We all know what a riding lawn mower looks like, but what you probably didn't know was that there are several laws that regulate how they are used. These laws vary depending on the state, but several of them might surprise you. These laws will make you reconsider your plan to use your lawnmower in place of your car.
We have compiled a list of lawn mower driving laws that you may not have known existed. They might seem strange and oddly specific in regards to certain aspects of your mower, but they were all intended to keep people safe. Keep reading to learn about the ten weird lawn mower driving laws in the U.S. that you didn't know about!
10 10. They are not city street legal
It is a common misconception that lawnmowers are street legal, but this is not always the case. It is common in rural areas for them to be allowed on the roadways, but when it comes to city streets that is an entirely new ball game. If you plan to drive your lawnmower around town than it must have the proper lights, turn signals, registration, and license plate that is required of all cars on the roadway. It might seem insignificant, but it is truly for the safety of everyone on the road.
9 9. You can be charged with a DUI
Lawnmowers may not be allowed on the road, but that doesn't mean you still can't be charged with a DUI. Officers have the ability to pull you and your lawnmower over and ticket you if they feel that your operation of the motorized vehicle is inhibited by alcohol. The same rule goes for bikers who drink and ride, but it is highly unlikely any officer will ticket you on your own lawn if you decide to crack a cold one open on a hot summer day.
8 8. They are only meant to carry one person
It goes without saying that lawnmowers only have one seat and are only meant to carry one person, but what you might not realize is that it is actually against the law. This law is mainly to protect small children from being mutilated by the blades if they are accidentally dropped, but it is a good rule for anyone to follow. You might be disappointed that your buddy can't hitch a ride on the back of your lawnmower, but in the end, the law is doing you a favor by keeping you both safe.
7 7. They must display a sign if they are slow moving in certain states
This law is different depending on the state, but many have switched to mandate this for any lawnmowers that have decided to hit the road. Lawnmowers are required to display a sign on the back of their bumper if they plan to traverse a roadway.
This sign is usually an orange triangle and helps prevent any unfortunate accidents caused by speeding cars. This again usually only applies to rural areas, but it helps make them more visible to other drivers on the roadway.
6 6. They are not allowed on highways
This is pretty standard, but lawnmowers are not permitted on highways. They are unable to reach the speeds set by the roadway, and even if they are able to it is just not safe. Lawnmowers are not built as high as tractors or cars, which can make them hard to see. This law is in place to help everyone stay safe, and if you are desperate enough to take your lawnmower on the highway then you should have taken an Uber.
5 5. They are not considered motor vehicles in certain states
There are certain states who do not consider them motor vehicles at all. This means they cannot be taken off of your private property no matter the circumstance, and even driving it down your block is considered illegal. This law can be confusing as it does have a motor, but by stripping it of its title as a motor vehicle, they also strip away any rights it might have had to its planned journey across town. It might seem weird not to call it a vehicle, but everyone is entitled to their own opinions, even different states.
4 4. You can't use them to ride around if your license is suspended
This weird rule is similar to the DUI rule, but many people attempt to use lawnmowers as an alternative vehicle after they have their license suspended. The law seeks to take away any possibility of a drunk driver striking again because even lawnmowers can cause quite a bit of damage if used improperly.
People with suspended licenses are better off carpooling with a friend, ordering food in, or walking to their destination because driving a lawnmower will only land them in more trouble.
3 3. The sidewalk is also off-limits
You might think of a sidewalk as a gift to the public, but you will be sorely disappointed to learn that this is not the case. The sidewalk is owned by the city, which means that they cannot be used as a gateway for your lawnmower to drive from one place to the next. It might seem like a good idea until you are arrested for trespassing. Your poor lawnmower will be impounded and you will have a nice ticket and court date.
2 2. They are age restricted
There are certain states who require that people of a certain age not be allowed to drive lawnmowers. This is usually just mandated as a proper safety measure, but some states take it a step further and demand that those younger than sixteen not be allowed to operate the mower. This is usually only found in the states who deem lawnmowers to be motor vehicles, but it also holds you back from giving your child a fun new weekly chore.
1 1. California sets emission regulations
California is the only state to date who has set emission regulations on lawnmowers. Owners are required by law to only own mowers with the specific emission standards that are set by the California Air Resources Board. This board wants to reduce the smog let into the air by mowers, and hope to achieve that through these regulations. It might seem a bit overkill, but they also might be ahead of our generation with this next level thinking in terms of the environment.