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How Law Can You Go?
A sarcastic, sourced map of the laws nobody told you about. Pick your state. Read the statutes. Know what is actually true.
Last updated 23 August 2026 · 57 entries · 10 states · Receipts attached
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01Survival Law
The stuff that actually happens to you. Read before you need it.
Police Encounters · Entry survival-001
You are the passenger. The car gets stopped.
Varies 10 states · Risk: high
Everything you have been told about this is half right, which is the worst amount of right.
Settled everywhere in America
- You are seized the moment the car stops. Brendlin v. California, 551 U.S. 249 (2007), unanimous. And this cuts against you, not for you: being seized means you are less free to go, ...
Traffic · Entry survival-002
Lights behind you. Where are you allowed to stop?
Varies 9 states · Risk: high
Every safety guide in America gives you the same advice. In one state it is a felony.
The finding that makes this entry worth existing
No state statute we could find says where to pull over. They say stop promptly. Meanwhile practically every driver handbook and sheriff's office says "if unsure, slow...
Property · Entry survival-003
You found cash on the floor at Walmart. Can you keep it?
Varies 1 state · Risk: high
Finders keepers is not a legal doctrine. It is a nursery rhyme that can put you in prison.
The common law categories (still good law in Georgia)
- Lost property: The owner unintentionally parted with it. The finder has rights against everyone except the true owner. Example: a wallet falls out of a pocket onto the...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-ak
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Alaska?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Alaska: where the moose outnumber the people and the traffic stops are still real. At least the aurora borealis is a nice backdrop for your citation.
The stuff that is actually true in Alaska
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. AS 28.15.051, 28.10.121, and 28.22.011. All three. The officer ...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-al
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Alabama?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Alabama is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they explain why your Roll Tide sticker does not actually grant you immunity from traffic laws. It does not, but the recording might keep you out of jail.
The stuff that is actually true in Alabama
- You must show your license, registration, and pro...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-ar
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Arkansas?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Arkansas: where the Ozarks are beautiful and the traffic stops are not. At least the barbecue is worth the drive.
The stuff that is actually true in Arkansas
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. A.C.A. 27-16-307, 27-14-306, and 27-22-101. All three. The officer can demand them on the spot. F...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-az
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Arizona?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Arizona is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they explain why 85 in a 75 is somehow a crime in a state where the speed limit is basically a suggestion.
The stuff that is actually true in Arizona
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. A.R.S. 28-3151, 28-215...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-ca
What are your rights during a traffic stop in California?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
California will let you record the cop, but you better have your license ready because they are absolutely going to ask for it.
The stuff that is actually true in California
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. CVC 12951, 4462, and 16028. All three. No exceptions. The officer does not need p...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-co
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Colorado?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Colorado is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they explain why your Subaru with a ski rack does not actually grant you diplomatic immunity on I-70.
The stuff that is actually true in Colorado
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. C.R.S. 42-2-115, 42-3-114...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-ct
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Connecticut?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Connecticut is a two-party consent state on paper, but the courts have made it clear that cops in public have no expectation of privacy. So record away, just do not do it while eating a lobster roll because that is a mess and also Connecticut is not Maine.
The stuff that is actually true in Connecticut
- You must show your license...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-de
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Delaware?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Delaware: the First State, and the first to ask for your license. At least there is no sales tax on the fine you are about to pay.
The stuff that is actually true in Delaware
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. 21 Del. C. 2701, 2131, and 2118. All three. The officer can demand them on the s...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-fl
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Florida?
Varies 1 state · Risk: high
Florida will let you record the cop, but only from 25 feet away. So bring a zoom lens and maybe a snack, because you are going to be standing back there a while.
The stuff that is actually true in Florida
- You must show your license and proof of insurance on demand. Fla. Stat. 322.15 and 316.646. Noncriminal traffic infr...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-ga
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Georgia?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Georgia will let you record the cop, but the officer can demand your physical license even if you have the electronic version on your phone. So maybe bring the plastic card, just in case.
The stuff that is actually true in Georgia
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. O.C.G.A. 40-5-29, 40-2-4...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-hi
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Hawaii?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Hawaii: paradise on earth, but the traffic stops are still real. At least you can record the officer while watching the sunset.
The stuff that is actually true in Hawaii
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. HRS 286-116, 249-7, and 431:10C-104. All three. The officer can demand them on the sp...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-ia
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Iowa?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Iowa: corn, caucuses, and the cold hard fact that you still have to show your license. At least the pork tenderloin sandwiches are legendary.
The stuff that is actually true in Iowa
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Iowa Code 321.174, 321.37, and 321.20B. All three. The officer can demand...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-id
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Idaho?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Idaho: potatoes, pristine wilderness, and the pristine fact that you still have to show your license. At least the scenery is nice while you wait.
The stuff that is actually true in Idaho
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Idaho Code 49-316, 49-402, and 49-1229. All three. The officer can ...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-il
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Illinois?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Illinois will let you record the cop, but only because the courts had to drag the state legislature kicking and screaming into the First Amendment. The eavesdropping act used to make it a felony. It does not anymore. For cops in public, anyway.
The stuff that is actually true in Illinois
- You must show your license, registration,...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-in
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Indiana?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Indiana is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they explain why the Indy 500 is not actually a valid defense for doing 95 on I-65.
The stuff that is actually true in Indiana
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. I.C. 9-24-11-3, 9-18-2-3, and 9-25-4-5. All t...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-ks
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Kansas?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Kansas: flat land, flat tires, and the flat truth that you still have to show your license. At least the wheat fields do not judge you.
The stuff that is actually true in Kansas
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. K.S.A. 8-244, 8-142, and 40-3107. All three. The officer can demand them on t...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-ky
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Kentucky?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Kentucky is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they explain why your bourbon distillery tour does not actually count as a valid excuse for weaving between lanes. It does not, but the recording might keep you out of jail.
The stuff that is actually true in Kentucky
- You must show your license, ...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-la
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Louisiana?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Louisiana is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they explain why your Mardi Gras beads do not actually count as a valid form of identification. They do not, but the recording might keep you out of jail.
The stuff that is actually true in Louisiana
- You must show your license, registration, and...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-ma
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Massachusetts?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Massachusetts is a two-party consent state, which means you can record the officer but you should probably also record yourself saying "wicked smaht" so the jury knows you are local.
The stuff that is actually true in Massachusetts
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. M.G.L. c. 90, secs. 24,...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-md
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Maryland?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Maryland is a two-party consent state on paper, but the courts have made it clear that cops in public have no expectation of privacy. So record away, just do not do it while eating crab cakes because that is a mess.
The stuff that is actually true in Maryland
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance.
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-me
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Maine?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Maine: lobsters, lighthouses, and the illuminating fact that you still have to show your license. At least the lobster rolls are worth the drive.
The stuff that is actually true in Maine
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. 29-A M.R.S. 1301, 453, and 1601. All three. The officer can demand t...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-mi
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Michigan?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Michigan is a two-party consent state on paper, but the Michigan State Police literally put out a memo saying you can record them. So the statute exists, but the cops already surrendered on this one.
The stuff that is actually true in Michigan
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. MCL 257.311...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-mn
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Minnesota?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Minnesota is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they explain why your all-wheel-drive does not actually make you immune to traffic laws in a snowstorm.
The stuff that is actually true in Minnesota
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Minn. Stat. 171.20, 1...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-mo
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Missouri?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Missouri is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they explain why the Show-Me State wants to see your license. It is right there in the nickname.
The stuff that is actually true in Missouri
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. RSMo 302.170, 301.130, and 303...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-ms
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Mississippi?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Mississippi: the birthplace of the blues, which is what you will be singing if you forget your license. At least the catfish is good.
The stuff that is actually true in Mississippi
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Miss. Code Ann. 63-1-11, 27-19-31, and 63-15-4. All three. The officer can...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-mt
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Montana?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Montana: Big Sky Country, big open roads, and the big reality that you still need your license. At least the view is unbeatable while you wait.
The stuff that is actually true in Montana
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. MCA 61-5-103, 61-3-301, and 61-6-103. All three. The officer can dem...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-nc
What are your rights during a traffic stop in North Carolina?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
North Carolina is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer. But if you are from Charlotte, you already have body cam footage of everything anyway.
The stuff that is actually true in North Carolina
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. N.C.G.S. 20-29, 20-57, and 20-279...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-nd
What are your rights during a traffic stop in North Dakota?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
North Dakota: where the winters are brutal and the traffic stops are too. At least the oil boom gave everyone something else to argue about.
The stuff that is actually true in North Dakota
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. N.D.C.C. 39-06-01, 39-04-11, and 39-08-05. All three. The officer ...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-ne
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Nebraska?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Nebraska: where the corn grows tall and the excuses for not having your license grow taller. At least the steaks are worth it.
The stuff that is actually true in Nebraska
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-484, 60-3,102, and 44-3,142. All three. The officer can demand th...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-nh
What are your rights during a traffic stop in New Hampshire?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
New Hampshire: Live Free or Die, but you still have to show your license. At least the White Mountains are a nice consolation prize.
The stuff that is actually true in New Hampshire
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. RSA 263:1, 261:176, and 264:20. All three. The officer can demand them on...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-nj
What are your rights during a traffic stop in New Jersey?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
New Jersey is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they explain why the Turnpike toll was $47. The recording will not lower the toll, but it might keep you out of jail.
The stuff that is actually true in New Jersey
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. N.J.S...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-nm
What are your rights during a traffic stop in New Mexico?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
New Mexico: Land of Enchantment, and also the land where you better have your license. At least the green chile makes everything better.
The stuff that is actually true in New Mexico
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. NMSA 66-5-301, 66-3-18, and 66-5-215. All three. The officer can demand ...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-nv
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Nevada?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Nevada: where the slot machines take your money and the traffic stops take your license. At least the desert is honest about being empty.
The stuff that is actually true in Nevada
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. NRS 483.350, 482.205, and 485.185. All three. The officer can demand them o...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-ny
What are your rights during a traffic stop in New York?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
New York is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they write you a ticket for going 36 in a 35. The recording will not get you out of the ticket, but it might get you out of something worse.
The stuff that is actually true in New York
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insura...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-oh
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Ohio?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Ohio is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer. But if you are from Cleveland, you already have dash cam footage of everything anyway.
The stuff that is actually true in Ohio
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. R.C. 4510.12, 4503.21, and 4509.101. All three. The o...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-ok
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Oklahoma?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Oklahoma is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they explain why your pickup truck does not actually make you exempt from the speed limit on the Turner Turnpike. It does not, but the recording might keep you out of jail.
The stuff that is actually true in Oklahoma
- You must show your license, r...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-or
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Oregon?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Oregon is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they explain why your Subaru with a "Keep Portland Weird" bumper sticker does not actually grant you diplomatic immunity on I-5.
The stuff that is actually true in Oregon
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. OR...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-pa
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Pennsylvania?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Pennsylvania is a two-party consent state, which means you can record the officer. But if you are from Philly, you already knew that because you have been recording everything since 2008.
The stuff that is actually true in Pennsylvania
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. 75 Pa.C.S. 1501, 13...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-ri
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Rhode Island?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Rhode Island: the smallest state with the biggest attitude about your license. At least the clam chowder is worth the stop.
The stuff that is actually true in Rhode Island
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. R.I.G.L. 31-10-1, 31-3-18, and 31-47-9. All three. The officer can demand them on t...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-sc
What are your rights during a traffic stop in South Carolina?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
South Carolina is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they explain why your lifted truck does not actually make you exempt from the speed limit on I-26.
The stuff that is actually true in South Carolina
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. S.C. Code 56-1-4...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-sd
What are your rights during a traffic stop in South Dakota?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
South Dakota: Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and the bad news that you still have to show your license. At least the bison do not care about your registration.
The stuff that is actually true in South Dakota
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. SDCL 32-12-39, 32-5-85, and 32-35-70. All three....
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-tn
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Tennessee?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Tennessee is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they ask why you thought 90 on I-40 was acceptable. Spoiler: it is not, but the recording might save you from something worse than a speeding ticket.
The stuff that is actually true in Tennessee
- You must show your license, registration, and proo...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-tx
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Texas?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Texas is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer. But remember: everything is bigger in Texas, including the officer's patience for your constitutional lectures.
The stuff that is actually true in Texas
- You must show your driver's license on demand. Tex. Transp. Code 521.025. It is a misdemeano...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-ut
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Utah?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Utah is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they explain why your ski rack does not actually make you immune to traffic laws on I-15. It does not, but the recording might keep you out of jail.
The stuff that is actually true in Utah
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insura...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-va
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Virginia?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Virginia is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer. But if you are from NoVA, you are probably already recording everything because the rent is too high and you need content for your TikTok.
The stuff that is actually true in Virginia
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance.
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-vt
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Vermont?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Vermont: maple syrup, Bernie Sanders, and the sweet truth that you still have to show your license. At least the fall foliage makes the roadside scenic.
The stuff that is actually true in Vermont
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. 23 V.S.A. 601, 351, and 800. All three. The officer can dem...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-wa
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Washington?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Washington is a two-party consent state on paper, but the courts have made it crystal clear that cops in public have zero expectation of privacy. So record away, just maybe do not do it while holding a venti oat milk latte because that is a spill risk.
The stuff that is actually true in Washington
- You must show your license, reg...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-wi
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Wisconsin?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Wisconsin is a one-party consent state, which means you can record the officer while they explain why cheese curds do not count as a valid excuse for speeding. They do not, but the recording might keep you out of jail.
The stuff that is actually true in Wisconsin
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance.<...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-wv
What are your rights during a traffic stop in West Virginia?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
West Virginia: almost heaven, but not if you forgot your license. At least the mountains are pretty while you wait for the tow truck.
The stuff that is actually true in West Virginia
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. W. Va. Code 17B-2-1, 17A-3-3, and 17D-2A-3. All three. The officer can d...
Traffic · Entry traffic-stop-wy
What are your rights during a traffic stop in Wyoming?
Varies 1 state · Risk: medium
Wyoming: where the buffalo roam and the traffic stops still require your license. At least the Tetons look good in your dashcam footage.
The stuff that is actually true in Wyoming
- You must show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Wyo. Stat. 31-7-134, 31-2-201, and 31-4-103. All three. The officer can dem...
02Debunk
That law you have been telling people at parties? It is probably fake. Here is the receipt.
Debunk · Entry debunk-001
It is treason to kill a swan in the UK
Debunked 1 state · Risk: low
That thing you have been telling people at parties for ten years is not real.
What people say
"Killing a swan is treason because the Crown owns all swans."
What the UK Law Commission found
The Crown does hold the right of swan ownership on certain stretches of the Thames, but killing one has...
Debunk · Entry debunk-002
There is a federal law that lets you drive to a lit area before pulling over
Debunked 1 state · Risk: high
The safety advice that could put you in prison.
What people say
"If you're being pulled over and it's dark or isolated, you have the right to continue to a well-lit public place. Call 911 to confirm."
What we found
We read the US Code, the Code of Federal Regulations, and the vehicle codes of all 50...
Debunk · Entry debunk-003
You must answer an officer's questions as a passenger
Misrepresented 1 state · Risk: medium
The Fifth Amendment still exists in a moving vehicle. But not the way TikTok thinks.
What people say
"You don't have to answer any questions as a passenger. Just say 'I don't answer questions.'"
What the cases actually say
Berkemer v. McCarty (1984) held that roadside questioning during a r...
Debunk · Entry debunk-004
It is illegal to carry a plank along a pavement in London
Settled 1 state · Risk: low
This one is actually true, and the sentence is better than the myth.
What the statute says
The Metropolitan Police Act 1839, section 54, makes it an offence to carry a plank (or ladder, or pole, or other bulky article) along a pavement "in such manner as to inconvenience or obstruct the passengers."
The UK Law Commission confirmed this...
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Not legal advice. This site cites the law as we read it on the date shown. Laws change. We are not warranting current effect. If you are in immediate legal jeopardy, contact a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction. Read our full disclaimer.