North Carolina is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. But did you know the state also has some of the strangest traffic laws in the country? While most traffic laws make sense, some rules in North Carolina might leave you scratching your head.

Many of these laws were put in place decades ago for reasons that may not be as relevant today. However, they are still technically enforceable, so it’s good to be aware of them!

Here are seven bizarre traffic laws in North Carolina that you probably didn’t know about:

No Playing in Traffic

It might seem like common sense, but in North Carolina, playing in the streets is actually illegal. This law exists to protect children and pedestrians from dangerous accidents. It’s meant to discourage reckless behavior and reduce the number of injuries caused by moving vehicles. Although you’re unlikely to see police officers handing out tickets for this, it’s still a law worth remembering—especially if you have young kids who like to play outside.

Driving on Sidewalks is Strictly Prohibited

In most places, sidewalks are meant for pedestrians, but some cities in North Carolina take this rule very seriously. For example, in the town of Dunn, it is strictly illegal to drive on the sidewalk. While this might seem obvious, the law ensures that no motor vehicles—even bicycles or motorcycles—interfere with pedestrian walkways. Violating this rule can result in hefty fines.

Cyclists Must Keep Both Hands on the Handlebars

If you enjoy riding a bike, make sure to keep both hands on the handlebars at all times—especially if you’re in Kill Devil Hills. The law states that riding a bicycle without using both hands is illegal. While this might sound strange, it actually makes sense from a safety standpoint. Losing control of a bike, even for a second, can lead to accidents, especially on busy streets.

Throwing Rocks on City Streets is Illegal

In Dunn, throwing stones or rocks on city streets is against the law. While this rule may seem excessive, it likely originated as a way to prevent damage to cars, windows, and pedestrians. A flying rock could break a windshield or cause injury, so this law was put in place to keep the streets safe.

No Rollerblading on Highways

In Southern Shores, rollerblading on highways is completely banned. While most people wouldn’t think to strap on rollerblades and take a spin down the highway, this law exists to prevent accidents. Highways are meant for fast-moving vehicles, and having rollerbladers in the middle of traffic would create a serious hazard.

Bingo Games Have a Time Limit

This one isn’t directly related to driving, but it’s still a weird law worth mentioning. In North Carolina, a bingo game cannot last longer than five hours. The law was created to prevent excessive gambling, but it also ensures that people don’t spend an entire day playing bingo.

Singing Off-Key in Public is Illegal

Believe it or not, North Carolina has a law against singing off-key in public. While it may not be strictly enforced, the rule exists to discourage disturbances in public spaces. So, if you’re planning to sing in a public area, you might want to stay in tune—or risk breaking the law!

Why Do These Laws Exist?

Many of these strange laws were introduced decades ago and may have been relevant at the time. Some were put in place to promote safety, while others were designed to maintain public order. While most of these rules are no longer strictly enforced, they are still technically on the books.

Should You Worry About These Laws?

In reality, you’re unlikely to get a ticket for singing off-key or playing bingo for too long. However, other laws—like driving on sidewalks or throwing rocks on streets—could still result in fines if enforced. If you live in or are visiting North Carolina, it’s always a good idea to be aware of local traffic regulations, no matter how strange they might seem!