When I was a kid, I had this huge book of jokes, limericks, and weird laws. The weird laws were always my favorite part. I mean, it’s illegal to take a bite out of someone else’s hot dog? Well, then, arrest me, officer, because I need a taste of that!
The crazy thing is that there are still a lot of silly or weird laws on the books all over the world. While they’re not likely to be enforced, it is fun to look at them. And then maybe enact a citizen’s arrest when your sibling breaks one of these obscure laws.
In North Carolina, it’s illegal to operate or participate in a game of bingo while under the influence of an impairing substance. I am very curious about how this one came about. And was it a senior citizen that started it?
In Kentucky, it’s unlawful to sell dyed ducks, chickens, or rabbits unless selling in quantities of six or more. I mean, who needs two dyed ducks? A six pack or nothing, baby.
It’s illegal to go hunting in a cemetery in Oregon. Don’t tell the Winchester brothers. Or Anita Blake, for that matter.
In Arizona it’s illegal for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub. They’re only allowed to shower, I suppose. In all seriousness, a donkey in the 1920’s was napping in a bathtub when it got washed away by a flood, causing a costly search and rescue mission to find both tub and donkey.
In Illinois it’s illegal to take a nap in a cheese factory. Only in the Midwest, I swear. And I say that as someone who originated in the Midwest (and Illinois specifically).
You cannot catch a fish with a firearm in Indiana. However, I do wonder if it’s illegal to hunt Christmas trees in Maine? The strangest story my husband ever told me was how his dad shot down their Christmas tree one year with his shotgun. You have to know my father-in-law to understand, but it totally tracks.
In Nevada, Las Vegas specifically, it’s illegal to pawn your dentures. Sadly, you know this had to have happened. If you’ve ever watched Pawn Stars, you know that people bring the strangest things into pawn shops.
The United States isn’t the only country with weird laws on the books. Here are a few from around the world.
It’s illegal to hold a salmon under suspicious circumstances in England and Wales. This apparently is to cut down on salmon being illegally fished, but the wording is hilarious. Because you have to wonder, is there a way to hold a salmon that’s not suspicious?
In Canada it’s against the law to play too many non-Canadian artists on Canadian radio. I can’t lie, Canada, I kind of love this law. I could be biased as two of my favorite country artists are Canadian – Paul Brandt and Terri Clark.
In Samoa it’s illegal to forget your wife’s birthday. I wonder, do Samoan men live in fear of forgetting all important dates because of this?
Finally, hot pink trousers are illegal on Sunday afternoons in Australia. This was originally an attempt at imposing moral standards and maintaining public decency. I often wish we could enact a law like that around here because wee doggies, the things I’ve seen!
What weird laws are there in your area? Or have you heard about one that I haven’t listed? I find this kind of thing fascinating, so give me your best and strangest!
I love love LOVE weird laws….
Here are some from Georgia specifically:
It is illegal to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole in Atlanta.
All residents of Acworth are legally required to own a rake.
In Gainesville, it’s illegal to eat fried chicken with a fork.
Spitting on the sidewalk or street is illegal in Macon.
It’s illegal for chickens in Quitman to cross the road.
In Marietta, it is a crime for anyone to spit from the window of a car or bus. It is legal, however, to spit from a truck.
I LOVE THOSE! The poor chickens though, how will they ever get home?
It’s insane that some of these things are still on the books, but I have no doubt the legislatures leave them for giggles.
I love this topic.
Here are some of the weird laws up here in Canada:
The Currency Act of Canada says that Sellers have the right to refuse payment if you use more than $5 in nickels or more than $10 in dimes.
Owning a pet rabbit is banned in Vancouver unless your rabbits are spayed or neutered. (The weather is so mild there that pet rabbits can live in the wild and cause major issues with plant life in parks/forests).
You are not allowed to build snowmen more than 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) tall in Souris, P.E.I.
It’s illegal to drive your cows around after 8 pm in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
In Toronto, it’s illegal to drag your dead horse down the street on Sundays.
It’s illegal to paint a wooden ladder in Alberta.
I am so happy to see others enjoy this as much as I do!
That first one I actually read about when looking for international laws. Which makes sense, no one wants that much change in their register.
But the poor cows… they just want to go out and drag Main like their friends do! 😀