When it comes to basic driving laws, you should know the standards, such as stopping at a red light, staying within the speed limit, and using your turn signal. But did you know that every state in the U.S. has its own crazy driving laws? For example, women cannot drive in a housecoat in California and you cannot drive with a gorilla in your backseat in Massachusetts. Keep reading to learn about some of the weirdest road rules found in Alabama.

1. No Blindfolds

Although this seems like something you wouldn’t need a law for, it is illegal for you to operate a vehicle while blindfolded. It makes sense that you would always want at least one eye on the road.

2. Lantern Required

If you decide to drive down a one-way street in the wrong direction, you must have a lantern attached to the front of your vehicle. This law probably made sense when traffic wasn’t an issue or when vehicles and horse-driven carriages operated slowly, but it’s still on the books today.

3. Need Windshield Wipers

Another rule that should not need to be stated is that your car must have windshield wipers. With them, you can see the road clearly despite inclement weather.

When you’re ready to hit the road in Alabama, make sure you know its weird road rules ahead of time. Before you go, check out our huge inventory of vehicles at Toyota of Dothan for a safe trip in a new ride.

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The Toyota Yaris sedan has been redesigned for 2019 with a sporty new front end and more streamlined profile. The car is available in L, LE, and XLE trims, and all models are well-equipped.

Trim Levels

The base L trim has remote keyless entry, daytime running lights, body-color door handles and power mirrors, and chrome-tipped exhaust. Inside are cloth upholstery with front bucket seats, push-button start, and cruise control. The LE adds front fog lamps, alloy wheels, heated mirrors with LED turn signals, a rear spoiler, and the Toyota Smart Key System.

The exterior of the XLE offers automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and rain-sensing wipers. The interior features simulated leather upholstery, leather multi-function steering wheel, and automatic climate control.

Technology

The multimedia system has a 7-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation, six-speaker audio with satellite HD radio, Bluetooth with voice activation, smartphone integration, and auxiliary and USB ports.

Engine and Performance

Powering the Yaris is a 106 horsepower 1.5-liter engine producing 103 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. With the L and LE trims, you get a six-speed manual transmission. The XLE offers a six-speed automatic transmission with Sport and Normal driving modes. The automatic models return up to 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg for highway driving.

Safety Features

The Yaris has a low-speed pre-collision system as standard, along with electronic traction and stability control. The assisted ABS features a brake override system and electronic brake force distribution.

Head down to Toyota of Dothan today for a closer look at the all-new Yaris.

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Dothan is famous for its many beautiful murals, which can be found scattered throughout the town’s streets and inside buildings. Most of them capture important aspects and moments of Dothan’s and Alabama’s history.

After a tour of the city, one can quickly see why Dothan is called Alabama’s Mural City. Take a day trip and check out some of our favorite murals in the area.

1. The Steamboat Era

In the 1800s, roads were sparse and steamboats were the most efficient forms of travel. This is a beautiful mural that commemorates the area’s steamboat heritage — a massively important part of Alabama’s identity. It captures the Chattahoochee River in all its glory, as well as the boats that navigated it. This mural is on North Foster Street.

2. DeSoto’s Journey Through the Wiregrass Region

This mural takes a look back to the Spanish exploration party that traveled through the region, bringing European influence to North America. The mural features explorer DeSoto and his party meeting the Creek Indians. This mural is on Museum Avenue and Poplar Head.

3. The Dothan Riot

This is an action-packed snapshot of the 1889 tax riot that happened on the streets of Dothan. After Dothan was incorporated, a tax was placed on every commercial vehicle that came through the city. Two people died and several were wounded from this riot. The mural is located on South St. Andrews Street.

All the murals of Dothan paint a small portion of the rich and varied history of the area. Make sure you take some time to see them all.

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The 2019 Toyota Prius c is a sporty, compact car with the fuel-efficient hybrid technology to take you further for less.

Engine and Performance

The Prius c is powered by an electric motor paired with a four-cylinder 1.5-liter engine, which together produce 99 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. The thrifty hybrid powertrain in the Prius c will reward you with up to 46 mpg for combined driving.

Trim Levels

L and LE trim levels are available, with the base model featuring keyless illuminated entry, 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, daytime running lights, power mirrors with turn signals, and a rear spoiler. Inside, both models have two-tone fabric seats, automatic climate control, and cruise control. The LE adds a smart-key system and push-button start.

Technology

The advanced features of the Prius c include a digital instrument panel and a 3.5-inch TFT driver information display. The LE features an Entune system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, four-speaker audio, Bluetooth with advanced voice recognition, and hands-free phone capability. The LE adds a higher resolution split-screen display with integrated navigation and a premium six-speaker audio with satellite radio.

Safety Features

Prius c is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Also standard are electronic stability control, traction control, assisted ABS with electronic brake force distribution, and smart-stop technology.

To see the features of the Prius c for yourself, head down to Toyota of Dothan.

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Dothan is home to many venues where people of all ages can participate in sports. The city also actively promotes sports and exercise for adults. Here are some of the places to play or, for the more sedentary, to watch others playing.

Rip Hewes Athletic Complex

This complex has a 10,000-seat football stadium where you can watch high school football and community events. In addition, the complex includes two softball fields as well as Pittman Field, which, in addition to baseball games, is home to adult flag football games.

Golf Courses

If golf is your game, you have several choices. Kilgore’s Roundabout plantation features an 18-hole course, driving range, and separate putting green. The Dothan National Golf Club and Hotel offers a par 72, 18-hole course set in rolling hills. The hotel offers special stay-and-play packages.

Highland Oaks is on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and has a nine-hole short course in addition to the three nine-hole championship courses. It has been named as one of the country’s great value courses.

Westgate Park and Recreation Center

Westgate Park is Dothan’s biggest city park and is composed of a five-field softball complex, a six-field baseball complex, tennis courts, special-needs sports fields, and a football stadium. For cyclists, there’s a biking trail and a BMX track.

The recreation center includes a heated indoor swimming pool, racquetball courts, volleyball court, and a physical fitness room.

Physical activity is good for your health and your soul, so maybe you could try your hand at some of the sports available at these great venues.

Image via Flickr by Triquetra Productions/Larry Barthel

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Spring break is coming! Don’t sit inside until school starts again — the Dothan, Alabama, area has some very interesting and cool attractions that are perfect for enjoying during the warmer weather.

Shove your winter coats to the back of the closet and check out these attractions and destinations.

1. Dothan Area Botanical Gardens

This garden complex is the perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty of Alabama. Explore the different species of native plants while strolling the boardwalks and walking paths. There are 15 gardens here that focus on different plants, various flowers, preserved wilderness areas, Southern heirloom plants, and more.

2. Landmark Park

In Landmark Park, you can take a step into the past and see how people lived in the 1890s. In this 135-acre park, you’ll find various buildings that were a common sight back then, such as a farmhouse, syrup shed, smokehouse, and hand-built homes. There are also wildlife exhibits and a planetarium. Learn more about the area’s history while enjoying the great Alabama weather.

3. Adventureland

For a full day of outdoor fun and excitement, head over to Adventureland. Ride the go-karts and bumper boats, or swing away in the batting cages and putt-putt golf course. Adventureland is the perfect place to entertain the entire family and enjoy the spring weather. Once you’re done outside, head in to hit the arcade and get a slice of pizza. There’s never a dull moment at Adventureland.

Get out there and enjoy your spring break. Learn and experience something new while you take in the sun!

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Toyota is marrying accessibility with performance with its announcement of an all-wheel-drive hybrid Prius. The new, improved Prius is the best of many worlds, and our team at Toyota of Dothan is excited to welcome it to the family.

Performance

The 2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e is the first time the hybrid will employ an all-wheel drivetrain, making it the perfect ride for the city and the country, especially in areas that experience heavy winters.

The Prius AWD-e gets 52 miles per gallon in the city and 48 on the highway for a combined 50 miles per gallon. The electric motor powers the rear wheels when it turns on between 6 to 43 miles per hour, saving you money at the gas pump when you’re not on the highway.

New Year, New Prius

The 2019 Prius makes some modern updates to the car from previous years’ incarnations but keeps the trustworthiness and style that has made the Prius a well-known name.

The trim levels have different names this year. The 2019 Prius comes in one of four:  L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited. The AWD-e upgrade is available for the LE and XLE trim levels.

The new Prius is more angular and sleeker than its predecessors, giving it a sporty, powerful presence on the road. The LED headlamps and taillights, safety technology systems, adaptive cruise control, and more make the 2019 Prius one the all-around most efficient, fun, and safe rides of the new year.

If you’re ready to take a look at the 2019 AWD-e Prius, visit us at Toyota of Dothan today!

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As much as some of us may dread it, winter is right around the corner. That means it’s time to pay very close attention to your car’s health. To help you keep up with your vehicle’s status during these colder months, we’ve listed a few tips below that will help you keep your car in tip-top shape until spring.

1. Check Your Fluids

It’s extremely important to make sure the fluids inside your car have been changed and are at optimal levels. Make sure to get an oil change before the weather gets too bad, fill up your tank with antifreeze, and buy some extra windshield wiper fluid so you have a clear view of the road ahead.

2. Battery Health

Winter can take a toll on your car’s battery, so make sure you regularly check it and make sure everything is working properly. If your battery is running out of power, invest in a new one before winter kicks into full gear.

3. Bring Your Tools

It’s always important to remember to pack necessary supplies in your trunk in case anything happens down the road. Items like an ice scraper, snow brush, and jumper cables are always handy and will give you peace of mind if you’re worried your car might get stuck or break down.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be prepared for anything. We hope this list will help you stay on top of your car’s health and get you through the winter season without any struggle.

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Everyone loves a good slice of pizza. Thankfully, Dothan, Alabama, has a great selection of spots where you can grab a slice or a whole pie bursting with cheesy goodness. Here are three of the best pizza joints in and around Dothan.

1. Richie B’s

For New York-style sandwiches and yummy pizza, head to Richie B’s. Pizza by the slice is available here, or you can take a whole pie home to share. Stop in from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday. The Cattleman’s Special pizza is a customer favorite. This beast of a pie comes topped with sirloin steak and sautéed peppers, garlic, and mushrooms.

2. Dante’s Pizza

If you want to order online for easy pickup, choose Dante’s Pizza. They offer classic, specialty, and combo pizzas. You can build your own pizza to get your favorite toppings exactly how you like them. Or, for those who are craving something a little different, Dante’s has pasta, calzones, and more to choose from as well. Don’t forget to finish off your meal with one of their delectable desserts.

3. Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

At Fire Stone Wood Fired Pizza & Grill in the historic area of downtown Dothan, you can enjoy wood-fired pizzas and tasty grilled items. They imported their pizza ovens from Tuscany for a totally authentic experience. Try any of their thin-crust pizzas with homemade dough, and you’ll undoubtedly be back for more.

Whether you’re craving some pizza for yourself or you need to feed a group, these three spots are sure to satisfy. Don’t miss out on their yummy offerings.

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There’s nothing quite like a road trip, especially when everyone comes along for the ride. But whether that means your pet will also be joining is a difficult question since it’s not exactly easy to vacation with Fido in the back seat. Luckily, there are ways to have an enjoyable road trip and still bring your dog or cat along for the journey. Here are some tips on how to do so.

1. Make Pet-Friendly Pitstops

For anyone going on a road trip, it’s important to take a break from driving for a few minutes every couple of hours or so. Along your route, be sure to plan on visiting pitstops that are pet-friendly and provide ample room for your furry friend to stretch its legs, burn off some energy, and use the bathroom.

2. Pack The Necessities

When traveling with your pet, be sure to make them feel as comfortable as possible. Bring items from home such as their favorite toy, a warm blanket, familiar food and snacks, and grooming supplies to ensure your dog or cat doesn’t get anxious about being away from home for too long.

3. Keep Them Busy

Instead of letting your pet roam free inside your vehicle while you’re driving, try to give them something to keep them busy. If you’re traveling with other passengers, ask them to find a toy and play with your pet a bit to calm their nerves and keep them occupied.

We hope these tips help you have a better road trip with your entire family, including the furriest members!

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