New Hampshire’s motto is “Live free or Die.” But it would prefer you don’t try to do both at once. Rumor has it that the Granite State made it “illegal to inhale bus fumes with the intent of inducing euphoria.” So don’t even think of huffing on the tailpipe of a Manchester Transit Authority bus to get high.

I have so many questions. But first and foremost, what’s our source on this? The exact same wording appears on countless “weirdest driving laws in all 50 states” listicles and posts by everyone from local radio stations to used car dealerships. But that’s not all. The same wording appears on multiple websites listing trivia about New Hampshire itself. So is it true? Kind of.

Is it illegal to inhale bus fumes in New Hampshire?

As far as I can tell, these listicles are referring to New Hampshire Criminal Code 644:5-a “Inhaling Toxic Vapors for Effect.” This includes when a person “purposely smells or inhales the fumes of any substance having the property of releasing toxic vapors, for the purpose of causing a condition of intoxication, euphoria…” It’s sandwiched between criminal codes defining harassment and loitering, and contains no specific mention of buses. Or tailpipes of any kind.

If breathing toxic vapors to induce euphoria is a breach of the peace in New Hampshire, then sucking on the fumes from a public bus tailpipe would count. But then so would huffing from the muffler of any vehicle. So why does this rumor persist?

Perhaps it is a catchy myth because it contrasts with other, permissive New Hampshire laws. New Hampshire has no motorcycle helmet law and it’s the only state that doesn’t require adults wear their seat belts while driving. Or maybe the myth is just catchy because it makes readers wonder what bizarre incident inspired New Hampshire to pass such a specific law.