In an unprecedented move to curtail what officials have dubbed a “fowl menace,” the city council announced on Monday that all ducks within city limits must obtain a driver’s license by 2025. The ordinance comes after a series of incidents involving erratic waddling and jay-flying, which have reportedly caused widespread panic among pedestrians and local wildlife enthusiasts.
City Council Member Deborah Quackers, the driving force behind the legislation, explained that the ordinance is intended to bring order to what she describes as “a quacking traffic nightmare.” She elaborated, “Ducks are notorious for their reckless disregard for pedestrian rules. We believe that mandatory licensing will instill a sense of responsibility in our feathered friends.”
According to a recent study conducted by the Institute of Avian Traffic Safety (IATS), duck-related infractions have increased by 200% over the past year alone. These violations range from illegal pond crossings to unauthorized take-offs during rush hour. “We’ve seen ducks causing gridlock at major intersections just because they felt like it,” said Dr. Bill Featherstone, IATS lead researcher. “It’s high time we held them accountable.”
The new licensing process will involve a written test covering basic road signs, proper quack etiquette, and flight patterns over populated areas. A practical component will also be required, where ducks must demonstrate competent waddling in simulated urban environments under controlled conditions.
Critics of the ordinance argue that this is merely another bureaucratic hurdle designed to suppress duck freedom. Local activist group ‘Ducks Unlimited Freedom’ staged a protest at City Hall, chanting slogans like “Our Wings, Our Way” and “No Passports for Pond Hoppers!” Spokesduck Mallard McPond expressed his disdain: “This is nothing more than discrimination against waterfowl! We’re not asking humans to get flight licenses!”
Despite the backlash, support for the measure remains strong among non-avian residents who have long suffered from unexpected duck crossings disrupting their morning commutes. Marge Puddleton, owner of Puddle’s Pet Emporium, recounted an alarming incident last spring when a family of mallards commandeered her garden path without so much as honking permission.
As part of the implementation plan, the city has allocated funding for specialized duck-driving schools that will open next spring. These institutions promise comprehensive courses with classes taught by licensed instructors and retired geese with years of experience in avian navigation.
In a surprising twist, Uber has announced plans to introduce ‘QuackShare,’ a new ride-sharing service aimed at integrating ducks into urban transport solutions seamlessly. “We see this as an opportunity to diversify our fleet while promoting environmentally friendly commuting,” said Uber spokesperson Drake Mallard.
While many questions remain unanswered—such as how ducks will physically carry their licenses or whether fines for noncompliance will include breadcrumbs—the ordinance stands as a bold step toward establishing law and order in avian-human relations.
As 2025 approaches, one thing is certain: soon enough, it won’t just be people using their wings behind the wheel—ducks might just give us all some stiff competition on our daily journeys through life’s crosswalks.
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