Fake laws circulated online this week, sparking confusion and prompting Ron DeSantis to publicly mock the bizarre claims.
Some social media users across several states were briefly fooled into thinking “aimless driving” had been outlawed—with fake government letters threatening $1,000 fines, prompting governors to publicly debunk the bizarre claims, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who mocked people for believing them.
The fabricated notices, which spread online in Ohio, Florida, Washington and Kentucky, falsely claimed governors had signed new laws banning “joyriding,” “driving with no place to go,” and other forms of so-called “purposeless driving. ” The bizarre claims quickly sparked confusion, jokes and angry reactions online before governors themselves stepped in to clarify that no such laws existed.
“If you are dumb enough to think that is authentic then you are too dumb to be driving a car,” DeSantis wrote. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also rejected the rumor, posting: “No, we did not ban aimless driving in Ohio. ” “Drivers are free to drive aimlessly while enjoying #OhiotheHeartofitAll—as long as they aren't driving distracted or impaired,” DeWine added.
“Whether you have a destination in mind or not, I also highly encourage everyone to always wear a seatbelt. ” Washington Governor Bob Ferguson warned users that the fake notices were impersonating state officials.
“Fake letters about a fake new law regarding ‘aimless driving’ are impersonating me and other governors,” Ferguson wrote on X. “If you see one, please report it to X to help stop the spread of this fake information. ”The fake notices, designed to resemble official correspondence from governors’ offices, claimed that new legislation taking effect May 15 would prohibit people from driving without a “clear and lawful destination.
” “‘Cruising around,’ ‘joyriding,’ or ‘driving with no place to go’ are now prohibited under state law,” the letters read. The notices also falsely claimed motorists stopped by police would be required to explain where they were going and warned violators could face fines of up to $1,000. The fabricated explanations for the supposed law included reducing traffic congestion, improving road safety and cracking down on “purposeless driving.
” Some social media users appeared to believe the claims were genuine, while others quickly questioned whether such a law would even be enforceable. View this post on X The fake notices referenced “House Bill 626” in Ohio, Florida and Kentucky, while the Washington version referred to “Senate Bill 626. ”In Ohio, House Bill 626 relates to electronic court notifications for defendants. In Washington state, Senate bills are no longer numbered in the hundreds.
While a Senate Bill 6260 does exist, it concerns public education programming changes—not driving laws.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ron Rittimann celebrated as he closes Alamo Heights coaching careerAfter nearly four decades in coaching — including almost 20 years as a head football coach — Ron Rittimann is officially moving on to new opportunities.And what
Read more »
Imagine Documentaries' Ron Howard And Sara Bernstein On 'Avedon'Imagine Documentaries' Ron Howard And Sara Bernstein On Expanding The Doc Space & Why They Zeroed In On 'Avedon'
Read more »
The Capture Season 3 Trailer: Ron Perlman's Hit Peacock Show Sets Release DateThe Capture Season 3 trailer has been revealed, featuring Ron Perlman starring in Peacock's hit crime thriller series.
Read more »
Ron Howard Made an Avedon Movie So Graydon Carter Threw a Yacht PartyThe 367 foot Burgees yacht Renaissance hosted an afternoon honoring the late Richard Avedon and his clan.
Read more »