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Mexico law, NMSA 1978, § 66-7-351(A)(6) as of 8 Oct 2026
Nevada manual, p.50 as of 14 Sep 2026
New York manual, p.43 as of 14 Sep 2026
Ohio manual, p.30 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oklahoma manual, p.49 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oregon manual, p.71 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania manual, p.53 as of 6 Sep 2026
Rhode Island manual, p.33 as of 14 Sep 2026
South Carolina law, S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2530(A)(2) as of 8 Oct 2026
South Dakota law, SDCL § 32-30-6(3) as of 8 Oct 2026
Tennessee manual, p.65 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.42 as of 14 Sep 2026
Utah manual, p.32 as of 14 Sep 2026
Vermont manual, p.29 as of 14 Sep 2026
West Virginia manual, p.45 as of 6 Sep 2026
Wyoming law, Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 31-5-504(a)(ii) as of 9 Oct 2026
Connecticut law, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-251(b) as of 7 Oct 2026
North Dakota manual, p.26 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maine manual, p.70 as of 4 Oct 2026
Hawaii manual, p.28 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 9 October 2026.

How many feet from an intersection must you park, state by state?

Where a state gives a distance, it's 20 feet. Alaska, Florida, Massachusetts, Ohio and Virginia say 20 feet from an intersection. Delaware, Mississippi and Rhode Island say 20 feet from a crosswalk at an intersection. Most other states just say you can't park within the intersection itself, with no distance. That's true in Texas, Arizona, Pennsylvania and many more.

States cited: Alaska, Florida, Massachusetts, Ohio, Virginia, Delaware, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Texas, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming, California.

Alaska manual, p.74 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.66 as of 14 Sep 2026
Massachusetts manual, p.110 as of 14 Sep 2026
Ohio manual, p.30 as of 14 Sep 2026
Virginia manual, p.22 as of 6 Sep 2026
Delaware manual, p.92 as of 14 Sep 2026
Mississippi manual, p.60 as of 4 Oct 2026
Rhode Island manual, p.33 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.42 as of 14 Sep 2026
Arizona manual, p.31 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania law, 75 Pa.C.S. § 3353(a)(1) as of 8 Oct 2026
Alabama manual, p.29 as of 14 Sep 2026
Colorado manual, p.13 as of 14 Sep 2026
Connecticut manual, p.37 as of 14 Sep 2026
Louisiana manual, p.70 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maryland law, Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1003(d) as of 5 Oct 2026
Michigan manual, p.39 as of 14 Sep 2026
Minnesota manual, p.35 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Carolina manual, p.56 as of 14 Sep 2026
Nebraska manual, p.57 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Hampshire manual, p.28 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Mexico manual, p.13 as of 4 Oct 2026
New York manual, p.43 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oklahoma manual, p.49 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oregon manual, p.70 as of 14 Sep 2026
Utah manual, p.32 as of 14 Sep 2026
Vermont manual, p.29 as of 14 Sep 2026
West Virginia manual, p.45 as of 6 Sep 2026
Wyoming manual, p.58 as of 14 Sep 2026
California law, Cal. Veh. Code § 22500(a) as of 7 Oct 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arkansas, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, New Jersey, Nevada, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 8 October 2026.

Which state makes you park farthest from a stop sign?

New Jersey makes you park farthest: you can't park within 50 feet of a stop sign. Oregon also says 50 feet, but only if your car hides the sign. Most states say 30 feet. Iowa is the closest, at 10 feet.

States cited: New Jersey, Oregon, Alaska, Alabama, Colorado, Texas, Iowa.

New Jersey manual, p.85 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oregon manual, p.71 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alaska manual, p.74 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alabama manual, p.29 as of 14 Sep 2026
Colorado manual, p.13 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.42 as of 14 Sep 2026
Iowa manual, p.21 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arkansas, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maine, Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia, Wisconsin.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched on 14 September 2026.

Which state makes you park farthest from a railroad crossing?

No state goes farther than 50 feet: most states, like Texas and Florida, make you park at least 50 feet from a railroad crossing. Mississippi is shorter, at 15 feet from the nearest rail. California law is the shortest, at 7½ feet from the nearest rail. 13 states have no rule found on this.

States cited: Texas, Florida, Mississippi, California, Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania.

Texas manual, p.42 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.66 as of 14 Sep 2026
Mississippi manual, p.60 as of 4 Oct 2026
California law, Cal. Veh. Code § 22521 as of 7 Oct 2026
Alaska manual, p.74 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alabama manual, p.29 as of 14 Sep 2026
Arizona manual, p.31 as of 14 Sep 2026
Illinois manual, p.36 as of 14 Sep 2026
New York manual, p.43 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania manual, p.53 as of 6 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Wisconsin.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 7 October 2026.

Which state keeps parked cars farthest from a fire station driveway?

No state keeps you farther than 20 feet from a fire station driveway on the same side of the street. That 20-foot rule is what most states use. Many, like New York and Nevada, also keep you 75 feet away across the street. Some, like Utah, add that 75 feet only where signs are posted. A few are shorter, like California, North Carolina and Virginia, at 15 feet.

States cited: Alaska, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, Nevada, Utah, California, North Carolina, Virginia.

Alaska manual, p.74 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.42 as of 14 Sep 2026
Illinois manual, p.36 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania manual, p.53 as of 6 Sep 2026
New York manual, p.43 as of 14 Sep 2026
Nevada manual, p.50 as of 14 Sep 2026
Utah manual, p.32 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.28 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Carolina manual, p.56 as of 14 Sep 2026
Virginia manual, p.22 as of 6 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 and 14 September 2026.

Which state lets you park farthest from the curb?

No single state wins: the farthest any state lets you park is 18 inches from the curb. California, Texas, Tennessee, Nevada and Oklahoma are among the states that allow it. Most other states say 12 inches. New Jersey is the strictest, at 6 inches.

States cited: California, Texas, Tennessee, Nevada, Oklahoma, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Washington, New Jersey.

California manual, p.26 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.44 as of 14 Sep 2026
Tennessee manual, p.29 as of 14 Sep 2026
Nevada manual, p.48 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oklahoma manual, p.47 as of 14 Sep 2026
Colorado manual, p.14 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.65 as of 14 Sep 2026
Illinois manual, p.35 as of 14 Sep 2026
Michigan manual, p.38 as of 14 Sep 2026
Washington manual, p.144 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Jersey manual, p.58 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched on 14 September 2026.

When may you drive past a school bus with flashing red lights on a divided highway?

Most states simply say you must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights, often from either direction. A few write the rule only for some roads: Louisiana for undivided roads, Florida for two-way roads, South Carolina for two-lane roads. In Ohio, traffic from both directions stops on roads with fewer than 4 lanes. New Jersey's rule covers 2-lane roads and multi-lane roads divided only by lines. In Washington, the rule covers drivers going the same way as the bus.

States cited: California, Texas, Rhode Island, Wyoming, Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, Ohio, New Jersey, Washington.

California manual, p.51 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.23 as of 14 Sep 2026
Rhode Island manual, p.54 as of 14 Sep 2026
Wyoming manual, p.50 as of 14 Sep 2026
Louisiana manual, p.88 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.89 as of 14 Sep 2026
South Carolina manual, p.84 as of 14 Sep 2026
Ohio manual, p.29 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Jersey manual, p.77 as of 14 Sep 2026
Washington manual, p.95 as of 14 Sep 2026

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched on 14 September 2026.

How many feet from a stopped school bus must you stop in most states?

Most states just say you must stop before reaching the bus, without giving a distance. Where a distance is given, 20 feet is the most common, as in Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota and DC. New Hampshire and New Jersey say at least 25 feet. Montana is the strictest at 30 feet. Ohio and Pennsylvania say 10 feet, and Iowa law says no closer than 15 feet.

States cited: Texas, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, District of Columbia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa.

Texas manual, p.23 as of 14 Sep 2026
Colorado manual, p.11 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maryland manual, p.38 as of 6 Sep 2026
Michigan manual, p.28 as of 14 Sep 2026
Minnesota manual, p.42 as of 14 Sep 2026
District of Columbia manual, p.66 as of 16 Sep 2026
New Hampshire manual, p.27 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Jersey manual, p.77 as of 14 Sep 2026
Montana manual, p.40 as of 14 Sep 2026
Ohio manual, p.29 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania manual, p.58 as of 6 Sep 2026
Iowa law, Iowa Code § 321.372(3) as of 7 Oct 2026

Answered on 14 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 7 October 2026.

How much must you slow down when passing a stopped emergency vehicle, state by state?

Most states want you to move a lane away, or slow down and use caution if you can't. Some set a figure: Indiana, Michigan and Washington say at least 10 mph under the limit. Montana, Vermont and Pennsylvania say 20 mph under the limit, and Oregon says at least 5 mph under. Colorado says slow to 25 mph where the limit is 45 mph or less. South Dakota is strictest: you must come to a complete stop before reaching it.

States cited: Indiana, Michigan, Washington, Montana, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Colorado, South Dakota, Arizona, Oklahoma, Virginia, Maryland.

Indiana manual, p.51 as of 14 Sep 2026
Michigan manual, p.28 as of 14 Sep 2026
Washington manual, p.143 as of 14 Sep 2026
Montana manual, p.80 as of 14 Sep 2026
Vermont manual, p.51 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania law, 75 Pa.C.S. § 3327(a) as of 8 Oct 2026
Oregon manual, p.57 as of 14 Sep 2026
Colorado manual, p.11 as of 14 Sep 2026
South Dakota manual, p.2 as of 14 Sep 2026
Arizona manual, p.39 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oklahoma manual, p.30 as of 14 Sep 2026
Virginia manual, p.16 as of 6 Sep 2026
Maryland manual, p.45 as of 6 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Utah, West Virginia.

Answered on 14 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 8 October 2026.

Which state makes you stay farthest behind a fire truck answering an alarm?

No single state stands out: the farthest distance is 500 feet, and most states use it. California, Massachusetts and New Jersey set 300 feet. Georgia and New York let you follow as close as 200 feet. North Carolina says to stay one block away.

States cited: Arizona, Florida, Texas, Utah, Illinois, Pennsylvania, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Georgia, New York, North Carolina.

Arizona manual, p.38 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.62 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.22 as of 14 Sep 2026
Utah manual, p.77 as of 14 Sep 2026
Illinois law, 625 ILCS 5/11-1411 as of 7 Oct 2026
Pennsylvania law, 75 Pa.C.S. § 3707 as of 8 Oct 2026
California manual, p.45 as of 14 Sep 2026
Massachusetts manual, p.120 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Jersey manual, p.78 as of 14 Sep 2026
Georgia manual, p.60 as of 18 Sep 2026
New York law, N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1217 as of 8 Oct 2026
North Carolina manual, p.48 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 September and 8 October 2026.

How long after sunset must your headlights be on in most states?

There is no single rule most states share; they split into two groups. Many states, like Arizona, Florida and Virginia, require headlights right from sunset until sunrise. Many others, like Texas, New York and Washington, start 30 minutes after sunset and end 30 minutes before sunrise. Some states, like Maryland and Rhode Island, set no sunset rule and only tie headlights to how far you can see.

States cited: Arizona, Florida, Virginia, Texas, New York, Washington, Maryland, Rhode Island.

Arizona manual, p.57 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.73 as of 14 Sep 2026
Virginia manual, p.23 as of 6 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.47 as of 14 Sep 2026
New York manual, p.63 as of 14 Sep 2026
Washington manual, p.49 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maryland manual, p.27 as of 6 Sep 2026
Rhode Island manual, p.52 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Hawaii, South Dakota.

Answered on 14 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 and 14 September 2026.

Which states make you turn on your headlights whenever your wipers are on?

California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania make you turn on your headlights when your wipers are on. In most of these, it applies when you use the wipers for weather like rain, snow or fog. Georgia doesn't mention wipers, but you need headlights any time it is raining. Most other states tie headlights to darkness or poor visibility instead.

States cited: California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Maryland, Texas.

California manual, p.11 as of 14 Sep 2026
Connecticut manual, p.38 as of 14 Sep 2026
Illinois manual, p.92 as of 14 Sep 2026
Kansas manual, p.67 as of 14 Sep 2026
New York manual, p.63 as of 14 Sep 2026
Ohio manual, p.35 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania manual, p.40 as of 6 Sep 2026
Georgia manual, p.59 as of 18 Sep 2026
Arizona manual, p.57 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maryland manual, p.27 as of 6 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.47 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Hawaii, South Dakota.

Answered on 14 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 and 18 September 2026.

Which state makes you dim your high beams farthest from an oncoming car?

Iowa, Minnesota, Montana and Oklahoma make you dim farthest out, at 1,000 feet from an oncoming car. In Iowa that comes from the state's law, not the manual. Most states set it at 500 feet.

States cited: Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Oklahoma, California, Texas, Florida.

Iowa law, Iowa Code § 321.415(1) as of 7 Oct 2026
Minnesota manual, p.72 as of 14 Sep 2026
Montana manual, p.14 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oklahoma manual, p.59 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.11 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.47 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.73 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Hawaii, Nebraska, Ohio, Vermont.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 September and 7 October 2026.

Which states do not require adults in the back seat to wear a seat belt?

Adults in the back seat don't have to buckle up in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia. Those states require only the driver and front-seat riders, and some add younger riders anywhere. New Hampshire requires only riders under 18. Most states require everyone in every seat to wear one.

States cited: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, New Hampshire, California, Texas, Virginia.

Arizona manual, p.21 as of 14 Sep 2026
Arkansas manual, p.9 as of 4 Oct 2026
Colorado manual, p.3 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.28 as of 14 Sep 2026
Georgia manual, p.59 as of 18 Sep 2026
Iowa manual, p.35 as of 14 Sep 2026
Michigan manual, p.25 as of 14 Sep 2026
Missouri manual, p.55 as of 14 Sep 2026
Nebraska manual, p.26 as of 14 Sep 2026
Ohio manual, p.9 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oklahoma manual, p.17 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania manual, p.89 as of 6 Sep 2026
South Dakota manual, p.25 as of 14 Sep 2026
Tennessee manual, p.31 as of 14 Sep 2026
West Virginia law, W. Va. Code § 17C-15-49(a) as of 9 Oct 2026
New Hampshire manual, p.12 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.65 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.64 as of 14 Sep 2026
Virginia manual, p.26 as of 6 Sep 2026

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 9 October 2026.

Which state keeps children in a car seat the longest?

Hawaii keeps kids in a car seat or booster the longest: Hawaii law covers children until age 10. Wyoming's rule covers a child until their 9th birthday. In Utah, children 8 and under must ride in one unless they are 57 inches tall. Many states set the line at under 8.

States cited: Hawaii, Wyoming, Utah, California, Georgia, Indiana, North Dakota, Virginia, Texas, Maryland, Vermont.

Hawaii law, Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291-11.5(a)(3) as of 7 Oct 2026
Wyoming manual, p.30 as of 14 Sep 2026
Utah manual, p.28 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.66 as of 14 Sep 2026
Georgia manual, p.60 as of 18 Sep 2026
Indiana manual, p.56 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Dakota manual, p.34 as of 14 Sep 2026
Virginia manual, p.27 as of 6 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.64 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maryland manual, p.52 as of 6 Sep 2026
Vermont manual, p.63 as of 14 Sep 2026

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 7 October 2026.

Which state has the lowest blood alcohol limit for adult drivers?

Utah has the lowest limit: you break the law there at over 0.05. Almost every other state given sets the limit for adult drivers at 0.08. A few states had no rule found on this.

States cited: Utah, California, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois.

Utah manual, p.52 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.73 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.55 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Jersey manual, p.115 as of 14 Sep 2026
Illinois manual, p.48 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched on 14 September 2026.

What blood alcohol level is too much for a driver under 21 in most states?

In most states, you're over the limit at 0.02 if you're under 21. California and New Jersey set it lower, at 0.01. Some states allow no alcohol at all, like Maryland, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.

States cited: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming, Florida, California, New Jersey, Maryland, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin.

Alabama manual, p.33 as of 14 Sep 2026
Arkansas manual, p.75 as of 4 Oct 2026
Georgia manual, p.56 as of 18 Sep 2026
Hawaii manual, p.56 as of 14 Sep 2026
Iowa manual, p.37 as of 14 Sep 2026
Idaho manual, p.131 as of 14 Sep 2026
Indiana law, Ind. Code § 9-30-5-8.5(a) as of 7 Oct 2026
Kansas law, K.S.A. 8-1567a(a) as of 7 Oct 2026
Kentucky manual, p.26 as of 14 Sep 2026
Louisiana manual, p.123 as of 14 Sep 2026
Massachusetts manual, p.73 as of 14 Sep 2026
Missouri manual, p.71 as of 14 Sep 2026
Mississippi manual, p.78 as of 4 Oct 2026
Montana manual, p.72 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Dakota manual, p.36 as of 14 Sep 2026
Nebraska manual, p.24 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Hampshire manual, p.6 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Mexico manual, p.29 as of 4 Oct 2026
Nevada manual, p.79 as of 14 Sep 2026
Ohio manual, p.32 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania manual, p.82 as of 6 Sep 2026
Rhode Island manual, p.61 as of 14 Sep 2026
South Carolina manual, p.38 as of 14 Sep 2026
South Dakota manual, p.20 as of 14 Sep 2026
Tennessee manual, p.83 as of 14 Sep 2026
Virginia manual, p.24 as of 6 Sep 2026
Vermont manual, p.52 as of 14 Sep 2026
Washington manual, p.38 as of 14 Sep 2026
Wyoming manual, p.22 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.26 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.73 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Jersey manual, p.115 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maryland law, Md. Code, Transp. § 16-113(b) as of 5 Oct 2026
Texas manual, p.55 as of 14 Sep 2026
Utah manual, p.52 as of 14 Sep 2026
Wisconsin manual, p.49 as of 14 Sep 2026

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 7 October 2026.

How far apart are the adult and under-21 blood alcohol limits across the states?

For adults, most states set the limit at 0.08, but Utah is stricter at 0.05. If you're under 21, most states draw the line at 0.02, a quarter of the adult figure. California and New Jersey go lower, to 0.01. Some states, like Texas, Maryland and Wisconsin, allow no alcohol at all if you're under 21. Utah is strictest overall: 0.05 for adults, and not a drop if you're under 21.

States cited: Alabama, California, Maryland, Texas, Utah, Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, Wisconsin.

Alabama manual, p.33 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.73 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maryland manual, p.33 as of 6 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.55 as of 14 Sep 2026
Utah manual, p.52 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alabama manual, p.33 as of 14 Sep 2026
Georgia manual, p.56 as of 18 Sep 2026
Missouri manual, p.71 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.73 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Jersey manual, p.115 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.55 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maryland law, Md. Code, Transp. § 16-113(b) as of 5 Oct 2026
Wisconsin manual, p.49 as of 14 Sep 2026
Utah manual, p.52 as of 14 Sep 2026

Answered on 14 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 5 October 2026.

Which state suspends your license the longest for refusing a breath test?

Hawaii law is the strictest: refusing a test can revoke your license for up to 8 years. Maine suspends you for up to 6 years. Ohio's suspension runs 1 to 5 years. Many states, like California, Iowa and Missouri, take your license for 1 year.

States cited: Hawaii, Maine, Ohio, California, Iowa, Missouri.

Hawaii law, Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291E-41(c) as of 7 Oct 2026
Maine manual, p.31 as of 4 Oct 2026
Ohio manual, p.32 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.72 as of 14 Sep 2026
Iowa manual, p.37 as of 14 Sep 2026
Missouri manual, p.70 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arizona, District of Columbia, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, New Hampshire, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Utah, West Virginia.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 September and 7 October 2026.

Which states ban holding a phone at all while driving?

Georgia, Iowa, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington say you may not hold a phone at all while driving. Ohio says the same for drivers 18 and over. Many others, like California, New York and Maryland, ban handheld use but allow hands-free calls. Some, like Texas and Wyoming, only ban texting.

States cited: Georgia, Iowa, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, Ohio, California, New York, Maryland, Texas, Wyoming.

Georgia manual, p.61 as of 18 Sep 2026
Iowa manual, p.36 as of 14 Sep 2026
Missouri manual, p.93 as of 14 Sep 2026
South Carolina manual, p.36 as of 14 Sep 2026
Tennessee manual, p.30 as of 14 Sep 2026
Virginia manual, p.24 as of 6 Sep 2026
Washington manual, p.85 as of 14 Sep 2026
Ohio manual, p.10 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.70 as of 14 Sep 2026
New York manual, p.52 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maryland manual, p.35 as of 6 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.54 as of 14 Sep 2026
Wyoming law, Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 31-5-237(a) as of 9 Oct 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Alabama, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 9 October 2026.

Is there any state where texting while driving is still legal?

No, no state here says texting while driving is legal. Most states ban writing, sending or reading texts while you drive. Montana is the odd one out: its manual only says most of its cities have their own bans. In Iowa and Maine, you can text only after pulling off the road and stopping.

States cited: Montana, Iowa, Maine, Alabama, California, Texas, New York, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee.

Montana manual, p.49 as of 14 Sep 2026
Iowa manual, p.36 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maine law, 29-A M.R.S. § 2119(2) as of 8 Oct 2026
Alabama manual, p.32 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.70 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.54 as of 14 Sep 2026
New York manual, p.52 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.34 as of 14 Sep 2026
Georgia manual, p.62 as of 18 Sep 2026
Tennessee manual, p.30 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Hawaii, New Hampshire, Oregon.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 September and 8 October 2026.

How many feet before a turn must you signal, and which state asks for more?

Most states want you to signal at least 100 feet before you turn. Delaware asks for 300 feet before any turn. Pennsylvania asks for 300 feet if you're going 35 mph or more. Massachusetts wants 500 feet before a turn on a highway. North Carolina wants 200 feet where the limit is 45 mph or more.

States cited: California, Florida, Texas, Alabama, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, North Carolina.

California manual, p.11 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.69 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.38 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alabama manual, p.21 as of 14 Sep 2026
Delaware manual, p.81 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania manual, p.44 as of 6 Sep 2026
Massachusetts manual, p.97 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Carolina manual, p.69 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 and 14 September 2026.

Is there a state where you may never turn right on a red light?

No, every state allows a right turn on a red light. You must usually stop completely first and yield to people crossing and other traffic. A posted sign, such as NO TURN ON RED, can forbid it at a particular intersection.

States cited: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming.

Alaska manual, p.55 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alabama manual, p.60 as of 14 Sep 2026
Arkansas manual, p.25 as of 4 Oct 2026
Arizona manual, p.34 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.18 as of 14 Sep 2026
Colorado manual, p.7 as of 14 Sep 2026
Connecticut manual, p.15 as of 14 Sep 2026
District of Columbia manual, p.87 as of 16 Sep 2026
Delaware manual, p.69 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.51 as of 14 Sep 2026
Georgia manual, p.45 as of 18 Sep 2026
Hawaii manual, p.39 as of 14 Sep 2026
Iowa manual, p.19 as of 14 Sep 2026
Idaho manual, p.69 as of 14 Sep 2026
Illinois manual, p.77 as of 14 Sep 2026
Indiana manual, p.34 as of 14 Sep 2026
Kansas manual, p.34 as of 14 Sep 2026
Kentucky manual, p.35 as of 14 Sep 2026
Louisiana manual, p.28 as of 14 Sep 2026
Massachusetts manual, p.98 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maryland manual, p.17 as of 6 Sep 2026
Maine manual, p.50 as of 4 Oct 2026
Michigan law, Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.612(1)(c) as of 8 Oct 2026
Minnesota manual, p.28 as of 14 Sep 2026
Missouri manual, p.44 as of 14 Sep 2026
Mississippi manual, p.37 as of 4 Oct 2026
Montana manual, p.40 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Carolina manual, p.80 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Dakota manual, p.15 as of 14 Sep 2026
Nebraska manual, p.32 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Hampshire manual, p.20 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Jersey manual, p.72 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Mexico manual, p.4 as of 4 Oct 2026
Nevada manual, p.30 as of 14 Sep 2026
New York manual, p.31 as of 14 Sep 2026
Ohio manual, p.25 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oklahoma manual, p.26 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oregon manual, p.15 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania manual, p.7 as of 6 Sep 2026
Rhode Island manual, p.41 as of 14 Sep 2026
South Carolina manual, p.62 as of 14 Sep 2026
South Dakota manual, p.32 as of 14 Sep 2026
Tennessee manual, p.41 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.25 as of 14 Sep 2026
Utah manual, p.46 as of 14 Sep 2026
Virginia manual, p.5 as of 6 Sep 2026
Vermont manual, p.31 as of 14 Sep 2026
Washington manual, p.110 as of 14 Sep 2026
Wisconsin manual, p.32 as of 14 Sep 2026
West Virginia manual, p.39 as of 6 Sep 2026
Wyoming manual, p.97 as of 14 Sep 2026

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 8 October 2026.

Which states let you turn left on red onto a one-way street?

In most states you may turn left on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after stopping and yielding. A few states, including Kansas, Michigan, Idaho and Washington, also allow a left on red onto a one-way street from a two-way street. Alaska allows it except onto a two-way street, and in South Dakota only cities that pass a local rule allow it. The District of Columbia bans left turns on red. A sign forbidding the turn always wins.

States cited: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, Kansas, Michigan, Idaho, Washington, Alaska, South Dakota, District of Columbia.

Alabama manual, p.60 as of 14 Sep 2026
Arizona manual, p.47 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.20 as of 14 Sep 2026
Colorado law, C.R.S. § 42-4-604(1)(c) as of 7 Oct 2026
Delaware manual, p.69 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.51 as of 14 Sep 2026
Hawaii manual, p.39 as of 14 Sep 2026
Iowa manual, p.43 as of 14 Sep 2026
Illinois manual, p.26 as of 14 Sep 2026
Indiana manual, p.34 as of 14 Sep 2026
Kentucky manual, p.35 as of 14 Sep 2026
Louisiana law, La. R.S. 32:232(3)(c) as of 7 Oct 2026
Massachusetts manual, p.81 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maryland manual, p.17 as of 6 Sep 2026
Minnesota manual, p.28 as of 14 Sep 2026
Montana manual, p.40 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Dakota manual, p.15 as of 14 Sep 2026
Nebraska manual, p.32 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Mexico law, NMSA 1978, § 66-7-105(C)(2) as of 8 Oct 2026
Nevada manual, p.30 as of 14 Sep 2026
New York manual, p.31 as of 14 Sep 2026
Ohio manual, p.25 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oklahoma manual, p.26 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oregon manual, p.40 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania manual, p.7 as of 6 Sep 2026
South Carolina law, S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-970(C)(3) as of 8 Oct 2026
Tennessee manual, p.58 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.25 as of 14 Sep 2026
Utah law, Utah Code § 41-6a-305(4)(c) as of 8 Oct 2026
Virginia manual, p.5 as of 6 Sep 2026
Vermont law, 23 V.S.A. § 1022(a)(3) as of 8 Oct 2026
Wisconsin manual, p.32 as of 14 Sep 2026
West Virginia manual, p.39 as of 6 Sep 2026
Wyoming manual, p.97 as of 14 Sep 2026
Kansas manual, p.34 as of 14 Sep 2026
Michigan manual, p.30 as of 14 Sep 2026
Idaho manual, p.69 as of 14 Sep 2026
Washington manual, p.110 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alaska law, 13 AAC 02.010(a)(3) as of 6 Oct 2026
South Dakota law, SDCL § 32-28-4.1 as of 8 Oct 2026
District of Columbia manual, p.87 as of 16 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arkansas, Georgia, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 8 October 2026.

How far away must oncoming drivers be able to see you before you make a U-turn?

In most states that set a distance, other drivers must be able to see you from 500 feet away before you U-turn. Minnesota is the strictest: drivers must be able to see you from 1,000 feet. Other states just ban U-turns on curves or near hilltops without giving a distance.

States cited: Minnesota, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Georgia, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Washington.

Minnesota manual, p.33 as of 14 Sep 2026
Connecticut law, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-242(d) as of 7 Oct 2026
Idaho manual, p.73 as of 14 Sep 2026
Illinois manual, p.32 as of 14 Sep 2026
Kansas manual, p.17 as of 14 Sep 2026
Louisiana manual, p.90 as of 14 Sep 2026
Massachusetts manual, p.98 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maine law, 29-A M.R.S. § 2072 as of 8 Oct 2026
Montana law, Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-334(2) as of 8 Oct 2026
North Dakota manual, p.20 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Jersey law, N.J. Stat. Ann. § 39:4-125 as of 8 Oct 2026
Rhode Island law, R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-16-4 as of 8 Oct 2026
South Dakota manual, p.39 as of 14 Sep 2026
Georgia manual, p.53 as of 18 Sep 2026
Indiana manual, p.39 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania manual, p.46 as of 6 Sep 2026
Washington manual, p.124 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Vermont, Wyoming.

Answered on 14 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 8 October 2026.

Which state has the lowest unposted speed limit on a residential street?

The District of Columbia is lowest: unless a sign says otherwise, you can go no faster than 20 mph on its city streets. Most states set 25 mph, like California and Utah. Some set 30 mph, like Florida and Colorado. A few set 35 mph, like Idaho and Kentucky.

States cited: District of Columbia, California, Utah, Arizona, Alaska, Wisconsin, Florida, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky.

District of Columbia manual, p.80 as of 16 Sep 2026
California manual, p.52 as of 14 Sep 2026
Utah manual, p.44 as of 14 Sep 2026
Arizona manual, p.40 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alaska manual, p.34 as of 14 Sep 2026
Wisconsin manual, p.10 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.68 as of 14 Sep 2026
Colorado manual, p.12 as of 14 Sep 2026
Idaho manual, p.68 as of 14 Sep 2026
Kentucky manual, p.49 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 and 16 September 2026.

Which states let you drive 70 mph on an unposted highway outside town?

Texas lets you drive up to 70 mph on a state or U.S. numbered highway outside an urban district. Wyoming sets 70 mph on secondary highways unless a sign says otherwise. Montana allows 70 mph in the daytime on two-lane highways. New Mexico goes higher, with a general top speed of 75 mph. Most states set 55 mph when no sign is posted.

States cited: Texas, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New York, Oregon, Virginia.

Texas manual, p.46 as of 14 Sep 2026
Wyoming manual, p.41 as of 14 Sep 2026
Montana manual, p.38 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Mexico law, NMSA 1978, § 66-7-301(A) as of 8 Oct 2026
Florida manual, p.68 as of 14 Sep 2026
Georgia manual, p.48 as of 18 Sep 2026
Kentucky manual, p.49 as of 14 Sep 2026
New York manual, p.47 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oregon manual, p.19 as of 14 Sep 2026
Virginia manual, p.15 as of 6 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 8 October 2026.

Which state has the slowest school zone speed limit?

No single state is slowest: several tie at 15 mph, the lowest school zone limit any state sets. These include Mississippi, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Wisconsin and West Virginia. Maine, Washington DC, and Arizona near a school crosswalk also use 15 mph. Most other states set 20 or 25 mph.

States cited: Mississippi, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Maine, District of Columbia, Arizona, Alaska, Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Illinois, California, Iowa, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Virginia.

Mississippi manual, p.41 as of 4 Oct 2026
New Mexico manual, p.12 as of 4 Oct 2026
Pennsylvania manual, p.9 as of 6 Sep 2026
South Dakota law, SDCL § 32-25-14 as of 8 Oct 2026
Wisconsin manual, p.10 as of 14 Sep 2026
West Virginia manual, p.42 as of 6 Sep 2026
Maine manual, p.77 as of 4 Oct 2026
District of Columbia manual, p.80 as of 16 Sep 2026
Arizona manual, p.40 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alaska manual, p.34 as of 14 Sep 2026
Delaware manual, p.93 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.68 as of 14 Sep 2026
Kansas manual, p.16 as of 14 Sep 2026
Massachusetts manual, p.80 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oregon manual, p.19 as of 14 Sep 2026
Utah law, Utah Code § 41-6a-604(1) as of 8 Oct 2026
Washington manual, p.140 as of 14 Sep 2026
Wyoming manual, p.41 as of 14 Sep 2026
Illinois manual, p.24 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.50 as of 14 Sep 2026
Iowa manual, p.42 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Jersey manual, p.62 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oklahoma manual, p.41 as of 14 Sep 2026
Virginia manual, p.15 as of 6 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 8 October 2026.

When may you pass another car on the right in most states?

In most states, you may pass on the right when the car ahead is making or about to make a left turn. Many states also let you pass on the right on a road with 2 or more lanes going your way. Some add one-way streets, like California and Florida. West Virginia is strictest: you may pass on the right only where a lane is marked for passing. Many states also say you can never leave the pavement to do it, like Oklahoma and Wyoming.

States cited: Alabama, Kentucky, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah, Washington, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Rhode Island, New York, Maryland, California, Florida, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Wyoming.

Alabama law, Ala. Code § 32-5A-83(a) as of 6 Oct 2026
Kentucky law, KRS 189.340(3) as of 7 Oct 2026
North Dakota law, N.D.C.C. § 39-10-12(1) as of 8 Oct 2026
Ohio law, Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.28(A) as of 8 Oct 2026
South Carolina law, S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1850(a) as of 8 Oct 2026
Utah law, Utah Code § 41-6a-705(1) as of 8 Oct 2026
Washington law, RCW 46.61.115(1) as of 8 Oct 2026
Minnesota manual, p.34 as of 14 Sep 2026
Missouri manual, p.22 as of 14 Sep 2026
Mississippi manual, p.47 as of 4 Oct 2026
Rhode Island manual, p.34 as of 14 Sep 2026
New York manual, p.39 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maryland manual, p.16 as of 6 Sep 2026
California manual, p.25 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida law, Fla. Stat. § 316.084(1) as of 7 Oct 2026
West Virginia manual, p.48 as of 6 Sep 2026
Oklahoma manual, p.35 as of 14 Sep 2026
Wyoming manual, p.55 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 8 October 2026.

Which states ban wearing headphones while driving?

Some states ban headphones while you drive, full stop, like Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Rhode Island and Washington. Many others ban them in both ears, so one ear is allowed, like California, Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Illinois and Pennsylvania allow one earpiece only for phone calls. Massachusetts allows one earplug for a phone only if you are 18 or older. Of the states checked, 27 have no rule found on this.

States cited: Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Rhode Island, Washington, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts.

Alaska law, 13 AAC 04.260(b) as of 6 Oct 2026
Florida manual, p.39 as of 14 Sep 2026
Georgia manual, p.58 as of 18 Sep 2026
Rhode Island law, R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-51(a) as of 8 Oct 2026
Washington manual, p.70 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.9 as of 14 Sep 2026
Colorado manual, p.5 as of 14 Sep 2026
Louisiana manual, p.97 as of 14 Sep 2026
Minnesota manual, p.77 as of 14 Sep 2026
Wisconsin manual, p.49 as of 14 Sep 2026
Illinois manual, p.22 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania manual, p.32 as of 6 Sep 2026
Massachusetts manual, p.39 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 8 October 2026.

Is there a state where a passenger may hold an open beer in a moving car?

Not in an ordinary car in most states: open alcohol is banned for passengers too, not just the driver. In Florida, Kentucky and Nevada, passengers may have one in buses, taxis, limos or motor homes. Vermont's law given only bars the person driving from having an open container. In Rhode Island and New Hampshire, the driver is breaking the law if an open container is in the passenger area.

States cited: Arizona, Idaho, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Massachusetts, Florida, Kentucky, Nevada, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire.

Arizona manual, p.59 as of 14 Sep 2026
Idaho manual, p.130 as of 14 Sep 2026
New York manual, p.57 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania law, 75 Pa.C.S. § 3809(a) as of 8 Oct 2026
West Virginia law, W. Va. Code § 17C-5D-3(b) as of 9 Oct 2026
Ohio law, Ohio Rev. Code § 4301.62(B) as of 8 Oct 2026
Massachusetts manual, p.74 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida law, Fla. Stat. § 316.1936(2) as of 7 Oct 2026
Kentucky law, KRS 189.530(2) as of 7 Oct 2026
Nevada manual, p.81 as of 14 Sep 2026
Vermont law, 23 V.S.A. § 1134(b) as of 8 Oct 2026
Rhode Island law, R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-21.1(a) as of 8 Oct 2026
New Hampshire law, N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 265-A:44(II) as of 8 Oct 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee.

Answered on 14 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 September and 9 October 2026.

Which states let a 14-year-old get a learner's permit?

You can get a learner's permit at 14 in Alaska, Arkansas, North Dakota and South Dakota. In Michigan you can get one at 14 years and 9 months. Most states make you wait until 15, and some until 16.

States cited: Alaska, Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Florida, Connecticut.

Alaska manual, p.8 as of 14 Sep 2026
Arkansas manual, p.3 as of 4 Oct 2026
North Dakota manual, p.3 as of 14 Sep 2026
South Dakota manual, p.8 as of 14 Sep 2026
Michigan manual, p.4 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.8 as of 14 Sep 2026
Connecticut manual, p.5 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 September and 4 October 2026.

Which states make you wait until 16 for a learner's permit?

Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island make you wait until 16 for a learner's permit. DC does too, and in New Jersey 16 gets you a special learner permit through a driver training course. In Montana you wait until 16 unless you take approved driver education, which lets you start at 15. Most states let you start at 15, and a few go as low as 14.

States cited: Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, District of Columbia, New Jersey, Montana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, Washington, North Carolina, Alaska, Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota.

Connecticut manual, p.5 as of 14 Sep 2026
Delaware manual, p.28 as of 14 Sep 2026
Massachusetts manual, p.3 as of 14 Sep 2026
Pennsylvania manual, p.1 as of 6 Sep 2026
Rhode Island manual, p.10 as of 14 Sep 2026
District of Columbia manual, p.19 as of 16 Sep 2026
New Jersey manual, p.19 as of 14 Sep 2026
Montana manual, p.2 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alabama manual, p.9 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.8 as of 14 Sep 2026
Georgia manual, p.65 as of 18 Sep 2026
Kentucky manual, p.5 as of 14 Sep 2026
Louisiana manual, p.7 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maine manual, p.7 as of 4 Oct 2026
Mississippi manual, p.13 as of 4 Oct 2026
Nebraska manual, p.3 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Mexico manual, p.1 as of 4 Oct 2026
Oklahoma manual, p.10 as of 14 Sep 2026
South Carolina manual, p.8 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.1 as of 14 Sep 2026
Utah manual, p.7 as of 14 Sep 2026
Vermont manual, p.12 as of 14 Sep 2026
Wisconsin manual, p.5 as of 14 Sep 2026
West Virginia manual, p.9 as of 6 Sep 2026
Wyoming manual, p.7 as of 14 Sep 2026
Washington manual, p.25 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Carolina law, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-11(b) as of 8 Oct 2026
Alaska manual, p.8 as of 14 Sep 2026
Arkansas manual, p.3 as of 4 Oct 2026
North Dakota manual, p.3 as of 14 Sep 2026
South Dakota manual, p.8 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 8 October 2026.

Which state makes you hold a learner's permit the longest before you can get a license?

Georgia is the longest: you must hold your permit for 1 year and 1 day. Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Mississippi, North Dakota and Vermont make it about 12 months. Maryland, Illinois, North Carolina and Virginia ask for 9 months. Most states ask for 6 months.

States cited: Georgia, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Mississippi, North Dakota, Vermont, Maryland, Illinois, North Carolina, Virginia, Alaska, Arizona, California, Texas.

Georgia manual, p.65 as of 18 Sep 2026
Colorado manual, p.2 as of 14 Sep 2026
Delaware manual, p.30 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.8 as of 14 Sep 2026
Kansas manual, p.12 as of 14 Sep 2026
Mississippi manual, p.13 as of 4 Oct 2026
North Dakota manual, p.3 as of 14 Sep 2026
Vermont manual, p.13 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maryland manual, p.10 as of 6 Sep 2026
Illinois manual, p.16 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Carolina manual, p.12 as of 14 Sep 2026
Virginia law, Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-335.2(B) as of 8 Oct 2026
Alaska manual, p.8 as of 14 Sep 2026
Arizona manual, p.13 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.3 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.2 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arkansas, Iowa, Idaho, Ohio.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 6 September and 8 October 2026.

Which state requires the oldest supervising driver for a learner?

The oldest age any state sets is 25. Delaware asks for 25 if it's not your parent or guardian, plus 5 years licensed. New Hampshire and Vermont also allow a non-parent only at 25 or older. Indiana and Iowa set 25 for some learners, like those 18 or older. Most states set 21 instead.

States cited: Delaware, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Iowa, Florida, Colorado, Kentucky.

Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 2710(c)(2) as of 7 Oct 2026
New Hampshire manual, p.2 as of 14 Sep 2026
Vermont manual, p.20 as of 14 Sep 2026
Indiana manual, p.4 as of 14 Sep 2026
Iowa law, Iowa Code § 321.180(1)(2) as of 7 Oct 2026
Florida manual, p.1 as of 14 Sep 2026
Colorado manual, p.1 as of 14 Sep 2026
Kentucky manual, p.5 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: California, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington.

Answered on 14 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 September and 7 October 2026.

Which state has the earliest night curfew for new teen drivers?

South Carolina's is earliest: South Carolina law says a conditional license is for daylight hours only. After 6 p.m., or 8 p.m. during daylight saving time, you need a licensed adult 21 or older with you. Kansas and North Carolina come next, with unsupervised driving ending at 9 p.m. In North Dakota, a 15-year-old's curfew starts at sunset or 9 p.m., whichever is later. Many states start later, at 11 p.m. or midnight.

States cited: South Carolina, Kansas, North Carolina, North Dakota, California, Texas.

South Carolina law, S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-175(B) as of 8 Oct 2026
Kansas manual, p.13 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Carolina manual, p.13 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Dakota manual, p.6 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.4 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.3 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Iowa, Idaho, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 September and 8 October 2026.

How many passengers may a newly licensed teen carry in the strictest states?

The strictest states let a new teen driver carry no passengers at first, except family or a supervising adult. In Georgia and Utah, only immediate family may ride for the first 6 months. In Alaska, Connecticut, Indiana and Vermont, you need a parent or qualifying adult along to carry anyone. Most states instead allow 1 young passenger who is not family. South Carolina allows 2 passengers under 21.

States cited: Georgia, Utah, Alaska, Connecticut, Indiana, Vermont, Texas, Missouri, Kentucky, South Carolina.

Georgia manual, p.66 as of 18 Sep 2026
Utah manual, p.8 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alaska manual, p.10 as of 14 Sep 2026
Connecticut manual, p.8 as of 14 Sep 2026
Indiana manual, p.10 as of 14 Sep 2026
Vermont manual, p.15 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.3 as of 14 Sep 2026
Missouri manual, p.16 as of 14 Sep 2026
Kentucky manual, p.7 as of 14 Sep 2026
South Carolina manual, p.11 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Florida, Iowa, Mississippi, North Dakota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 and 18 September 2026.

Where can littering from a car cost you the biggest fine?

Tennessee has the biggest fine: up to $3,000, depending on how much litter you leave. In North Carolina, a second offense within 3 years can cost you up to $2,000. Maryland allows a fine of up to $1,500. Several others, like Alaska, Arkansas, Missouri, New Jersey and Rhode Island, top out at $1,000.

States cited: Tennessee, North Carolina, Maryland, Alaska, Arkansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Rhode Island.

Tennessee manual, p.46 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Carolina manual, p.95 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maryland law, Md. Code, Crim. Law § 10-110(f) as of 5 Oct 2026
Alaska manual, p.91 as of 14 Sep 2026
Arkansas manual, p.10 as of 4 Oct 2026
Missouri manual, p.34 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Jersey law, N.J. Stat. Ann. § 39:4-64(a) as of 8 Oct 2026
Rhode Island manual, p.58 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 September and 8 October 2026.

Which state has the highest fine for a first drunk-driving conviction?

Massachusetts has the highest top fine, $500 to $5,000 for a first conviction. Alabama follows, with a fine of up to $2,100. Texas fines up to $2,000. Most others with a rule cap the fine at about $1,000. 24 states have no rule found on this.

States cited: Massachusetts, Alabama, Texas, Georgia, Idaho, Oklahoma, Minnesota.

Massachusetts manual, p.68 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alabama manual, p.33 as of 14 Sep 2026
Texas manual, p.58 as of 14 Sep 2026
Georgia manual, p.56 as of 18 Sep 2026
Idaho manual, p.132 as of 14 Sep 2026
Oklahoma manual, p.65 as of 14 Sep 2026
Minnesota manual, p.92 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 and 18 September 2026.

Which state can jail you the longest for a first drunk-driving conviction?

Massachusetts is the strictest: a first conviction can put you in prison for up to 2 1/2 years. Several states, like Alabama, New York and Oklahoma, allow up to 1 year in jail. Others go lower, like Michigan at up to 93 days. For 26 states, no rule on this was found.

States cited: Massachusetts, Alabama, New York, Oklahoma, Michigan.

Massachusetts manual, p.68 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alabama manual, p.33 as of 14 Sep 2026
New York law, N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1193(1)(b) as of 8 Oct 2026
Oklahoma manual, p.65 as of 14 Sep 2026
Michigan manual, p.15 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 September and 8 October 2026.

Which state suspends your license the longest for a first drunk-driving conviction?

New Hampshire can take your license the longest: 9 months to 2 years for a first conviction. California, Illinois, North Carolina and Tennessee each set 1 year. Georgia sets at least 12 months. Many other states are shorter, often 90 days, like Alabama and Missouri. Kansas is shortest at 30 days.

States cited: New Hampshire, California, Illinois, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, Kansas.

New Hampshire manual, p.9 as of 14 Sep 2026
California manual, p.74 as of 14 Sep 2026
Illinois manual, p.50 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Carolina manual, p.32 as of 14 Sep 2026
Tennessee manual, p.82 as of 14 Sep 2026
Georgia manual, p.68 as of 18 Sep 2026
Alabama manual, p.33 as of 14 Sep 2026
Missouri manual, p.68 as of 14 Sep 2026
Kansas manual, p.23 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Colorado, District of Columbia, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 and 18 September 2026.

Which states require an ignition interlock after a first drunk-driving conviction?

For a first conviction, Alaska, New Mexico and New York require an interlock, New Mexico for 1 year and New York for at least 12 months. Connecticut requires one for 1 year after your license comes back, and DC and Maryland for 6 months. Louisiana, Wyoming and Wisconsin require one on a first offense only if your BAC was 0.15 or more. In others, like California and Indiana, a court may order one, while Massachusetts and Tennessee require it only after 2 offenses. 15 states had no rule found on this.

States cited: Alaska, New Mexico, New York, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Maryland, Louisiana, Wyoming, Wisconsin, California, Indiana, Massachusetts, Tennessee.

Alaska manual, p.23 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Mexico law, NMSA 1978, § 66-8-102(O) as of 8 Oct 2026
New York manual, p.59 as of 14 Sep 2026
Connecticut law, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-227a(g) as of 7 Oct 2026
District of Columbia law, D.C. Code § 50-2201.05a(b) as of 7 Oct 2026
Maryland law, Md. Code, Transp. § 16-205(a)(1)–(2) as of 6 Oct 2026
Louisiana law, La. R.S. 32:414(A)(1) as of 7 Oct 2026
Wyoming manual, p.20 as of 14 Sep 2026
Wisconsin law, Wis. Stat. § 343.301(1g)(a)–(am) as of 8 Oct 2026
California manual, p.74 as of 14 Sep 2026
Indiana manual, p.24 as of 14 Sep 2026
Massachusetts manual, p.73 as of 14 Sep 2026
Tennessee manual, p.82 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Mississippi, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 September and 8 October 2026.

At what blood alcohol level do drunk-driving penalties get tougher in most states?

The most common line is 0.15, where states like Texas, Florida and Virginia get tougher. Several states use 0.16 instead, such as Illinois, Minnesota and New Mexico. Ohio and South Dakota use 0.17. New York uses 0.18. Idaho and DC wait until 0.20.

States cited: Alabama, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Illinois, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Nevada, Montana, Ohio, South Dakota, New York, Idaho, District of Columbia.

Alabama law, Ala. Code § 32-5A-191(i) as of 6 Oct 2026
Florida law, Fla. Stat. § 316.193(4) as of 7 Oct 2026
Kansas law, K.S.A. 8-1014(b)(1)–(2) as of 7 Oct 2026
Kentucky manual, p.27 as of 14 Sep 2026
Louisiana law, La. R.S. 14:98.1(A)(2) as of 7 Oct 2026
Maine manual, p.32 as of 4 Oct 2026
Nebraska law, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,197.03(2) as of 8 Oct 2026
North Carolina law, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-179.3(b)(3) as of 8 Oct 2026
Texas law, Tex. Penal Code § 49.04(d) as of 8 Oct 2026
Virginia law, Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-270(A) as of 8 Oct 2026
West Virginia law, W. Va. Code § 17C-5A-3a(c)(3) as of 9 Oct 2026
Illinois manual, p.50 as of 14 Sep 2026
Minnesota manual, p.92 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Mexico law, NMSA 1978, § 66-8-102(D) as of 8 Oct 2026
North Dakota manual, p.36 as of 14 Sep 2026
Nevada law, NRS 484C.400(1)(a) as of 8 Oct 2026
Montana law, Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-1001(1)(a) as of 8 Oct 2026
Ohio law, Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.19(A)(1) as of 8 Oct 2026
South Dakota law, SDCL § 32-23-2.1 as of 8 Oct 2026
New York law, N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1192(2-a) as of 8 Oct 2026
Idaho manual, p.131 as of 14 Sep 2026
District of Columbia law, D.C. Code § 50-2206.13(a)(1) as of 7 Oct 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 September and 9 October 2026.

Which state counts an old drunk-driving conviction against you for the most years?

Delaware goes furthest: for a third or later offense there is no time limit, so every past conviction counts. Illinois counts an earlier conviction for 20 years when you get a second DUI. New Mexico keeps any DWI on your driving record for 25 years. Alaska, Nebraska and the District of Columbia look back 15 years. Most states look back 10 years.

States cited: Delaware, Illinois, New Mexico, Alaska, Nebraska, District of Columbia, Alabama, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, Idaho.

Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 4177B(e)(2) as of 7 Oct 2026
Illinois manual, p.50 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Mexico manual, p.29 as of 4 Oct 2026
Alaska manual, p.20 as of 14 Sep 2026
Nebraska law, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,197.02(1)(a) as of 8 Oct 2026
District of Columbia law, D.C. Code § 50-1901(17) as of 7 Oct 2026
Alabama law, Ala. Code § 32-5A-191(p) as of 6 Oct 2026
Connecticut law, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-227a(g) as of 7 Oct 2026
Maine law, 29-A M.R.S. § 2402 as of 8 Oct 2026
Minnesota law, Minn. Stat. § 169A.03, subd. 3(1) as of 8 Oct 2026
New Jersey law, N.J. Stat. Ann. § 39:4-50(a)(3) as of 8 Oct 2026
New York law, N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1193(2)(3) as of 8 Oct 2026
Ohio law, Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.195(B)(1) as of 8 Oct 2026
Oklahoma manual, p.66 as of 14 Sep 2026
Rhode Island law, R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2(d)(2) as of 8 Oct 2026
South Carolina law, S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2930(D) as of 8 Oct 2026
Utah law, Utah Code § 41-6a-502(2)(b) as of 8 Oct 2026
Virginia law, Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-391(A) as of 8 Oct 2026
West Virginia law, W. Va. Code § 17C-5-2(n)(1) as of 9 Oct 2026
Wyoming manual, p.20 as of 14 Sep 2026
Idaho manual, p.132 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 September and 9 October 2026.

Which state suspends your license after the fewest points?

California has the fewest: an adult's license may be suspended at 4 points in 12 months. In Colorado, a driver under 18 can be suspended for more than 5 points in 12 months. Maryland and Missouri suspend at 8 points. Most states set the bar at 12 points.

States cited: California, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Alaska, Florida, Maine, New Mexico, Nevada, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Carolina.

California manual, p.54 as of 14 Sep 2026
Colorado law, C.R.S. § 42-2-127(1) as of 7 Oct 2026
Maryland law, Md. Code, Transp. § 16-404(a) as of 6 Oct 2026
Missouri manual, p.73 as of 14 Sep 2026
Alaska manual, p.15 as of 14 Sep 2026
Florida manual, p.29 as of 14 Sep 2026
Maine manual, p.14 as of 4 Oct 2026
New Mexico manual, p.14 as of 4 Oct 2026
Nevada manual, p.77 as of 14 Sep 2026
Wisconsin manual, p.53 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Dakota manual, p.40 as of 14 Sep 2026
South Carolina manual, p.23 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Wyoming.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 September and 7 October 2026.

Where is a first texting-while-driving ticket the most expensive?

Nebraska can cost you the most: $200 to $500 for texting while driving. Hawaii charges a flat $300, or $400 in a school zone or construction area. Maine law sets at least $250. Many of the others charge $100 for a first offense.

States cited: Nebraska, Hawaii, Maine, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Iowa, District of Columbia.

Nebraska manual, p.64 as of 14 Sep 2026
Hawaii law, Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291C-137(f) as of 7 Oct 2026
Maine law, 29-A M.R.S. § 2119(3)(A) as of 8 Oct 2026
North Dakota manual, p.30 as of 14 Sep 2026
Rhode Island manual, p.37 as of 14 Sep 2026
South Carolina manual, p.36 as of 14 Sep 2026
Massachusetts law, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 13B(d) as of 7 Oct 2026
Michigan manual, p.23 as of 14 Sep 2026
North Carolina law, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-137.4A(c) as of 8 Oct 2026
Iowa law, Iowa Code § 805.8A(14)(4) as of 7 Oct 2026
District of Columbia law, D.C. Code § 50-1731.06(a) as of 7 Oct 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched between 14 September and 8 October 2026.

Which state is hardest on a first drunk-driving offense?

Massachusetts is hardest overall: a first conviction can cost you up to $5,000 and up to 2 1/2 years in prison. Those are the biggest fine and the longest jail term of any state listed. On losing your license, New Hampshire goes longest, up to 2 years. Massachusetts takes your license for 1 year.

States cited: Massachusetts, New Hampshire.

Massachusetts manual, p.68 as of 14 Sep 2026
New Hampshire manual, p.9 as of 14 Sep 2026

No rule found in the manual or code of: Colorado, Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia.

Answered on 11 October 2026, from laws fetched on 14 September 2026.

Any driving-law question can be asked across all 50 states and DC, not only the rules compared here: each state’s answer comes from its own manual or code, cited.

Driving law, compared across all 50 states and DC