When you’re behind the wheel, some habits just feel like they should be illegal. Maybe it’s because they seem unsafe or like they’d distract other drivers, but not everything that feels wrong actually breaks the law.

Knowing what you can and can’t legally do while driving helps you stay calm and confident on the road. This article will clear up some common driving actions that sound illegal but aren’t, so you won’t have to worry about breaking any rules unintentionally.

Driving while drowsy (except in NJ and AR)

You might think driving while tired is illegal everywhere, but that’s not the case. Only New Jersey and Arkansas have specific laws targeting drowsy driving.

In most states, it isn’t directly illegal, though it can still lead to consequences if you cause an accident. Authorities often treat drowsy driving like careless or negligent behavior.

Even if it’s not illegal, driving while exhausted is risky. It’s always better to find a safe way to avoid getting behind the wheel when you’re sleepy.

Eating food behind the wheel

Eating while driving might feel like a minor distraction, but it’s not illegal in most places. You won’t find specific laws banning snacks behind the wheel in many states.

However, if eating causes you to lose focus or control, police could consider it distracted driving. So, while you can grab a bite, you need to stay alert and keep your hands and eyes mostly on the road. It’s riskier than it seems, even if the law doesn’t explicitly say it’s forbidden.

Listening to loud music

You might think blasting music from your car automatically breaks the law. But in many places, loud music alone isn’t illegal unless it passes certain limits.

Usually, laws target noise that can be heard from a specific distance, like 50 feet. If your music stays within that range, you’re generally fine.

Still, keep in mind some areas have stricter rules. Playing music too loudly could upset neighbors or catch police attention, but it doesn’t always mean you’ll get pulled over or fined.

Holding a phone without texting or calling

Holding your phone while driving might feel sketchy, but in some places, it’s not actually illegal if you’re not texting or making a call. For example, certain states let you hold the phone for navigation or other uses as long as you’re not actively using it to communicate.

Still, rules vary a lot depending on where you are. So, even if it’s legal, it’s smart to keep your focus on the road and avoid distractions.

Using cruise control on highways

You might think using cruise control on highways sounds illegal, but it isn’t. It’s actually a helpful feature for maintaining a steady speed and reducing fatigue on long drives.

Just make sure you’re on open roads and good weather conditions. Avoid using it in heavy traffic or bad weather, as you need full control of your car then.

Using cruise control can help with fuel efficiency and prevent unintentional speeding. Just stay attentive and be ready to take over anytime.