Iowans interested in the jaw-dropping Tesla Model S are out of luck: The state bans Tesla's company-run showrooms. Friendly Tesla owners across the border in Minnesota are taking matters into their own hands, however, setting up a private test-drive event in Des Moines to let potential Model S buyers get some time behind the electric car's wheel. Take that, dealership cartels!

READ MORE: Thanks to rival dealers, Iowa won't even let you test-drive a Tesla

Paul Steier, director of the Iowa DOT's Bureau of Investigation and Identity Protection, told the Des Moines Register that the renegade test-drive event is perfectly legal, as the three Minnesota Model S owners offering their cars up for test drives are not Tesla employees. The state's DOT shut down a company-run test-drive tent event in a hotel parking lot last month. Even if Tesla isn't actively conducting transactions with customers, Iowa's law bars the company from offering test drives in the state, though Iowans can purchase a Tesla directly through the company's website.

Iowa, like Arizona, Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia, bans automakers from owning the dealerships that sell their cars. Since Tesla doesn't operate traditional dealership franchises, it's not allowed to set up shop in those states.

READ MORE: GM supports anti-Tesla bill in MI, Gov. Snyder signs into law

These boneheaded laws are cropping up elsewhere: This week, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill with a last-minute amendment that strengthened the state's ban on manufacturer-owned car showrooms. That amendment was a late addition by Michigan State Senator Joe Hune, at the behest of the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association, and no less than General Motors released a statement supporting the law.

Eric Jackson, one of the three Minnesota Model S owners putting on the event, told the Des Moines Register that his group plans to drive to Michigan this spring to offer that state's potential Tesla buyers a chance behind the wheel.

If you're in Des Moines and interested in driving a Model S, head to the electric vehicle charging station at the Urbandale Hy-Vee, 8710 Douglas Ave, from 5-8PM on Friday or 11AM-3PM on Saturday. Tell them Road & Track sent you.

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