There are numerous strange laws that are nothing out of the ordinary in many regions. Every single one of the 50 states has its own unique laws. From sea to shining sea, here are some of the most bizarre laws found in the United States.
Alabama
In the Heart of Dixie, it’s illegal to drive a vehicle while blindfolded; one would think there wouldn’t be a need for a law like this, but here we are. Also, it’s illegal to use, keep, store, manufacture, sell, give away, offer for sale and handle silly string or any similar substances.
Alaska
Alaska is basically its own breed of strange, especially with laws such as the one prohibiting animals from riding in the back of an open vehicle. The law was put into effect after one pup was considered a nuisance; talk about ruining it for the rest of us. In Alaska, moose are taken very seriously, and if you bag one, you are legally required to use the head, liver, kidneys, heart, hide and stomach for “human use.”
Arizona
In Goodyear, AZ it’s illegal to spit on public sidewalks, roads, highways or crosswalks in any park or public building. The craziness doesn’t end there though. It’s actually illegal for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub, although it can stand in one.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, properly pronounced as “ar-kan-saw,” legislation has been passed discouraging incorrect pronunciation of the state’s name. Hungry and impatient after 9:00 pm? Well, don’t go honking your horn about it, as it’s illegal to honk your horn near a sandwich shop after 9:00 pm.
California
Both of these laws have to do with animals. The first takes place in the city of Berkeley, where it’s illegal to whistle for a lost canary before 7:00 am. Meanwhile, in the entire state, it’s illegal to eat a frog kept for frog-jumping contests after it passes away. It cannot be used for any other purposes as well.
Colorado
While the state has become lenient in some areas, don’t think that means you can have your couch on your front porch. A law was passed in 2001 prohibiting the use of indoor furniture outside at all.
Connecticut
The state takes their pickles very seriously and has determined it illegal to sell a pickle if it does not bounce. Up until 2002, town records were not to be stored in areas where liquor was sold.
Delaware
Pet hair is illegal to sell throughout the state. In addition, pawnbrokers cannot buy artificial limbs, nor can they be pawned. This law also extends to wheelchairs.
Florida
The state that makes the news the most for its unusual crimes also has some bizarre laws. For instance, did you know that you must pay for parking if you tie your alligator, elephant, goat or horse to a parking meter? If you enjoy singing, be sure to avoid doing so in public while wearing your swimsuit — it’s illegal.
Georgia
Eating fried chicken with a fork is illegal in the city of Gainesville. Boats are a wonderful way to have fun — although you can’t stay on one for more than 30 days in Georgia.
Hawaii
Known for its beautiful scenery, it’s no surprise that the state would ban the use of billboards. That’s right, billboards are illegal in the Rainbow State.
Idaho
Idaho may seem like a mundane place given it’s known for potato production. However, it’s illegal to sweep debris into the street or be a cannibal, circumstances permitting.
Illinois
While it’s illegal for culinary students under the age of 21 to consume alcohol, they may “sip and spit” alcoholic beverages. The premise is that they need to learn how to taste wine in their early years of school so they can train their palates.
Indiana
In 1897, the Indiana House of Representatives passed a bill which redefined the value of Pi to 3.2. Thankfully, the bill stalled after the intervention of a mathematician, and it never passed the Senate. Like riding horses? Well, be sure you don’t exceed 10 mph in the Hoosier State.
Iowa
Another law that seems like it would simply be common knowledge bars throwing a brick or other object onto highway, street or public grounds. Like many states that have certain activities banned on Sunday, in Iowa, it’s illegal to sell cars, trucks or RVs.
Kansas
If you’re a motorhead, you may want to stay away from Kansas, where it’s illegal to screech your tires. While the law isn’t enforced, at one point it was illegal to top your cherry pie with ice cream.
Kentucky
In the Bluegrass State it’s illegal to use a reptile in religious services. In addition, it’s illegal for a woman to marry the same man four times — so you better hope the third time really is a charm.
Louisiana
Free pizza is nothing to complain about. However, in Louisiana, it’s illegal to send a surprise pizza. Believe it or not, bear wrestling is also prohibited. It’s almost as if you’re not allowed to have fun there!
Maine
America may run on Dunkin’ Donuts, but in South Berwick, it’s illegal to park in front of the franchise. And be careful: It’s illegal for any person to dance in a bar that serves alcohol unless they have a permit.
Maryland
If you thought the previous states were bad, you don’t want to go to Maryland. It’s illegal to wear sleeveless shirts in public parks. That’s not all. In Rockville, you’re not allowed to curse or use profanity near a street, sidewalk or highway where a passerby may hear you.
Massachusetts
If you love telling people their fortunes, be sure to get a permit before doing so in this state. Also any place that wishes to play the Star-Spangled Banner must do so correctly or face a penalty, typically in the form of a fine.
Michigan
Like in Iowa, it’s illegal to sell your vehicle on a Sunday. Also, if you plan to use the train in Michigan, be sure you’re sober before and during your trip as it’s illegal to be intoxicated on a train.
Minnesota
Dirty tires in this state can land you in trouble. They’re considered a nuisance, as they can cause streets or highways to become dirty, so be sure to rinse yours off before heading to bingo. By the way, the popular number-matching game was only permitted two days a week in Minnesota until 2015.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, nutrition labels are not and cannot be enforced. The bill also stops restaurants from limiting portion sizes. A law once passed in the state prohibited women from becoming pregnant with a second illegitimate child or face a misdemeanor and fines, jail time or both.
Missouri
Yet another state that prohibits bear wrestling. What gives? At least you can still have garage sales, though they are also regulated and limited to two per year in one location. You also have to follow certain operating hours, and the sale cannot last longer than three days.
Montana
It’s illegal for a person to raise, sell or gift rats unless as food for reptiles, birds of prey or both. Live performances in Montana are required to stay on stage throughout the entire performance by law.
Nebraska
Marriage is prohibited to those with any STDs in the Cornhusker State. However, if the spouse is aware of the condition at the time of marriage, they cannot annul the bonding later.
Nevada
In Reno, it’s illegal to sleep or even sit on a public sidewalk. And we thought New York City was the one that never sleeps!
New Hampshire
At one point in time, not so long ago, state legislatures passed an anti-homicide bill that determined a 20-week-old fetus was a person. Further clarification came for women who were pregnant and sought abortions, though it was quickly amended as the law allowed these women to commit actual murder as well.
New Jersey
In the Garden State, wearing a bulletproof vest while committing another crime is illegal and is considered a third-degree crime.
New Mexico
Voting in New Mexico was taken much more seriously prior to 2016, when its most bizarre law was repealed. It prohibited “idiots” from voting in the state. The law also covered insane people convicted of felonies or infamous crimes.
New York
Slippers are comfortable to wear all day if you can get away with it. However, an old New York law prohibits slippers from being worn after 10:00 pm. Planning a masked ball? Make sure to get prior approval to keep from breaking the law.
North Carolina
Bingo may have been limited to two days a week in Minnesota, but it’s unlawful to play the game while intoxicated in North Carolina. In an effort to crackdown on Ku Klux Klan meetings, it’s illegal to wear a mask, hood or costume during a meeting or demonstration.
North Dakota
In Devils Lake, North Dakota it’s illegal to shoot fireworks after 11:00 pm, making for a pretty calm 4th of July. If you have a pigeon problem, be sure to get a permit before doing any exterminating yourself.
Ohio
In the Buckeye State it’s illegal to sell dyed chickens or rabbits. In addition, if you have a dangerous animal, and it escapes, you are required by law to inform the authorities within one hour of the animal’s disappearance.
Oklahoma
We all know it’s rude to eavesdrop, but it’s literally against the law in Oklahoma. Good for them. Also, if you want to take your frustrations out, be sure it’s not by tripping a horse.
Oregon
Hunting is typically well-regulated and done so fairly. In the Beaver State, those regulations are a bit more stifling: It’s illegal to hunt in a cemetery. Fortune telling and other “occult arts” are illegal to perform anywhere in Oregon.
Pennsylvania
Speaking of occult arts, it’s illegal to perform these services for profit in the Keystone State. Perhaps you can just trade your infant child for the service — or not; it’s also illegal to barter your infant children.
Rhode Island
Horse racing or speed testing on a public highway can land you a $20 fine or a maximum jail time of 10 days. That’s nothing compared to the 20 years you could spend for dismembering a person in the Ocean State.
South Carolina
While many states look down on minors drinking or smoking, South Carolina takes it a step further and doesn’t allow anyone under the age of 18 to play pinball machines. The law also prohibits a man from seducing a woman under the presumption of marriage, although officials repealed this law in 2016.
South Dakota
South Dakota takes their cheese very seriously, but not as much as Wisconsin. This obsession doesn’t stop the state from making sleeping in a cheese factory illegal.
Tennessee
Got Netflix and want to share your account with your friends or significant other? Well, don’t, because it’s illegal. If you’re gunning for public office in the Volunteer State, be sure that you don’t have any sort of participation in a duel in your history, which bars you from holding office.
Texas
Another strange law allows marriage via proxy in the state of Texas. However, selling a human eye, or any other organ or tissue, is illegal.
Utah
It’s illegal in this state to cause a catastrophe, as it should be. Utah also bans biting during boxing matches.
Vermont
This state protects people who want to hang clotheslines by prohibiting regulations on them. It also requires that women get their husbands’ written permission before getting false teeth.
Virginia
It seems that once you turn 14 in Virginia, you’re not allowed to do much. One illegal activity is trick-or-treating. What a buzzkill! Another law makes it illegal to hunt on Sundays — unless you’re killing raccoons, that is.
Washington
Vending machines are usually put in high-traffic places to record the most profits. However, these machines cannot be attached to utility poles without permission from the company. If you’re looking to hunt bigfoot, steer clear of this state. The creature of legend is considered an endangered species in the Evergreen State, so it’s illegal to injure or kill one.
West Virginia
Prior to 2010, lewd and lascivious behavior before marriage was banned in this state. Fancy a movie? Well, don’t wear your hat, which is prohibited in the theater — at least according to one old law.
Wisconsin
It seems that Wisconsin takes dairy very seriously and bans the use of butter substitutes without permission. The state also requires that cheese meets a certain standard and earns a Wisconsin-certified premium Grade AA label.
Wyoming
Wyoming takes drunk driving crackdowns further than most states by prohibiting intoxicated skiing as well as intoxicated passengers on the tramway. If a building in Wyoming costs more than $100,000 it is required by law to display pricey art.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of strangeness in the United States. These are only a couple of examples from each state; imagine how many more are out there! Many of these laws are likely no longer enforced, but you never know. For now, it’s best to avoid breaking them.
