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.
DeSantis was among the first to respond publicly, mocking the hoax on X.
“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,”...
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