Criminal Justice Resources: The Top 50 Strangest Laws
Are you ready to find a school that's aligned with your interests?
Laws are designed to keep people safe and ensure that order is maintained in a society. There are federal laws, which apply to the entire United States, and there are also state by state laws, which only apply to the residents of that particular state, or to visitors of the state. Some state laws, however, are rather odd and unusual. Many of these laws were created a long time ago and might not be enforced today, but they are still on the books. These weird and sometimes completely confusing laws are often still written in the state's legislature, but no one really holds the "law breakers" accountable.
Alabama
It is not permitted to playing the game of dominos on Sundays.Alaska
You cannot wake a bear up in order to take a picture with it in the state of Alaska.Arizona
According to a law in Tucson, Arizona, women are not allowed to wear pants.Arkansas
Men can beat their wives, but only once per month in Arkansas.California
Mousetraps cannot be used in California without an official hunting license.Colorado
In Pueblo, Colorado, dandelions cannot be grown within the city limits.Connecticut
Dogs cannot get an education in Hartford, Connecticut.Delaware
A marriage can be annulled if the marriage occurred because of a dare.Florida
It is against the law to imitate an animal in the city of Miami.Georgia
Barbers cannot advertise the price of a haircut or any other services in the state of Georgia.Hawaii
Ironically, the laws of Hawaii say you cannot appear in public wearing only swimming trunks.Idaho
If you're giving your sweetheart a box of candy in Idaho, it must weigh more than 50 pounds.Illinois
It is very clearly stated that all cars in Illinois must be driven with a steering wheel included.Indiana
In South Bend, Indiana, monkeys cannot smoke cigarettes.Iowa
No one can be charged an admission cost to see a one-armed piano player in the state of Iowa.Kansas
Cherry pie a la mode cannot be served on Sundays in Kansas.Kentucky
Kentucky law states that people must bathe at least once per year.Louisiana
Gargling in public is illegal in Louisiana.Maine
You cannot win more than three dollars from gambling in the state of Maine.Maryland
Oysters must be treated properly in Maryland by law.Massachusetts
Tomatoes are not permitted in clam chowder in the state of Massachusetts.Michigan
A woman's hair is her husband's legal property in Michigan.Minnesota
Women impersonating Santa Claus can face up to thirty days in prison.Mississippi
You cannot kill your “servant” in Mississippi.Missouri
Men must have permits to shave in the state of Missouri.Montana
Wives cannot open their husbands' mail or else they face felony charges.Nebraska
Soup must be made at the same time bartenders serve beer in Nebraska.Nevada
Camels cannot be driven on the highway in Nevada.New Hampshire
You cannot check into a hotel under a false name in New Hampshire.New Jersey
Forget buying cabbage on Sunday in New Jersey: it's illegal!New Mexico
The city of Carlsbad has banned the Miriam-Webster collegiate dictionary.New York
It is illegal in New York to throw a ball at a person's head for fun.North Carolina
The city of Ashland prohibits public sneezing on city streets.North Dakota
You cannot fall asleep with your shoes still on in North Dakota.Ohio
In the state of Ohio you cannot have a bear without a license.Oklahoma
No ugly or funny faces shall be made at dogs in the state of Oklahoma.Oregon
No one can bathe without wearing acceptable clothing that covers their body from the neck to their knees.Pennsylvania
Marriages cannot be performed if either the bride or groom is drunk.Rhode Island
It is illegal to throw pickle juice on a trolley in Rhode Island.South Carolina
Everyone living in South Carolina must take their gun to church with them.South Dakota
You cannot fall asleep while in a cheese factory in South Dakota.Tennessee
You are not allowed to drive and sleep in the state of Tennessee.Texas
In the state of Texas, no one is allowed to have a pair of pliers on them at any time.Utah
All birds are granted the right of way on highways in Utah.Vermont
You must not deny that God exists in Vermont.Virginia
In Richmond, Virginia, it's illegal to flip a coin to determine who will buy the coffee.Washington
It's against the law to pretend your parents are rich in Washington state.West Virginia
No adults allowed: In the state of West Virginia, only babies are allowed to ride in baby carriages.Wisconsin
There will be no kissing on trains in Wisconsin!Wyoming
Women cannot stand within five feet of a bar.Latest Posts
Take the next step toward your future.
Discover programs you’re interested in and take charge of your education.