50 Craziest State Laws From Around the United States
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There's no doubt about it: There are some crazy, bizarre state laws that exist in the United States. Sure, they may have made sense when they were written, but today these truly weird state facts about American laws are enough to make anyone question why they were created in the first place — not to mention they make for some great random trivia to stump your friends! Who knew, for instance, that it's illegal for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub in Arizona, or that you technically can't send your friends a surprise pizza in Louisiana?
Many of these antiquated laws may no longer be enforced today, but it's definitely still a blast to think about how they were once necessary (and somehow still exist, in some cases!). From random facts about food to truly ridiculous rules about animals in every state, get ready to laugh, gawk, and master your side-eye while clicking through the most absurd laws and bans in the great United States.
In Alabama ... it's illegal to drive blindfolded.
Sounds like word didn't make it to everyone in the Yellowhammer State about the common phrase "Keep your eyes on the road." One Alabama law prohibits driving while blindfolded. Our eyes are wide open after hearing this one!
In Alaska ... you can't put an animal in the back of an open vehicle.
To a dog, nothing sparks more joy than the cool breeze of the open road. However, in Alaska, the back of an open vehicle is off-limits unless the dog's tail wags 46 inches or higher. The law was put into effect after one pup was reported as a public nuisance. Ruff life!
In Arizona ... it's illegal for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub.
In the 1920's, a local dam broke, flooding a rancher's home. The rancher's donkey had become accustomed to sleeping in the bathtub, which filled with water and whisked him miles away. After working to rescue the animal, the town passed a law that prohibits donkeys from sleeping in the bathtub (though it's okay for them to stand in one!).
In Arkansas ... you can't honk your horn near a sandwich shop after 9 p.m.
A hangry fool may be to blame for this law, but hey, most of the sandwich shops are closed in the sleepy state of Arkansas by 9 p.m. anyway. If you do feel the urge to honk after hours, you'll be disturbing the peace and you'll still be hungry.
In California ... it's illegal to whistle for a lost canary before 7 a.m.
We're not entirely sure how this bizarre law came about, but according to California.com, the city of Berkeley, CA prohibits anyone from whistling for their lost canary before the wee hours of 7 a.m. Here's to hoping we don't lose our canaries!
In Colorado ... it's illegal 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.
In Connecticut ... a pickle must be able to bounce.
Here's a law that puts Connecticut farmers in quite a pickle. In 1948, two men were arrested for selling pickles that were "unfit for human consumption." Discussing ways to check for good pickles, officials declared that a pickle is legitimate only if it bounces. The pickles in question did not bounce — so the two men were arrested and fined, and the pickles were destroyed!
In Delaware ... you can't sell dog hair.
State residents of Delaware are barred from selling the hair of a dog or cat. We wonder how much money residents used to be able to cash in for all the hair left on the sofa.
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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. According to Country Living, this law took effect in the 1920s, when the Ringling Bros. Circus moved its winter show operations to Florida.
In Georgia ... it's illegal to live on a boat for more than 30 days.
Oh buoy! 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.
In Hawaii ... it's illegal to place a coin in one's ear.
Magic shows must be boring in the Rainbow State. Apparently, this strange law was enacted to protect the Kingdom of Hawaii coinage, when Hawaii officially joined the United States in 1900.
In Idaho ... it's illegal to sweep debris into the streets.
One man's trash is certainly not another man's treasure in Idaho, as it's illegal to sweep debris onto streets, highways, alleys, or any road used for public travel. If only other cities would enforce this law!
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In Illinois ... it's legal for underage culinary students to drink alcohol.
In 2012, the state passed a law nicknamed "Sip and Spit," which allows culinary students under 21 years of age to legally taste (by sipping and spitting) alcoholic beverages, based on the reasoning that students need to learn how to taste wine during their early years of culinary school. Cheers to a well-rounded, or should we say full-bodied, learning experience!
In Indiana ... it's illegal to ride a horse above 10 MPH.
Hopefully your horse has a speedometer! No horse shall be "driven" at a speed above 10 MPH in Indiana, due to high-speed horse races back in the day.
In Iowa ... you can't throw a brick onto a highway.
This Corn State law seems to be written in stone. Throwing bricks — or any other "dangerous instruments or toys," for that matter — onto a highway, street, or any public ground is prohibited in Iowa, unless you have written permission from the City Council.
In Kansas ... tire screeching is banned.
Another disturbing-the-peace victim for ya! If you live in Kansas, make sure your gears are greased and your tires are checked — as tire screeching is not only considered unlawful, but painfully annoying to listen to.
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!
In Louisiana ... it's illegal to send a surprise pizza.
Well, we sure do wish this would happen more to us, but sending an unprompted pizza 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.
In Maine ... it's illegal to park in front of Dunkin' Donuts.
You donut even know how much the town of South Berwick, Maine, loves its Dunkin' Donuts coffee. This law was enacted because the coffee and donut chain is a hot-spot and the parking lot can turn into a mega traffic jam. Talk about a caffeine rush!
In Maryland ... sleeveless shirts are banned in public parks.
You definitely won't like this one if you're a fan of muscle tees: In Baltimore, it's technically considered a park rule violation to be in a public park with a sleeveless shirt (yes, even if you're out for a run)!
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