Some antiquated rules are still in force throughout the United States, despite your belief that ridiculous laws are a thing of the past. Here are 30 odd regulations that are still theoretically in effect today, ranging from peculiar prohibitions on nighttime to prohibitions on carrying ice cream in your back pocket.
1. In Alabama, You Cannot Wear A Fake Mustache That Causes Laughter In Church
This law is presumably aimed at maintaining decorum during religious services by preventing any intentional distractions or disruptions. By prohibiting the wearing of humorous or ridiculous facial accessories, the law seeks to ensure that church services remain respectful and solemn for all attendees
2. In Alaska, You Cannot Push A Live Moose Out Of An Airplane
This unusual regulation addresses concerns for both the welfare of the moose and safety considerations for people on the ground. The law helps prevent potential harm to the moose during a fall and protects property or individuals from unexpected impacts.
3. Cutting Cactus In Arizona Is Forbidden
Arizona law recognizes the significance of the Saguaro cactus and has established regulations to safeguard its existence. The Arizona Native Plant Law governs the protection and management of Saguaro cacti. Under this law, it is illegal to harm, collect, dig up, transplant, or sell Saguaro cacti without a permit.
4. In Arizona, Donkeys Cannot Sleep In Bathtubs
This odd rule dates back to the 1920s when a rancher’s donkey found a cozy spot to rest in a bathtub. Unfortunately, the bathtub was washed away during a flood, leading to a costly search and rescue operation. To prevent similar incidents and potential damage, the state implemented this quirky law.
5. Women Are Not Allowed To Drive A Car While Wearing A Housecoat In California
This regulation may seem outdated and restrictive, as it was likely rooted in traditional views of proper attire for public activities. A housecoat, typically considered casual loungewear, may have been deemed inappropriate for driving in public.
6. In Connecticut, Pickles Must Bounce To Be Considered Safe For Human Consumption
This unusual rule comes from a story dating back to the 1940s when officials wanted to ensure the quality and freshness of pickles sold in the state. They devised a test: if the pickle doesn’t bounce when dropped from a certain height, it isn’t fresh enough.
7. In Delaware, Whispering In Church Is Illegal
This law aims to maintain reverence and silence during religious services. By prohibiting any form of audible distraction, including whispering, the rule ensures that the focus remains on the service and the spiritual experience.
8. Unmarried Women Who Parachute On Sundays Can Be Fined Or Jailed In Florida
This peculiar law may have been created to uphold traditional values and social norms regarding appropriate activities for women on Sundays. It also reflects a time when certain leisure activities were considered unsuitable for a day of rest.
9. In Georgia, Carrying An Ice Cream Cone In Your Back Pocket Is Illegal
This quirky law has its roots in the state’s effort to prevent theft. Back in the day, people could attempt to lure horses away by placing an ice cream cone in their back pocket, as it was a convenient place to stash the treat. The law was introduced to curb this sneaky trick, protecting horses from being stolen.
10. In Hawaii, Coins Are Not Allowed To Be Placed In One’s Ears
This ridiculous law was put in place to prevent the destruction of coins, as they could be damaged or lost when placed in the ear canal. By preserving coins from unnecessary damage, this regulation ensures the stability and functionality of the state’s money supply.
11. It Is Illegal To Take A Nap In A Cheese Factory In Illinois
This legislation was established to ensure high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in food production facilities and to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses. However, according to the law, it’s less about napping in a cheese factory and more about not sleeping in areas where food is prepared.
12. In Kansas, Hitting A Vending Machine That Stole Your Money Is Illegal
This law is part of the state’s criminal damage regulations, which aim to prevent damage to property. Hitting or damaging a vending machine can result in criminal charges, as the machines are considered private property.
13. It’s Illegal To Dye Ducklings Blue And Sell Them In Kentucky
This law is designed to protect the welfare of animals and prevent the exploitation of pets for novelty purposes. Dyed birds can suffer harm from the dyeing process and may be at risk for neglect once the novelty wears off.
14. In Louisiana, Mourners At A Wake May Not Eat More Than Three Sandwiches
This law aims to maintain respect and moderation during somber gatherings. So if you ever find yourself in the Bayou State for a wake, maybe just still to the other finger food.
15. In Louisiana, No Snakes Near The Mardi Gras Parade
The purpose of this law is to ensure public safety and prevent potential incidents or injuries that could occur if live snakes were present in crowded parade areas. The statute defines “snake” as any nonhuman member of the reptilian class Reptilia, including venomous and non-venomous species.
16. In Connecticut, It’s Illegal To Eat Raw Onions While Walking Down The Street
That’s right, so if you’re craving a crunchy onion snack on the go, you’d better think twice, or you might land yourself in some seriously smelly trouble.
17. Eating While Swimming In The Ocean Is Illegal In Maryland
This regulation is likely aimed at promoting safety by preventing distractions and reducing the risk of choking while swimming. Eating in the water can also attract wildlife, posing a hazard to both the swimmer and the ecosystem.
18. In Oklahoma And Ohio, You Can’t Make Faces At A Dog
Ever caught your dog peering at you and pulled a stupid face at them? Well, you’d have committed a crime if you were in Oklahoma.
19. In Kansas, It’s Illegal To Serve Ice Cream On Cherry Pie
It’s unclear how it came to be or whether this law is still on the books, but it’s not enforced if it is, so you can enjoy your criminally delicious dessert without a night in a cell.
20. In California, It Is Ilegal To Eat An Orange While Taking A Bath
We’d love to know if there’s a list of foods considered to be acceptable bathing snacks, but apparently eating an orange in the tub was outlawed as it was thought that the citric acid could react with the natural oils in the bath and cause an explosion.
21. In Arkansas, It’s Illegal To Sound Your Horn At Any Place Where Cold Drinks Or Sandwiches Are Served After 9 P.M.
This weird and very specific law has shaky origins online but seems to be to prevent overexcited drive-thru patrons from disturbing the peace as they wait for their late-night snacks.
22. In California, It Is Illegal To Whistle For A Lost Canary Before 7 A.M.
We’re not really sure how this strange law came about, but CA prohibits anyone from whistling for their lost canary before the hours of 7 a.m. So, here’s to hoping we don’t lose our canaries.
23. In Colorado, You Are Not Allowed To Keep A Couch On Your Porch
Boulder busted the University of Colorado for burning couches, causing a law to go into effect that keeps couches and porches mutually exclusive. This law is currently active, but the verdict is still out as to whether it actually prevented any couch bonfires.
24. In Delaware, You Can’t Sell Dog Hair
Delaware residents are barred from selling the hair of a dog or cat. We wonder how much money they used to be able to cash in for all the hair left on the sofa.
25. In Florida, Legal Parking Fees Toward Animals Must Be Paid
Sounds like Jumanji was real once upon a time in Florida, because legal fees have to be paid for animal parking, including elephants, camels and horses. This law took effect in the 1920s, when the Ringling Bros. Circus moved its winter show operations to Florida.
26. In Georgia, You Cannot Live On A Boat For More Than 30 Days
If you’re planning to retire on a boat, the Peach State is definitely not the place for you. According to state law, it is prohibited to live on a boat for more than a month.
27. In Idaho, It’s llegal To Sweep Debris Into The Streets
One man’s trash is certainly not another man’s treasure in this state, as it’s illegal to sweep debris onto streets, highways, alleys, or any road used for public travel.
28. In Iowa, You Can’t Throw A Brick Onto A Highway
This law seems to be written in stone. Throwing bricks, or any other “dangerous instruments or toys,”onto a highway, street, or any public ground is prohibited in Iowa, unless you have written permission from the City Council.
29. In Kentucky, A Woman Cannot Marry The Same Man Four Times
According to Woman’s Day, a law in Kentucky forbids a woman from marrying the same man more than three times. Hopefully, third time really is the charm.
30. In Louisiana, It’s Illegal To Send A Surprise Pizza
If you were thinking about sending an unprompted pizza, you should probably think again since it is actually considered harassment in Louisiana. Triple check your address if you live in the Pelican State, or else you may be handing over a $500 fine.
