50 bizarre state laws that will leave you speechless
We all know the golden rule of treating others as we would like to be treated, but did you know that some states have bizarre laws that could land you in hot water? Prepare to be amused and bewildered as we explore the weirdest laws from every corner of the United States.
50 Bizarre State Laws that will leave you Speechless
01
Alabama
Fake Mustache Alert
Men, be cautious when stepping into a church in Alabama. It’s actually illegal to enter a place of worship wearing a fake mustache. Why, you ask? Apparently, it has the potential to incite laughter.
03
Arizona
Hands Off the Saguaro
If you plan on uprooting a saguaro cactus as a memento from Arizona, think twice. The punishment for such an act can be as severe as 25 years in prison. Yes, you read that correctly – years, not days.
02
Alaska
Bear Selfies
In Alaska, if you come across a slumbering bear and decide to wake it up for a selfie, think again. This act is not only dangerous but also against the law. Prepare for severe fines, assuming you make it out of the bear’s den alive.
04
Arkansas
No Creature Killing
In Fayetteville, Arkansas, it’s forbidden to take the life of any living creature. This means that anyone who has ever squashed a mosquito in Fayetteville during the summer months could technically be considered a criminal. While the wording of the ordinance is confusing, it’s generally accepted that it only applies to warm-blooded animals.
05.
California- Curfew for Camels
Walking your camel down Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, California is perfectly legal, except between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Yes, you read that correctly – there’s a two-hour window during which camel walking is prohibited. The rest of the day is fair game.
06.
Colorado – No Snowball Catapults
If you happen to find yourself in Aspen, Colorado, it’s best to keep your snowball catapults in check. Using a catapult to launch anything at people or property is strictly prohibited.
07.
Connecticut – Silence at the Salon
Did you know that it’s technically illegal for a beautician or stylist in Connecticut to sing, hum, or whistle while working? While it’s unlikely that your hairdresser will be handcuffed for humming their favorite tune, this law is believed to have its roots in church-inspired rules.
08.
Delaware – No Changing Outfits in Restrooms
In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, it’s against the law to enter a public restroom wearing one outfit and leave wearing another. Yes, even if you’re changing from a bathing suit to regular clothes or vice versa. Remember, this is a beach town we’re talking about here.
09.
Florida – Hands Off the Horses
While visiting Florida, it’s crucial to resist the temptation of horse theft. The punishment for such a crime used to be hanging, according to the outdated Eighth Amendment. However, law enforcement no longer abides by such severe measures. Instead, horse thieves can face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
10. Georgia – Rake Ownership Required
In Acworth, Georgia, owning a rake is mandatory. This peculiar law was enacted as a political response to a neighboring city’s ordinance.
11. Hawaii – No Coins in Ears
In Hawaii, it’s illegal to put coins in your ears. This unusual law originated from the US government’s order to destroy native currency, leading locals to hide coins in their ears.
12. Idaho – No Blemished Potatoes
Selling potatoes with blemishes, rot, or sun damage is illegal in Idaho. Violators could face up to six months in jail.
13. Illinois – No Making Faces at Dogs
Making faces at dogs is against the law in Normal, Illinois. Even making faces at your own dog could technically lead to arrest.
14
Indiana – Garlic-Free Public Places
Entering theaters, public street cars, and movie houses within four hours of eating garlic is prohibited in Indiana. Enforcing this law’s timing is debatable.
15
Iowa – Five-Minute Kisses and Shaving Mustaches
Kisses lasting longer than five minutes are not allowed in Iowa. Additionally, men must shave before publicly kissing a partner with a mustache.
16
Kansas – No Motorized Game Hunting
Shooting game from motorized vehicles, including motorboats, vehicles, and airplanes, is forbidden in Kansas.
17. Kentucky – No Ice Cream Cones in Pockets
Carrying an ice cream cone in your pocket is illegal in Kentucky, even without ice cream. The law originated from horse and buggy days to deter horse theft.
18. Louisiana – Snoring with Closed Windows
In Louisiana, it’s illegal to snore unless all windows in the room are closed and securely locked.
19. Maine – No Advertisements in Cemeteries
Business owners in Wells, Maine, must refrain from placing advertisements in cemeteries, except for signs related to cemetery operations.
20. Maryland – No Eating While Swimming
Eating while swimming in the ocean is prohibited in Maryland, although enforcement is unlikely.
21. Massachusetts
Three Sandwich Limit at Wakes
Massachusetts imposes /a cap of three sandwiches that mourners can consume at wakes.
22. Michigan
No Car Sales on Sundays
Car dealerships in Michigan, except in counties with a population under 130,000, are prohibited from selling cars on Sundays.
23. Minnesota
Clean Tires Only
Minnetonka, Minnesota, prohibits dirty tires, including those with mud, litter, or sticky substances, under its Public Nuisance law.
24. Mississippi
Illegitimate Child Penalties
In Mississippi, individuals with more than one illegitimate child can face imprisonment and fines for each additional child.
25. Missouri
Restrictions on Firefighters’ Rescues
St. Louis City forbids on-duty firefighters from rescuing unclothed women or women in nightgowns from burning buildings.
26. Montana – No Water on Sidewalks
Helena, Montana, has a law against homeowners watering sidewalks if it annoys passersby.
27. Nebraska – Onion-Free Barbers
Barbers in Waterloo, Nebraska, cannot eat onions between 7:00 am and 12:00 am, due to customer complaints about bad breath.
28. Nevada – No State Lottery
Nevada prohibits its residents and visitors from participating in state lotteries. However, charity raffles are allowed.
29. New Hampshire – No Seaweed Collection at Night
Collecting or carrying away seaweed below the high-water mark on beaches in New Hampshire is illegal during nighttime hours.
30. New Jersey – No Swearing in Public
Swearing in public is against the law in the Borough of Raritan, New Jersey, and can result in a ticket.
31. New Mexico – Tripping Horses and Penalties
Tripping a horse is a misdemeanor in New Mexico, with severe penalties if the act results in maiming or death.
32. New York – No Nose-Thumbing Greetings
In New York, it’s illegal to greet someone by putting your thumb to your nose and wiggling your fingers.
33. North Carolina – No Elephant-Driven Plowing
Using elephants to plow cotton fields is prohibited in North Carolina due to concerns about animal mistreatment.
34. North Dakota – No Elk in Sandboxes
Keeping an elk in a sandbox is not allowed in North Dakota; elk ownership must be elsewhere.
35. Ohio – No Whaling on Sundays
It’s illegal to fish for whales on Sundays in Ohio, despite the absence of whales in the state’s waters.
36. Oklahoma – No Farm Animal Legs in Boots
Oklahoma bans placing the hind legs of farm animals into boots, but this law doesn’t extend to domesticated animals.
37. Oregon – Close Your Basement Door
In Yamhill, Oregon, leaving one’s basement door open is against the law.
38
Pennsylvania
Using nets or bare hands to catch fish is illegal in Pennsylvania, and certain fish species cannot be used as bait.
39
Rhode Island
No Pickle Juice on Trolleys Throwing pickle juice on trolleys is prohibited in Rhode Island.
40
South Carolina
Mandatory Gunfire at Intersections According to South Carolina law, drivers must discharge their firearms into the air 100 feet away from a four-way or blind intersection to warn approaching horse traffic.
41.South Dakota – No Fireworks for Crop Protection
Using fireworks to protect sunflower crops is not allowed in South Dakota due to the risk of fire.
42. Tennessee – Women Cannot Ask Men Out
In Oneida, Tennessee, it’s against the law for a woman to call a man on the phone and ask him out, although enforcement is unlikely.
43
Texas – Shooting Buffalos from Windows. Shooting buffalo from second-story hotel windows is illegal in Texas, but encountering buffalo in one’s backyard is typically permissible.
44
Utah – Hat-Wearing Misdemeanor. Wearing a hat too high in a theater is a misdemeanor in Utah, based on a law passed in 1898.
45
Vermont – Dentures Require Husband’s Permission. Vermont law prohibits women from getting dentures without written permission from their husbands, although this requirement is rarely enforced.
46
Virginia – Sunday Hunting Restrictions. Hunting animals on Sundays is generally prohibited in Virginia, except for raccoons, which can be hunted until 2:00 am.
47
Washington – Protection for Bigfoot. Harassing Bigfoot, the legendary creature believed to inhabit North America’s forests, is a crime in Washington.
48
West Virginia – Duel Taunting Consequences. Taunting someone who refuses to participate in a duel can result in up to six months of imprisonment in West Virginia.
49. Wisconsin – Restricted Margarine Sales
Some old laws in Wisconsin still prohibit restaurants from serving margarine unless specifically requested by the customer.
50. Wyoming – No Alcohol in Mines
Drinking alcohol while in a mine in Wyoming can lead to fines and imprisonment.
— 50 Bizarre State Laws that will leave you Speechless
In conclusion, state laws can sometimes be quite peculiar and leave us speechless. From Hawaii’s ban on putting coins in your ears to Vermont’s requirement for written permission to get dentures, these laws showcase the unique and sometimes baffling regulations that exist across the United States.
While many of these laws may seem outdated or irrelevant in modern times, they offer a glimpse into the historical context and cultural peculiarities of each state. It’s important to note that enforcement of these laws may vary, and some may have been repealed or become unenforceable over time.
Nevertheless, these bizarre state laws provide us with interesting anecdotes and spark curiosity about the legal system and its intricate nuances. They serve as a reminder that even in a country as diverse as the United States, there are still hidden treasures of legal oddities waiting to be discovered.
So, the next time you find yourself in one of these states, be sure to abide by their unique legal codes, or at the very least, marvel at the quirkiness that exists within our nation’s laws.
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