The concept of intelligent transportation systems is evolving, with a growing need for automation and effective service delivery. Ensuring the safety and security of travelers on the road has been a significant concern, leading to the exploration of Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) for supporting safety, comfort, and infotainment services. However, VANETs face challenges such as high mobility, intermittent connectivity, and application heterogeneity due to their complex and inflexible architecture. In this context, Software-defined networking (SDN) has emerged as a flexible and programmable network that has garnered attention for wired network management and wireless communication. This paper aims to examine and classify SDN-based research on wireless networks, specifically focusing on VANETs. The research objectives include investigating the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in ad hoc networking for vehicle networks, identifying challenges and limitations of existing approaches, proposing an IoT-enabled architecture, evaluating performance improvements, showcasing real-world applications, and addressing security and privacy considerations. By accomplishing these objectives, this study aims to contribute to the advancement of intelligent transportation systems by exploring the potential and benefits of IoT-enabled ad hoc networking in vehicle networks. The study provides valuable insights, guidelines, and recommendations for designing and implementing IoT-integrated ad hoc networking solutions, paving the way for more efficient and connected transportation networks of the future.