The 50 Strangest Laws in America
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The 50 Strangest Laws in America and hope the blog can help you.
These laws seem too weird to be true, but they’re indeed on the books. Keep reading to learn what wacky law is enacted in your state.
Head-Scratching Rules
Whether they’re holdovers from the days past that never got updated or mind-twisting restrictions written up after some random incident gone wrong, there are dozens of outdated and just-plain-strange laws still on the books in the United States. Here are a few of the wackiest laws in America—and be careful, some of them may apply to you!
Alabama: Don’t Play Cards on Sunday
In Alabama, you may not play cards on Sunday. For that matter, shooting, hunting, or racing are verboten, too. The prohibitions are part of a law that states people may not force others to work on Sunday. As a result most shops must be closed on Sunday—fortunately, newspaper stands and ice cream shops are among the exemptions.
Alaska: Don’t Push a Moose From an Airplane
In Alaska, moose and airplanes don’t mix. There’s one law on the books saying moose may not be viewed from an airplane, and another prohibiting you from pushing a live moose out of a moving airplane. Amateur aviators would do well to avoid this gentle beast!
Arizona: Let Your Cactus Be
In Arizona, be cautious when you landscape: If you’ve got a cactus in your yard, it may be illegal to cut it down! This law was created to protect the wild Saguaro cactus, an Arizonian treasure that some troublemakers enjoy shooting or cutting down.
Arkansas: Don’t Honk if You’re Hungry
In a rush for dinner in Little Rock, Arkansas? Just don’t get “hangry” and honk your horn—because that’s illegal if you’re parked near a shop that sells cold drinks or sandwiches after 9 p.m.
California: Dogs Can’t Go to School
Mary had her little lamb, but in Cathedral City, California, it’s not just against the rules to bring your pet dog to school—it’s against the law! Only dogs working for law enforcement or as service dogs are permitted on school property, unless the school is using them for teaching purposes.
Colorado: No Couches Outside
Sorry if you like to lounge outside: In Boulder, Colorado, it’s illegal to have a couch or other type of upholstered furniture not sold for outdoor use on your front porch, front yard, or side yard. While it might seem like a blow to outdoor living enthusiasts, this law was actually enacted to curb the practice of post-football-game burning of couches by University of Colorado fans.
Connecticut: White String Lights Only
If you have Clark Griswold-style plans to decorate your house for the holidays, make sure you don’t live in Guilford, Connecticut! There, only white twinkle lights are allowed. Good taste, enforced!
Delaware: Watch Your Children
Treats allowed, but no tricks! In Rehoboth Beach, you may not allow your children to “cause mischief” on city streets or sidewalks. Children under 14 are allowed to go door to door on Halloween—but only between 6 and 8 p.m.
Florida: Doors Must Open Outward
In Florida, the doors of any public building—including theaters, opera halls, and other entertainment complexes—must open outward. While it may seems silly to specify the minutia of architectural details, it’s actually a safety mechanism to ensure people inside can escape in case of fire or other emergencies.
Related: 11 Common Causes of House Fires and How to Prevent Them
Georgia: No Carving Trees
You and your lover may want to carve your initials into a tree to symbolize your eternal bond—but in Columbus, Georgia, it’s illegal! Even in your own yard, but especially on public property, you may not deface a tree, fence or side of a building with writing, cutting or other artistic attempts.
Hawaii: Curb the Outdoor Ads
In Hawaii, they like their scenery natural: Billboards and other forms of outdoor advertising are prohibited, with exceptions made for the likes of for-sale signs, directions to scenic outlooks, and any billboard already established on July 8, 1965.
Idaho: Be Careful with Porch Cleanup
Be careful when you clean your front porch: In Eagle, Idaho, it’s unlawful to sweep dirt or other debris from any building into a street, alley or sidewalk. Keep the neighborhood clean, people!
Illinois: Wait to Plant Grass
It’s not smart to plant new grass in the summer, but in Crystal Lake, Illinois, you might be breaking the law, too. There, no one can use city water to hydrate new sod planted in the summer months. Since grass is notoriously hard to grow in hot weather, there’s more than one good reason to wait until fall to lay new turf!
Indiana: You Gotta Get a Referral
Want to see a hypnotist? In Indiana, you can go ahead and schedule that appointment if you’re trying to quit smoking or lose weight—but if you want to visit them to work on an addiction like gambling, or a disorder like kleptomania or bedwetting, you’ll need a referral from your physician first.
Iowa: Leave the Flowers Alone
In Iowa, they’re serious about their greenery: No trees or flowers may cut from city parks—or else! So think twice before you idly pluck a blossom on your morning walk.
Kansas: Mind Your Weeds
In Topeka, Kansas, weeding your yard is literally the law! A local statute mandates that you (or your tenant) must control any weeds found in your own yard, as well as along the street, sidewalk, alley, or other areas directly around your home.
Kentucky: Quit Dying Your Chicks
Pink bunnies and baby-blue chicks may be your little kid’s dream, but in Kentucky, they’re illegal! In fact, you’re not allowed to dye or sell any colored baby chicks, ducklings, or rabbits. It’s just as well that these creatures illegal—baby animals make terrible Easter gifts. Livestock animals can carry diseases and are often abandoned by families in parks or animal shelters after the novelty wears off. Stick to bunny-shaped candy and plush toys, if you want to give a memorable holiday gift.
Louisiana: No Fake Fighting Allowed
In Louisiana, don’t even think about throwing a fake punch! Anyone who participates in or is a party to a sham boxing or wrestling match will immediately lose his license. We presume that excludes letting your kid win an arm-wrestling match, though.
Maine: No Riding on the Sidewalk
Stick to the streets: In Biddeford, Maine, skating and biking are strictly prohibited on public sidewalks. We presume you get a break on the $10 fine if you’re still using training wheels.
Maryland: Bite Your Tongue!
Road rage? Better curb it! In Rockville, Maryland, it’s illegal to curse, swear or use obscene language on any street, sidewalk or highway if you’re within earshot of a passerby.
Massachusetts: Watch Out on the Commons
In Massachusetts, they really care about their green common spaces. A few things you can’t do there: Wear heels over three inches high, have duels to the death on Sundays (unless the Governor is present), graze your livestock, carry a bathtub, or carry a shotgun (unless there’s an imminent threat of bears).
Michigan: Care for Your Old Radio
