Other times, state laws can seem more arbitrary than the college admissions process. We do not make these rules, we just report them.
No Biting in Utah
All we can say is the match that made passing this law necessary was probably nothing like the class we took last week cause in Utah it's illegal to bite your opponent during a boxing match.
The origin of this law is unknown but maybe it's in everyone's best interest to keep this an ongoing law for all intents and purposes.
Alabama Has a Weird Take on Mustache
One could argue that Alabama is less a state than just a bunch of people who make up two opposing forces of football fanatics, but Alabama has so much more to give. Representing the deep south, the 'Heart of Dixie' state also offers baked grits, gumbo, and fried green tomatoes.
But since we're here to take about weird laws, Alabama state had made it illegal to wear a fake mustache in church if it results in laughter. Committing such a misdeed could land you in jail. We'd say it's better to play it safe and leave that phony mustache at home.
Alaska Takes Its Moose Parts Very Seriously
People seem to get very excited about Alaska’s weird laws, especially since there are so many concerning moose. In Alaska, they sure don't mess around when it comes to these heavy-bodied and long-legged mammals.
If a hunter captures a moose in Alaska, certain parts of the animal — including the head, heart, liver, kidneys, stomach, and hide — have to be salvaged "for human use," in other words, they are legally obligated to use these specific parts.
Arizona Is a Fan of Pearly Whites
Despite the natural beauty of Arizona's canyons and deserts, this state also has some strange laws that forbid men and women from smiling if they have missing teeth! Now that just seems a little discriminatory!
Of course, when we look at the time this law was ordained, it came way back from the times of the Wild West, in a bid to prioritize dentistry and oral health care.
Arkansas Honking Can Land You Behind Bars
The 'Natural State' is a dark horse of sorts, for one thing. Someone desperately wanting a sandwich and honking profusely outside a sandwich store is probably to blame for this ridiculous law.
If you decide to honk your horn outside a sandwich shop after 9 pm, you'll be fined, or even worse, you could get locked up!
No Eating Californian Frogs
California happens to be the most scenic stretch of road in America, from the Mojave Desert to the redwood forest — but despite the layback reputation of the Golden State, California certainly can be particular when it comes to frogs.
If you must, you can have as many leaping frogs for your frog-jumping contest as you want. But if any of them die, you cannot eat them. You'll need to go to Oregon if you want to do that!
Colorado Is Strict About Couch Placement
Colorado has life figured out it seems, for one thing — the residents of the Centennial State know exactly where to keep their furniture.
This is definitely one of the most recent laws on our list as it came about in 2001, and the law that was passed stated a ban on the use and placement of indoor furniture outside, keeping couches and porches mutually exclusive.
Connecticut Will Not Stand Whistleblowers
Connecticut is known for quite a few things, like inventing the cheeseburger, Yale University, the beautiful foliage that occurs in the fall, and being home to the famous American cable sports channel, ESPN.
But in this land of steady habits and WASPy soccer moms, it remains illegal to blow a whistle outdoors. As weird as this law is, we couldn't find out how or even why it came about...
Delaware Can't Have You Whispering Around
Delaware's scenic beauty, mild climate, and low-priced housing make this tiny state a wonderful place to live and work in, but don't you dare try to whisper in church.
As the law states: "No person shall disturb any gathering met for religious worship by noise, talking or whispering."
Florida Literally Banned Computers
There's a lot to celebrate in Florida: the gorgeous beaches, the prime retirement communities, the unique culture, and more. But thanks to the news, the Sunshine State is also a constant source of entertainment for the rest of the country, if not the rest of the world.
For example, in 2013, Florida erroneously banned all computers in the state. This was all accidental of course, but this confusingly worded law, meant to prohibit illegal gambling, could also be interpreted to apply to using any internet-connected device.
Georgia Needs You to Eat With Your Hands
Don't bother trying to eat like a lady if you're dining in Georgia. Well, at least when you're eating fried chicken. According to a decree in Gainesville, it's unlawful to eat fried chicken with a knife and fork.
A woman was once arrested as a practical joke for violating this law but was soon pardoned, because yes, it is quite ridiculous. So next time you're at a fried chicken fair, don't bother using your cutlery.
Coins in Hawaii Are Strictly for External Use
Oh, sure, Hawaii could have stuck with Tiki drinks, the most scenic beaches, and volcanoes, but why keep things interesting when you could make them weird?
Apparently, the Rainbow State doesn't like a certain type of magic trick, as the lawmakers in Hawaii made it illegal to put a coin in your ear... Apparently, this strange law was passed to protect the Kingdom of Hawaii coinage.
Keep Idaho Trash in Idaho Trash Cans
Did you think there was some strange law regarding potatoes or truck nuts? Well, you weren't the only one... But as it turns out, Idaho is more concerned with where you put your trash.
In Idaho, it's considered unlawful to sweep dirt from your house onto roads, highways, alleys, or any road used for public travel.
Don't Sleep and Cheese in Illinois
We all know that cheese can make you fairly sleepy, but if you plan to visit Illinois, you better arrange your sleeping habits carefully.
In Illinois, it's best to avoid the risk of falling asleep in a cheese shop and breaking the law while not even being awake for it.
Indiana Commands You to Hold Your Literal Horses
While the folkiness of Indiana can feel a bit forced sometimes, this law is definitely not helping. Hopefully, your horse has a speedometer, because it's illegal to ride a horse above 10 MPH.
Obviously, this law comes from back in the day when high-speed horse races were a thing and those horse races must have gotten out of hand.
Iowa Has Specific Days for Car Sales
The Hawkeye State is pleasant, but not entirely memorable, except they do have this weird law that bans the sale of any vehicle, car, or even RV on Sundays. Why would they do that?
We don't know, all we know is that Iowa is pretty much rural, quiet, and simple and they don't want car deals to disturb their peace on Sundays.
Kansas Pies Don't Mix
Kansans take their cherry pie very seriously, so seriously in fact, that it was (and to our knowledge, it still is) illegal to eat a slice of cherry pie with a scoop of ice cream in the state of Kansas.
It remains unclear when this law originated or even why they would forbid sweet frozen dessert with their cherry pie, but — luckily for dessert lovers — it's not enforced.
Kentucky Gives Love No More Than Three Shots
Despite being home to the best fried-chicken franchise that we all know as KFC, Kentucky also offers coal and bluegrass music. Unfortunately, though, women in Kentucky are limited to how many times they can marry the same man.
A law in the State of Kentucky bans women from marrying the same man more than three times. Hopefully, the third time tying the knot really sticks! This same law does not apply to men, who are free to marry and remarry as many times as they like.
No Surprise Food in Louisiana
Things that are really important to the residents of Louisiana are jazz, Mardi Gras, and how you plan to send a surprise pizza! According to the law in Louisiana, it's illegal to order goods or services for someone if they don't know to expect said goods or services.
That includes ordering a surprise cake or pizza for a party or otherwise. We guess someone didn't like the idea of a surprise party, so much so that they created a law to forbid it.
Maine's Main Concern Is Skateboards
In several counties in Maine, it's considered illegal to skateboard on the sidewalks. If you're caught skateboarding there, you could land yourself a fine of $10.
So if skateboarding on sidewalks is what’s in your heart, you might be able to afford it.
Watch Your Mouth in Maryland
Got road rage? Well, you better try to keep it PG. In Maryland, you're not allowed to utter any profanity while within the hearing of people passing by, which includes roads and highways.
So no profanity, not while you're driving at least, even if someone cuts you off or the guy in front of you forgets to use his indicators before he makes a turn.
Massachusetts Regulates Fortune Tellers
Massachusetts may be known for being the landing place of the Pilgrims when they came on the Mayflower, but it's not known for passing a law that prohibits psychics from taking all of your cash in exchange for false predictions.
In other words, all fortune tellers need to be certified and experienced if they want to work in the state of Massachusetts.
Michigan Friends Don't Let Their Friends Drink and Board a Train
If you're planning on traveling through Michigan by train, then you’ll need to do that sober. As ordained by law, you can't drink too much while riding on any railway or train.
In other words, you shouldn't drink at all, unless you want to get a fine before being politely escorted off the train.
Minnesota Needs to Stay Off Your Tires
If you have a car and drive in Minnesota, you better make sure your tires are clean, as muddy tires are considered a public hazard if they leave any mud on a street or highway.
As silly as it sounds, we do understand how dangerous it can get considering the frigid cold weather in Minnesota, you wouldn't want to get stuck in the snow.
Mississippi Is Bad for Your Diet
Mississippi is famous for its Southern charm, but also for having one of the highest rates of obesity and this law sure doesn't make it easier to stay in shape.
Lawmakers in Mississippi made it illegal for anyone to demand nutritional information or calorie content at any eating establishment or restaurant. That same bill bans communities from requiring restaurants to limit portion sizes.
Missouri's Garage Sales Can Never Get Out of Hand
When you're a landlocked state, sometimes you have to be very strict when it comes to garage sales. Why? We have no idea...
While we all love a good garage sale, Missouri won't tolerate one that continues for longer than three days or more than two in the same location in the span of one year.
In Montana, You Finish the Song or You Break the Law
If you start performing on stage in Montana, you better be committed to finishing your gig, otherwise, you might face a hefty fine.
Yes, that's right, in Montana you are obligated to finish your performance on stage—you can’t be willy-nilly about it and abandon it mid-song.
Keep Thing Healthy Down There or Don't Marry in Nebraska
Nebraska is a strange place. For one thing, it is where you can get your mail-order steaks, but it's also a place that forbids getting married if you have venereal disease.
We sure stumbled upon many strange things while researching for this article, and yes, you're not allowed to get married in Nebraska if you have venereal disease.
Nevada Sidewalks Are Made for Walking
There's just something about Nevada. On the one hand, it's a really big state, but most of it is a sprawling, empty desert. But then there are densely populated cities like Las Vegas and Reno.
Now, there are many illegal things you can do legally in the Silver State, but if you're in Reno you can't lie down on a public sidewalk.
New Hampshire Seaweed Must Stay by the Sea
New Hampshire offers everything from calm lakes to amazing granite formations. But what they don't allow, is picking up seaweed from the beach.
Yes, in New Hampshire it's been outlawed. Apparently, it comes from colonial times, when seaweed was mainly used as a fertilizer and therefore regarded as a hot commodity.
New Jersey Criminals Don't Care About Bullet Wounds
The Garden State is known for a lot of things, from Bruce Springsteen to Whitney Houston, but can you guess which weird law they somehow uphold?
New Jersey prohibits anyone from wearing a bullet-proof vest while they're committing any crime. If caught, they can be charged separately for it!
New Mexico Takes Anthems Very Seriously
New Mexico is a unique state. With its Old Western spirit and historical traditions, you'd be hard-pressed to find another place as interesting and eccentric as New Mexico.
To add to that, in New Mexico it's considered a crime to misuse the national or state anthems in any way. Now, we're not exactly sure what that entails, but it's not something we'd recommend getting in trouble for.
Only Daytime Slippers in New York
This is a state that lays claims to so many amazing things, like the Statue of Liberty, Buffalo wings, the Yankees, and Central Park, among other things.
But in New York, it is an actual misdemeanor to wear slippers out in public after 10 pm and we have no idea how or even why this law came to be.
North Carolina? Bingo!
North Carolina has many things going for it. For one thing, it's the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola and two types of barbecue. But it's not all fun and games, if you want to play more than 10 hours of bingo per week, you’ll need to find yourself a bingo exhibition.
Otherwise, bingo-enthusiasts are in violation of North Carolina's gambling statutes.
North Dakota Is No Fun After 11 PM
North Dakota is famously depicted as bland and uninspired, and this law certainly doesn't help. There's no disturbing the peace in the Flickertail State as fireworks are banned after 11 pm.
To our knowledge, there's no other state that places a ban on fireworks past 11 pm.
Keep Your Exotics Indoors in Ohio
If you have a foreign animal as a pet, you better be careful the next time you're in Ohio. If your animal escapes from your custody and it's not indigenous to Ohio you have to report the escape to the authorities as soon as possible.
If not, you risk facing some serious consequences.
Oklahoma Orders You to Mind Your Own Beeswax
In Oklahoma, it's illegal to eavesdrop, so if you're nosy, you might want to avoid Oklahoma.
As stated by the law, anyone secretly waiting around with the intent to overhear another conversation and to repeat or publish the same to injure others is guilty of a crime.
Oregon Thinks There Are Already Enough Bodies in the Cemeteries
Oregon is known for its quirky small towns and many natural wonders, but while most respectable people would suggest you don't overdo it, someone took it too far and decided he'd go hunting in a cemetery.
So now, they had to enact a law to prevent any further offenses. The law states that hunting in a cemetery is illegal in the Beaver State.
Pennsylvania Is Very Particular About Fishing
Pennsylvania has played a prominent role in America's pursuit of freedom, but despite that, you are not free to catch a fish with your mouth.
The Gettysburg Times archives from 2010 make reference to this very real law that forbids anyone from fishing in this very unorthodox method.
Rhode Island Horses Are Not to Be Tested
You know how it goes when you’re out riding a horse and would like to see how fast it can go? Well, make sure not to brag about it in front of your friends from Rhode Island, who must spend the rest of their lives wondering.
Because in Rhode Island there is a law against testing the speed of horses. If you want to see how fast your horse can gallop, you'll have to cross the border to find out.
You Can Get Carded for Using a South Carolina Pinball Machine
Did you know that South Carolina grows more peaches than Georgia? Now that is interesting, but we're not really here to talk about peaches, we're here to talk about the law.
One of the popular-but-fake-sounding weird laws from South Carolina forbids minors from playing pinball. So if you aren't 18 yet you'll have to find another outlet for your angst.
South Dakota Requires Maximum Alertness Around Cheese
Home to Mount Rushmore and the Badlands, South Dakota has outlawed sleeping in a cheese-making factory. Apparently, this law was enacted with the same logic behind not falling asleep while driving.
Of course, it's not the wisest idea to operate heavy machinery while having a snooze.
Tennessee Netflix Is Home-Bound
There's a lot to love about Tennessee, they've got Memphis and Nashville, enough music history to cover all of America, and barbecue ribs like you've never tasted.
But one thing about Tennessee is devastating, in this state you may not use someone else’s Netflix account unless you're living under the same roof.
You Don't Have to Attend Your Own Texas Wedding
They say everything is bigger in Texas, well, almost everything. In the Lone Star State, it's perfectly legal to get married by proxy.
Basically, if you have a good enough reason for absence — like you're in military service — you can technically send someone in your stead to get married as 'you', just make sure you have the right documents and you're all set.
Utah Catastrophes Are Seriously Frowned-Upon
There is unmistakable magic to Utah, not only did it manage to host the Olympics, but the Beehive State is also home to beautiful natural scenery, with majestic mountains and natural greenery in its Arches National Park.
However, make no mistake when it comes to causing a catastrophe cause in Utah (whatever that means) cause it's illegal and will get you locked up!
Vermont Dentures Need Spousal Approval
Here's one law that's bound to drop your jaw: In Vermont, it's illegal for women to wear fake teeth without their husband's permission. How they enforce this law, we don't really know.
But it does seem like all that maple syrup poured over french toast did more than just cause an epidemic of fake teeth. Why else would they have such a ridiculous law?
Virginia Women Must Not Be Tickled
In Virginia, there's an outdated law that somehow still applies today. In the Mother of states, it's illegal to tickle a woman, however, men may be tickled.
Even though this law still exists today, it's uncertain whether you have to face penalties for breaking it. Also, how could they possibly impose this kind of double standard?
Bigfoot Has Rights in Washington
Washington's temperate rainforests cover half the state so it's no wonder they called it the Evergreen State. Why would anyone visit the Bigfoot Capital of the World if they didn’t hope to find Bigfoot?
Well, if you ever do find Bigfoot in the state of Washington, you can get fined and even imprisoned for bothering him.
In West Virginia, Put Your Money Where Your Potty Mouth Is
The Mountain State is known for sporting scenic rolling mountains and valleys, producing copious amounts of coal, and also for having an honest-to-goodness swear jar. When we think about it, maybe this is where the concept for a swear jar came from?
As outdated as it seems, the law still remains today and it states that if anyone gets caught cursing or swearing profanely, they can be fined by justice for each offense. Yikes!
Wisconsin will Need You to Have a License for This Cake
Apparently, you can get up to six months in jail for selling home-baked cakes or cookies. Wisconsin is one of only two states in America that bans selling home-baked goods.
The ban is even more ridiculous when other food products, like honey, apple cider, maple syrup, and fresh produce can all be sold without a license.
Wyoming Is Littered With Art
With such majestic lakes, mountains, and canyons, Wyoming really knows how to display its decorations. To make that official, they even got the law involved.
Any new building that costs more than $100,000 is obligated by the law to display art. This law was enacted to help support art agencies in Wyoming.
You Can't Be Fast and Furious in Kansas
Sorry guys, screeching your tires in Kansas is considered unlawful. So no more funny shenanigans while driving cause you wouldn't want to disturb the peace...
Especially not when the force of the law might get involved and you could face a hefty fine.
Georgia Limits Your Boat Time
Oh, buoy! Staying on a boat during your time in Georgia? Not for more than 30 days you’re not.
You can file for an extension, but it might be simpler to just make other arrangements, such as moving on to another state or just drifting to international waters.
Connecticut Is Bouncing Pickles
Here's a law that puts farmers in Connecticut in quite a pickle. Back in the late 1940s, two men were arrested for selling pickles that were "unfit for human consumption."
Soon after, 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 confiscated!
California Hates Tweety
Hopefully, we never have to know what it's like to lose our canaries, but if we did, we'd have to remember this law if we want our criminal record to stay clear.
How this bizarre law came about, we're not exactly sure but according to the official list, the city of Berkeley in California prohibits anyone from whistling for their lost canary before 7 in the morning.
Arizona Donkies Never Sleep in the Tub
Back in the 1920s, a local dam broke in Arizona which ended up 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.
Alabama Folk Need to Be Reminded to Look at the Road
It seems like word didn't make it to everyone in the Yellowhammer State about the common phrase "Keep your eyes on the road."
While it goes without saying no matter where you live, in Alabama there's a law that prohibits driving while blindfolded.
Maine Priorities Lie in Dunkin Donuts
We had no idea how much the residents of South Berwick in Maine, love their Dunkin' Donuts coffee. In fact, you will be looking at a fine if you park your car in front of Dunkin Donuts.
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 sugar rush!
Maryland Folk Have No Right to Bare Arms
You definitely won't like this one if you prefer wearing tank tops on a hot summer day while enjoying the park because, in the city of Baltimore, it's technically considered a park rule violation to wear a sleeveless shirt.
While we're not able to trace when this law was enacted, or even why, we can't help but wonder how unbearable this must be for those who like to exercise in the park.
You Can't Fight a Bear in Missouri
Apparently, the state of Missouri had quite the problem when it came to wrestling bears because they outlawed the practice way back in the day.
Who in their right mind would want to wrestle a bear, we don't know, all we know is if we ever saw a bear, we'd run as fast as we can in the opposite direction.
Keep Your Body Parts to Yourself in Texas
In the grand state of Texas, it's illegal to sell all human organs and tissues — so anything from the eye, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, bone, or any other organ can't be sold.
However, the offense does not apply when a physician or other medical personnel is involved during the usual course of medical practice.
Virginia Has Halloween Regulations
In Chesapeake City, if children want to go trick or treating, they better be younger than 14 years old, anyone older than 14 is banned from the Halloween custom due to mass complaints of older teens wreaking havoc on the eve of All Saints' Day.
The same decree also prohibits trick-or-treating after 8 p.m.!
Washington Vending Machines Need Preferential Treatment
As strange as it sounds, it's illegal in the Evergreen State to attach a vending machine to a utility pole.
While it's not common practice, they still felt it necessary to put this law into place, the logic behind it is that it's a hazard to the lives of electrical workers.
Hats Off to West Virginia
We've all had bad hair days, so we know what it's like to want to cover up with a hat but too bad you can't rely on that if you plan to go see a movie in West Virginia.
One old law bans the wearing of hats in movie theaters and in live performances, based on the fact that they can and probably will obstruct other people's views.
Wisconsin Butter Has a Legal Status
Apparently, nothing is better than Wisconsin's butter. A public eating establishment cannot, under the ordinance of the law, serve margarine as a substitute for butter.
The only way they can serve margarine instead of butter is when the customer explicitly requests margarine in case of allergies.
Don't Move the Colorado Boulders
Colorado as a whole is beautiful, it’s a fact. It’s perhaps the most beautiful state in the continental US. It's so beautiful that the city of Boulder set up a law that prevents anyone from messing with the placement of their boulders.
This means you are not permitted to roll, throw, or otherwise move any boulders on any public property. Let the Boulder boulders be.
Delaware Picnics Are Held Away From Vehicles
In the town of Fenwick Island, you can’t picnic around your car between midnight and 6 am.
Though this one's pretty easy to abide by, it must be a huge bummer for anyone who likes to hang out with their minor-league baseball team.
Wisconsin Cheese Is Legally Delicious
If you've ever been to Wisconsin, you'll know that they take cheese very seriously.
So much so that State law requires that cheese labeled as "Wisconsin Certified Premium Grade AA" meet a certain standard: it must be "fine, highly pleasing and free from undesirable flavors and odors."
Virginia Legally Hates Raccoons
The people of Virginia really hate raccoons. In this state, it's illegal to "hunt or kill any wild bird or wild animal, including any nuisance species" on Sundays.
Raccoons, however, are perfectly acceptable to hunt or kill, even if it is on a Sunday.
Vermont Airdries Everything
Vermont’s commitment to sustainability and energy conservation goes so far it even gets the law involved. In Vermont, it's illegal to prohibit clotheslines.
The law forbids regulations that prohibit "clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources."
Tennessee Wild West Laws Still Hold True
According to the Tennessee Constitution, it's illegal to hold public office if a person has been in a duel.
As the law states, there will be no public office positions for anyone "fighting in a duel, or knowingly be the bearer of a challenge to fight a duel, or send or accept a challenge for that purpose, or be an aider or abettor in fighting a duel."
North Dakota Pigeons Sound Lucky
Pigeons are everywhere and as annoying as they seem, North Dakota still requires you to get permission if you want to exterminate one.
State law holds that "no person, firm or corporation shall exterminate pigeons or other wild birds without first having obtained a permit from the Fargo health department."
North Carolina Won't Have You Dressing up
In North Carolina, it's illegal to hold a meeting or demonstration while wearing a mask, hood, or another costume.
The law sounds random but was likely passed way back when people would disguise themselves in white robes and hoods, and often use a burning cross as a symbol of their organization.
Mississippi Wants People Married
The state of Mississippi has always taken family values very seriously and is pretty strict when it comes to how you choose to raise your kids.
Mississippi once passed a law stipulating that any person who has already had an illegitimate child and again becomes the parent of an illegitimate child within the state is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by fines, jail time, or both.
Kentucky Has Some Unholy Snakes
If you're caught using a reptile in a religious service in Kentucky, you could face a fine of more than $50.
This law likely originated to address the practice of snake handling, which somehow developed in the early 20th century in some isolated churches. Now, we're not here to judge, but what kind of church needed a snake for their religious meetings?
No Billboards in Hawaii
Consider yourself blessed if you get to explore Hawaii and all the excitement that comes with it, especially when you're driving around this beautiful state.
That's mainly because you won't find any annoying billboards blocking your view, as billboards are illegal in Hawaii.
Arkansas Wants You to Know It Has Nothing to Do With Kansas
While not technically against the law, Arkansas has passed legislation "discouraging" incorrect pronunciation of its name.
Better not try to pronounce Arkansas phonetically — the provision specifically says that "pronunciation with the accent on the second syllable with the sound of "a" in "man" and the sounding of the terminal "s" is an innovation to be discouraged."
You Can't Be Silly in Alabama
Did you think playing with silly-string was all fun and games? Well, think again cause some places in Alabama outright forbid it.
In Mobile, Alabama, it's illegal to "keep, store, use, manufacture, sell, offer for sale, give away or handle any 'spray string,' 'snap pops,' or other matter or substances similar thereto."
Indiana Almost Reinvented Math
Pi is a long, irrational number, and it's tough to remember. Maybe that's why the Indiana House of Representatives passed a bill in 1897 redefining the value of Pi at 3.2.
Thankfully for math students across the state, a mathematician intervened and the bill stalled in the Senate and never passed.