The Official Unofficial Slug Bug Rule Book

First posted June 25, 2026

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I don’t know how many years it’s been since we started this game, but it’s has morphed into more than the Slug Bug Game should have ever gotten to.

In the beginning it was simple... as it should be. But not long into it, rules and arguments started to surface. I was always aggravated with the stupid rules that would be made up. Until they (my husband and son) were like, "that’s what makes it fun." So I dove in along with them and because we started getting confused and not remembering rules, I started documenting them.

The following are the current rules and this blog will be updated when new rules are added.

You can submit suggested rules and/or revisions of current in the comments. These will be submitted to the board (myself, my husband and our son) for review and if accepted, will be added here in chronological order.

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#1 One newer body style bug is one point

#2 One old bug is two points (we all know what an old bug is so no splitting hairs on styles and eras)

#3 A bug with flowers on it's exterior is one additional point, no matter where the flowers are as long as they are visible. Flowers in the interior do not count.

#4 A pink bug is one additional point

#5 A red bug with black spots one additional point

#6 A bug with eyelashes one additional point

#7 A lowered bug is one additional point

#8 If you are alone (there are no other humans) and call slug bug or bus, it’s a negative one

#9 If you call a slug bug or bus and it’s not a bug or bus it’s a negative one

#10 If you find Herbie the Love Bug it’s one extra point.

#11 Baja wins the game and start over. Must exclaim Baja Bug when calling a slug bug in this situation.

#12 If there are two people in the car when a Baja bug is seen the game starts over. If there are three people or more in the car when the Baja bug is seen and called the person called it is no longer in the game and the other two continue on with their game

#13 The Volkswagen ID buzz and the old school Volkswagen bus are both 2 points, but you have to call them slug bus

#14 The game goes to 10 points. Once 10 is made, the game starts over with all players. Unless it’s a Baja Bug win. See rule #12

#15 HotRod Bug is 4 points

#16 Stephanie F’s bug doesn’t count unless it’s in the parking lot by the gym or anywhere but the main parking lot. This rule only applies to the Silva & Ore Family.

#17 If two or more slug bugs are called by one person within a 5 second range, the points are doubled per bug.

#18 if there is a tie at any time with all players involved, a player can challenge the other(s) by calling a random vehicle. First person who calls that vehicle wins the game.

#19 for a slug bus or bug to be official. It must have a Volkswagen logo. A peace sign in lieu of the Volkswagen logo does not count.

#20 However, if a slug bus or bug has a peace sign on it that counts as an extra point. But must have the Volkswagen emblem. See rule number 19.

#21 A bug must not be modified by player to up a point. For example, one can’t place a flower magnet or sticker on a bug to gain points.

#22  A slug bus truck is 8 points but if it has a Christmas tree in the back, the game is won by who called it. Same rules that apply to the Baja bug win, applies to the bus truck. See rule #12

#23 If ever there is an argument that cannot be settled between two or more players that is a gray area, a mediator that knows the rules of the handbook but is not currently in the game must be brought in to settle the score. This often time can result in new rules and must be agreed upon by all involved.

#24 If a slug bus or bug is called and it appears to be a tie, in other words no one can establish who said if first, if one of those players pointed at the same time as calling it, they win that or those point(s).

#76 No excuses, play like a champion

All rights reserved. No refunds. No returns.

-AJ