100 Dumb US Laws (with Proof They Exist)

by Petr Novák, ? This article’s information was last verified on this date. If you notice any errors, let us know in the comments. Thank you! :-) Updated 09/22/2025 Dumb Laws

100 Dumb US Laws (With Proof They Exist) Watch This Video Now

Indiana fined a chimpanzee for smoking a cigarette, kids in Hawaii are legally required to obey their parents, and in Alaska it is illegal to push a moose out of a flying plane. The world is full of stories about American laws that sound funny, but most are made up. This article brings you 100 dumb U.S. laws that I thoroughly verified, either as historically real or still in force today. As proof, each one includes a link to the relevant statute.

Here Are 100 Dumb U.S. Laws With Proof They Actually Exist

1. City Ordinance Says You Can Eat Chicken Only With Your Hands

   In the city of Gainesville, in the state of Georgia, a quirky ordinance was passed in 1961 declaring fried chicken a delicacy that must be eaten only by hand. Using utensils to eat chicken was explicitly banned.

   Reliable sources confirm that Gainesville did have such an ordinance, but it served promotional purposes. At the time Gainesville billed itself as the Poultry Capital of the World.

   In January 2009 the local sheriff briefly arrested 91-year-old Ginny Dietrick for using utensils to eat fried chicken during her birthday celebration at Longstreet Cafe. As reported by the local Gainesville Times, the detention was staged for fun and she was released after a few photos.

2. Indiana Fined a Chimpanzee for Smoking a Cigarette in Public

   A court in Indiana fined a chimpanzee that violated a South Bend city ordinance by smoking a cigarette in public. It happened during a street performance in which the animal took a drag on a cigarette. The chimp was immediately arrested, brought before a judge, and fined 5 dollars.

   As unbelievable as this 1924 case sounds, it is cited in Animal Prisoner at the Bar in the Notre Dame Law Review (1927–1928). Legal scholarship referenced the chimpanzee fine to illustrate contemporary practice.

3. South Carolina Required Men to Bring a Firearm to Church

   On May 7, 1743, a law took effect in the Province of South Carolina requiring white men subject to militia duty to carry a firearm outside the home, including on Sunday when traveling to church and during services. The measure had a rationale. It arose as a security response to the Stono Rebellion of 1739 and fear of further uprisings, since settlements were thought to be most vulnerable during worship.

   The statute book set penalties and practical details. A man had to carry a musket or a pair of horse pistols and at least six charges of powder and shot. Church officials were authorized to conduct checks at the door. Violations carried a fine of 20 shillings.

   This colonial requirement to bring a gun to church was later repealed along with other colonial laws after the American Revolution, and it no longer applies today.

4. Milking Someone Else’s Cow in Texas Once Carried a 100 Dollar Fine

   The 1925 Texas statute book, paragraph 1349, expressly prohibited milking someone else’s cow without the owner’s consent. Violations carried a substantial fine from 10 to 100 dollars, equal to $185 to $1,850 in 1925 dollars.

   The provision entered the statutes in 1879 and was recodified a decade later. It was repealed during a major overhaul of criminal law in 1973.

5. Seducing a Woman With a False Promise of Marriage Still Carries up to 5 Years in Prison

   The state of Mississippi expressly forbids persuading a previously chaste woman over 18 to have sex through a sham marriage or a false promise of marriage. Section 97-29-55 of the Mississippi Code traces back to 1888 and has been amended several times.

   Violations are punishable by up to 5 years in prison, although the woman’s testimony alone is not sufficient for conviction. In practice it is an outdated offense that nevertheless remains on the books.

6. Drivers in New Jersey May Not Pump Their Own Gas

   In New Jersey, a 1989 law still prohibits motorists from pumping their own fuel. The rule applies statewide to all stations, and only trained attendants may pump gasoline into a tank or container.

   The statewide Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act sets the ban. In practice you will always meet an attendant who fills your car when you visit a gas station in New Jersey.

   For a first violation, station operators face a fine of $50 to $250 under 34:3A-10. For second and subsequent violations the fine can reach $500. Each day of noncompliance counts as a separate offense.

7. Removing a Mattress Tag Can Bring a 5,000 Dollar Fine

   Every mattress and pillow in the United States carries a label that reads, Do not remove under penalty of law, except by the consumer. Mandatory labeling of mattresses and pillows began appearing in various states around 1909. Manufacturers and sellers sometimes used cheap or unsafe materials such as dirty straw, old textiles, factory scraps, or even used feathers and hair.

   To help consumers know what they were buying, states required manufacturers and retailers to sew tags onto mattresses stating whether the filling was new or recycled. Some dealers removed tags from mattresses with reused filling. Lawmakers responded by requiring that no one except the end consumer could remove the label.

   A federal ban on removing labels still applies nationwide. Unauthorized removal can bring a fine of up to $5,000 and up to one year in jail for a business or manufacturer. Consumers may remove the label without any penalty.

8. In Alaska It Is Illegal to Push a Moose Out of a Flying Plane

   During a flight over Alaska, pushing a moose or any other animal out of an aircraft is illegal. As far-fetched as that sounds, several regulations cover it.

   Federal aviation rule 14 CFR 91.15 prohibits dropping any object from an aircraft if it creates a hazard. Another federal rule, 14 CFR 91.13, forbids careless or reckless operation that could endanger life or property.

   Alaska state law, AS 11.61.140, also penalizes conduct that could cause any animal to suffer. So yes, pushing moose out of a flying plane in Alaska is truly prohibited.

9. Women in New York State May Go Topless Without Penalty

   The New York Penal Law section 245.01 prohibits women, unlike men, from exposing in public the part of the breast below the top of the areola. In Rochester, nine women were arrested on June 21, 1986 after they removed their bikini tops in a park, although their behavior was neither indecent nor harassing.

   At trial the defense argued that the law was unconstitutional sex discrimination because it targeted only women. The appellate court concluded the state had offered no compelling reason for differential treatment and that the law was indefensible on that point.

   Under the decision People v. Santorelli, 80 N.Y.2d 875 (1992), the state may not criminalize mere exposure of female breasts in public spaces. Exposure in commercial venues and certain other contexts remains regulated.

10. Men in Indiana Were Required to Work 6 Days a Year on Road Construction

    Indiana’s early road laws required all able-bodied men ages 18 to 50 to work up to six days a year building and maintaining public roads. The work was unpaid and overseen by officials. In the young state this was a common way to fund road construction.

    The rule appears, for example, in the Laws of the Indiana Territory 1809–1816 (see page 73).

11. A City Ordinance Required Residents to Wear a Smile

    In 1948 the city of Pocatello, in Idaho, adopted tongue-in-cheek Ordinance No. 1100 requiring residents to smile. The days from August 9 to 14, 1948 were proclaimed This Week Pocatello Smiles, during which frowning or grimacing was banned. The ordinance was reportedly passed after a hard winter as a humorous response to low spirits.

    The city set up stations meant to make people laugh. Pocatello has called itself the U.S. Smile Capital ever since.

12. Hawaii Law Requires Children to Obey Their Parents

    In 1869, section 577-6 first appeared in Hawaii’s statute book, requiring all minors to obey the lawful commands of their parents or guardians. The text has been revised several times, but it remains on the books today. It is a general family-law provision, so no penalty for disobedient children is specified.

13. The Town of Leigh Banned the Sale of Donut Holes

    According to reliable accounts, from 1897 to 1997 the town of Leigh in Nebraska banned the sale of donut holes, meaning the cut-outs produced when making the signature pastry.

    The rule entered the local code shortly after 1897, when Leigh was incorporated. It was removed only in 1997 after a radio show highlighted the odd ban.

14. Wisconsin Completely Banned Margarine Sales for 72 Years

    Butter is made from cow’s milk, while cheaper margarine contains no milk and is entirely plant-based. Wisconsin has a long dairy tradition, and under pressure from the dairy industry it adopted laws around the turn of the 20th century that limited the sale and use of margarine.

    The state banned the manufacture and sale of margarine in 1895, and the ban lasted until 1967. The sales ban was then repealed, but strict rules on using margarine still apply.

    Wisconsin law section 97.18 sets clear labeling and packaging requirements, and the only permitted package size is 1.000 lb. The statute also forbids serving margarine to students, patients, or inmates in state institutions, except when ordered by the head of the institution or medically appropriate.

    Even a first violation can bring a fine of $100 to $500, three months in jail, or both.

15. Tennessee’s Constitution Still Bans Duelists From Public Office

    In the 19th century a duel was a formal fight, often between politicians or officers, to defend honor under set rules. Pistols or sabers were typical, and at least one party often did not survive. The most famous duel occurred in 1804, when Vice President Aaron Burr fatally shot the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton.

    The Constitution of Tennessee still includes Article IX, section 3, which bans from public office anyone who has engaged in a duel, aided a duel, or issued a challenge. Today it functions as a historical relic rather than a commonly applied rule.

    A similar provision remains in West Virginia. Under Article 4-10 of the West Virginia Constitution, any citizen who fights a duel with deadly weapons or sends or accepts a challenge becomes ineligible for any office in the state. Those who participate in or assist with a duel are also permanently disqualified from holding public office.

16. Waterloo, Nebraska Forbade Barbers From Eating Onions

    The village of Waterloo, Nebraska, adopted a 1910 ordinance that banned barbers from eating onions between 7:00 and 21:00 on days they were on duty. The same law also barred barbers from spreading town gossip and from pressuring customers to have their necks shaved.

    Each violation carried a 5 dollar fine, roughly $170 in 2025 dollars. The Dawson News reported on the new ordinance in its May 4, 1910 issue.

17. Catching a Homing Pigeon Still Risks 30 Days in Jail

    New Jersey’s code still contains N.J.S.A. 23:4-54, which forbids capturing, shooting, killing, stealing, or injuring a registered homing pigeon. The current text dates to 1948, which explains its oddity. Violations carry up to 30 days in jail, or a fine of $10.00 to $25.

18. Horse Theft in Tennessee Once Carried the Death Penalty

    Under an 1807 law, a repeat horse thief in Tennessee could be executed by hanging. The state’s code allowed the death penalty for a second theft offense and explicitly referenced horse theft.

    The provision was later repealed and does not appear in modern law. Its existence is documented by the Tennessee Supreme Court decision State v. Black, 815 S.W.2d 166 (Tenn. 1991), which cites Chapter 73, sections 2 and 4 of the 1807 Public Laws.

19. Dozens of Pennsylvania Towns Still Ban Retail Alcohol Sales

    Although a full century has passed since the end of Prohibition in the United States, Pennsylvania law still lets municipalities ban retail alcohol sales within their borders. The option appears in Title 47, section 3-305, and dozens of communities still use it across the state.

    For example, in Millville the sale of beer and hard alcohol has been banned continuously since 1939. Similar restrictions exist in towns such as Bloomfield, Frankstown, Hanover, and Patterson.

20. Self-Harm Can Add 2 Years to a Prison Sentence

    Self-harm in any state prison or in any local penal or correctional institution is considered a separate crime in Louisiana. The Louisiana state code in § 14:404 defines self-harm as causing injury to oneself by shooting, stabbing, cutting, applying chemicals or other substances to the body, ingesting poisonous or toxic substances, or by any other means, if it results in a permanent or temporary injury.

    Anyone who commits this offense will be sentenced to up to two years at hard labor. This penalty is added to the sentence the offender has already received.

21. Boston Law Bans Throwing a Ball on the Street

    Boston in the state of Massachusetts adopted a 1975 law that prohibits any person from throwing a ball, stone, snowball, or any other object on any city street. Under Section 16-12.15 of the local code, using a slingshot or shooting a bow on the street is also prohibited.

22. Hawaii Bans Advertising Billboards on All Islands

    Hawaii is a tropical paradise, and it would be a shame to spoil it with unsightly advertising billboards. The state code addresses this in § 445-112, which expressly bans advertising billboards on all Hawaiian Islands. The law includes several exceptions that apply, for example, to official notices or business signage. Individual counties may adopt additional local regulations.

    In the related law 445-112.5, Hawaii also prohibits advertising on vehicles. A violator faces a fine of $200 to $1,000 for the first day. The fine applies to each day the law is violated, and it increases over time.

23. In Alaska, Waking Bears for a Photo Is Prohibited

    Across the entire United States of America, waking bears and other animals to take a photo is effectively prohibited. The ban stems from the federal regulation 36 CFR 2.2, which among other things prohibits feeding, touching, frightening, and intentionally disturbing wildlife. Waking a bear can therefore violate this regulation not only in Alaska but throughout the United States.

    In the state of Alaska, the state regulation 5 AAC 92.230 also prohibits negligent feeding of bears, moose, wolves, and other animals. The rules were adopted primarily to protect wildlife in the national parks of Denali, Gates of the Arctic, Glacier Bay, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark, and Wrangell-St. Elias.

24. Holding Races on Public Roads Can Mean 10 Days in Jail

    In the state of Rhode Island, § 11-22-11 still prohibits holding horse races and testing a horse’s top speed on public roads. The law has been amended several times since its adoption in 1896, yet it remains part of the Rhode Island General Laws.

    The penalty for breaking the law is a fine of $20.00 or imprisonment for 10 days.

25. Kentucky Bans Using Reptiles During Religious Services

    In 1942, an amendment to the Kentucky state code took effect that, in 437.060, explicitly bans the use of any reptiles during religious services.

    Anyone who displays, uses, or handles a snake in connection with a worship service or religious gathering will be punished with a fine of $50 to $100. Although the rule may seem odd, it remains part of the Kentucky state code.

26. Drinking From a PET Bottle Can Cost Up to 50 Dollars

    In the town of Concord, Massachusetts, a quirky bylaw has been in effect since 2012 that bans the sale of non-sparkling, unflavored drinking water in single-use PET bottles up to 1 liter in volume. The ban applies to all stores within the town.

    The bylaw also prohibits drinking from single-use PET bottles up to 1 liter. While a first violation results only in a warning, a second violation carries a fine of $25, and a third and each subsequent violation carries a fine of $50.

27. Michigan Used to Ban Profanity in Front of Children and Women

    In 1931, the Michigan code was amended to add 750.337, which explicitly prohibited the use of indecent, obscene, or offensive language in the presence of a child or a woman. Profanity was then considered a misdemeanor.

    Michigan courts criticized this provision for vagueness, and the relevant section was removed by a state code amendment effective March 14, 2016.

28. An Alabama City Banned Confetti Within Its Limits

    Confetti cannons can litter a room, sidewalk, and lawn in just a few seconds. It is considered a serious problem in Mobile, Alabama, where a municipal ordinance 39-022-2018 took effect in 2018. Under the ordinance, any possession, storage, use, manufacture, sale, or other handling of plastic confetti is unlawful.

29. Physical Impotence Invalidates a Marriage

    The North Carolina code in § 51-3 lists situations that lead to the invalidation of an already concluded marriage. One such situation is physical impotence at the time the marriage was entered into. If it is determined that one party was impotent, the marriage is void.

30. Kennesaw Ordinance Requires Residents to Keep a Firearm

    In 1982, the city of Kennesaw, Georgia, added § 34-21 to its municipal code, which states that every “head of household” is required to maintain a firearm and ammunition. The section was added in response to the handgun ban in Morton Grove, Illinois.

    In practice, the ordinance is largely symbolic and includes several exceptions. The requirement does not apply, for example, to people with physical or mental disabilities or to those who oppose firearms.

31. Pennsylvania Bans Fishing With Dynamite

    Throughout Pennsylvania, § 2504 of Title 30 of the state code expressly bans the use of explosives when fishing. The ban applies to all bodies of water and all persons. Fishing with electricity or poison is also prohibited.

    A violator commits a third-degree misdemeanor, which can carry a fine of up to $2,500, or imprisonment for up to one year.

32. Leaving a Gate Open Can Lead to a Fine of Up to 750 Dollars

    The Wyoming code in § 6-9-202 states that anyone who leaves a gate or barrier open after entering private property commits a misdemeanor. The purpose is to protect property and livestock from escaping.

    Failing to close a gate can be very costly. If the offense is proven, the fine can be up to $750.

33. Ohio Bans Arrests on Sundays and Independence Day

    In January 1953, the Ohio code was supplemented with 2331.12 and 2331.13, which restrict arrests on Sundays, during Independence Day each July 4, within the hall during sessions of the Senate or House of Representatives, and in a courtroom during court proceedings. The aim is to protect the dignity and uninterrupted operation of the legislative and judicial branches, as well as respect for important days of rest and state holidays.

    The provision is still in force, but it includes several exceptions when arrests are permitted. The bar on arrests does not apply to cases of treason, felonies, or breaches of the peace.

34. Seducing an Unmarried Woman Can Mean Up to 5 Years in Prison

    Michigan’s code still contains a historical and now unenforced 1931 provision that prohibits men from seducing unmarried women. If a man seduces and persuades an unmarried woman to have sexual intercourse, he commits a felony. Under Section 750.532 of the code, he may be punished with a fine of up to $2,500 or imprisonment in a state prison for up to five years. However, prosecution under this provision may not be initiated if at least one year has passed since the intercourse.

35. Chicago City Hall Requires Vendors to Disclose Ties to the Era of Slavery

    In Chicago, Illinois, all companies that contract with the city must review their historical records and disclose any ties to the era of slavery. This mainly concerns insurance and financial institutions, yet the requirement applies to all city vendors.

    The obligation follows from § 2-92-585 of the municipal code. City officials take this rule very seriously and publish an annual report. If a vendor is shown to have ties to slavery, the contract will be voided.

36. The Only Allowed Drink on Ocean Beach Is Plain Water

    The municipal ordinance of Ocean Beach, New York, prohibits eating and drinking on beaches, in parks, on promenades, and in all other public areas. According to § 145-9 of the ordinance, the only allowed drink is plain water, and it must be consumed from a clear plastic bottle.

37. Iowa Prohibits Hunting Animals From an Aircraft

    Across the state of Iowa, Law 481A.120 expressly prohibits hunting animals, birds, and fish while in flight or from any vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice. The same law bans killing, wounding, attempting to kill, or even pursuing an animal. A violation carries a fine of $135.

38. Mississippi Punishes Adultery With Up to Six Months in Jail

    The state of Mississippi still penalizes sexual intercourse between people who do not live together as husband and wife. For adultery and fornication, Section 97-29-1 of the state code provides for a fine of $500 and imprisonment in a county jail for up to six months. Both the man and the woman are punished.

    To meet the elements of the offense, it is sufficient to prove circumstances that indicate ordinary sexual intercourse between the parties. Although the provision is historical and rarely enforced, it remains part of Mississippi’s code.

39. Oregon Regulates How Long Car Doors May Stay Open

    Oregon’s code in § 811.490 tells drivers and passengers how long they may leave a car door open. If they leave a door facing traffic or the sidewalk open longer than necessary to get in or out, they commit a Class D traffic violation.

    Class D violations carry a fine of $65 to $250. The rule applies to all drivers and passengers on public roads in Oregon.

40. A Second Out-of-Wedlock Child Can Lead to Jail in Mississippi

    In Mississippi, both men and women are allowed at most one child born out of wedlock. A second and every additional out-of-wedlock child is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or jail.

    The Mississippi Code, in Mississippi Code § 97-29-11, prohibits having an excessive number of out-of-wedlock children. For a second out-of-wedlock child, the offender faces 30 to 90 days in jail, or a fine of $250. A third and every subsequent out-of-wedlock child is punishable by three to six months in jail and possibly a fine of $500.

    The provision was amended to its current form in 2004, so it is not just a historical relic.

41. Sunday Professional Sports Require Special Approval

    The Rhode Island General Laws include Section § 41-6-3, which allows professional sports games to be held on the first day of the week only after approval by the proper authorities. In practice, if a professional sporting event is to take place on a Sunday, the organizer must first seek permission from the appropriate city.

    Organizers of ice polo and ice hockey games are exempt from this law. The unusual provision is tied to religious customs and was added to the statutes in 1919.

42. Chico, California, Banned Nuclear Weapons

    A city ordinance in Chico, California, in § 9.60.030 expressly prohibits the manufacture, testing, or storage of nuclear weapons or their components.

    In one of the original proposals, detonating a nuclear bomb within Chico’s city limits would have been punishable by a fine of $500. This idea did not make it into the final ordinance.

43. Adult Businesses in Clemson Must Close on Sundays

    The code of the City of Clemson in South Carolina includes Section 12-106, which sets operating hours for all businesses that provide erotic services. Adult cabarets, adult motels, adult theaters, and escort services may operate only Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to midnight. They must be completely closed on Sundays. The rule was added to the code in 1996.

44. El Paso Mandated Spittoons in All Public Buildings

    In El Paso, Texas, Ordinance No. 320 took effect in 1901 and required spittoons to be placed in all churches, hotels, shops, banks, and saloons. Operators who violated the rule faced fines of 5 to 50 dollars, which equals $190 to $1,900 in the value of the dollar in 2025. The irony is that between 1901 and 1910 not a single fine was issued for missing spittoons.

    The mandate arrived during efforts to fight tuberculosis, for which there was then no vaccine. Detailed information about the ordinance and the placement of spittoons was covered by Authentic Texas.

45. Montana Banned Screening Films Featuring Criminals

    The 1947 Revised Montana Code included § 94-3603, which prohibited showing films in which any character committed a crime. Anyone who screened a film publicly depicting scenes of burglary, train robbery, or other acts that would constitute a criminal offense committed a misdemeanor.

    In 1956, Montana adopted a new code that removed this censorship provision.

46. Yamhill, Oregon, Bans Astrology and Fortune Telling

    The City of Yamhill, Oregon, enacted a law in 1985 banning all occult arts, including fortune telling, astrology, clairvoyance, and spiritualism.

    The Yamhill Municipal Code in § 5.08.110 expressly bans practices that are generally considered improper and unscientific. Within the city, no one may reveal or analyze past events or incidents, analyze a person’s character or personality, or predict or reveal the future. Violations are subject to a monetary fine.

47. Liquor Stores May Sell Only Unchilled Soft Drinks

    Some U.S. states limit alcohol sales to specialized stores known as liquor stores. These stores typically sell beer, wine, and spirits, and sometimes tobacco or bar supplies.

    A 1973 law requires liquor stores in Indiana to sell soda water, carbonated soft drinks, ginger ale, or mineral water only unchilled and without ice. The purpose of IC 7.1-3-10-5 is to prevent liquor stores from becoming all-purpose beverage shops with a broad everyday assortment. A customer can buy chilled beer there, but if they want a chilled soft drink, they must go elsewhere. This supports a narrow specialization of stores and the lawmakers’ intent to regulate alcohol availability.

48. Two U.S. Cities Ban Throwing Snowballs

    A winter snowball fight can get expensive for visitors to two American cities.

    The § 9.14.100 ordinance in the City of Provo, Utah, expressly bans throwing snowballs, with penalties set by other city provisions.

    The City of Aspen, Colorado, has a similar rule, § 15.04.210, which, along with snowball throwing, prohibits the use of slingshots or catapults anywhere in public.

49. Dance Halls in South Carolina Must Close on Sundays

    The Code of Laws of South Carolina includes Section 52-13-10, which requires all public dance halls to be closed on Sundays from 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. The exact wording has been amended several times, and the first mandate to close dance halls appeared in the code in 1923.

    A first offense can be punished by a fine from $10.00 to $50 dollars. A second and each subsequent offense may be punished by a fine from $50 to $100 dollars, or by up to 30 days in jail.

50. Court Struck Down Youngstown’s Downtown Barefoot Ban

    In Youngstown, Ohio, a law took effect on September 4, 1968, requiring everyone over the age of six to wear shoes in certain parts of the city. Anyone who walked barefoot in the designated area faced a monetary penalty.

    Teacher Terrie Curran challenged the law in court, arguing that it violated her constitutional rights to privacy and liberty. The court agreed and concluded that the ordinance was unconstitutional because it bore no reasonable relation to the protection of public health, safety, morals, or order, and it infringed on the right to privacy.

    The law was invalidated just one year after its adoption in the case of Curran v. City of Youngstown (Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, 1969).

51. Tennessee Completely Bans Importing or Possessing Skunks

    Tennessee completely bans importing live skunks, possessing them, selling them, or transporting them within the state. The Tennessee Code, in § 70-4-208, states that violating this law constitutes a Class C misdemeanor.

    A Class C misdemeanor in Tennessee is punishable by a fine of up to $50, or 30 days in jail. Only zoos and research institutions are exempt.

52. Up to 1 Year in Jail in Alabama for Wearing a Clergy Costume

    Alabama still has a law that strictly prohibits appearing in public as a nun, priest, rabbi, or other member of the clergy of any religion. Section 13A-14-4 of the Code of Alabama bans the relevant clothing and outward appearance.

    The law, adopted in 1965, aims to protect the public from fraudulent behavior. Violators face a fine of up to $500, up to one year in jail, or both.

53. Nevada Banned Camels on All Roads and Highways

    In Nevada, a law took effect on February 9, 1875, that banned any movement of camels and dromedaries on all state roads and highways. The law had a rationale. At the time, people were experimenting with using camels for desert transport, which led to frequent collisions with horse-drawn wagons.

    The 1875 session laws, in Chapter 12, also set penalties for violations. Offenders faced a relatively high fine of 25 to 100 dollars, which equals $734 to $2,936 in the 2025 value of the dollar, or they could be jailed for 10 to 30 days.

    The camel road and highway ban in Nevada was repealed in 1899.

54. Indiana Sets Minimum Sheet Sizes for Hotels

    Indiana’s sanitary standard 410 IAC 7-15.5-54 requires all bed-and-breakfast establishments to use sheets with a minimum length of 251 cm and a minimum width of 206 cm. The blanket must also be able to be covered by the sheet with at least a 2 ft allowance. Slightly different rules apply to other lodging types.

55. Bartlesville Households May Own No More Than Two Dogs and Two Cats

    The City of Bartlesville in Oklahoma limits the number of pets that may be outside on a property. Each household may keep at most two adult dogs and at most two adult cats outdoors. Violations can result in a fine of up to $200.

56. West Virginia Penalized Wearing Hats in Theaters with a Fine

    In 1931, the West Virginia Code added § 61-6-16, which banned wearing a hat or other head covering that could obstruct the view in a theater, opera house, or similar venue where admission is charged. Anyone who refused to remove a head covering when asked faced a fine of 2 to 10 dollars. That equals $42 to $213 in the value of the dollar in 2025.

    This historical and now outdated provision was repealed in 2010 by SB 457 (2010).

57. Arkansas Law Specifies the Correct Pronunciation of the State’s Name

    A historic 1881 resolution establishes that the official pronunciation of
    Arkansas is “Arkansaw.” The Arkansas Code in § 1-4-105 clearly states that the state’s name is pronounced in three syllables. The final “s” is silent, the “a” is pronounced in the Italian style, and the stress is always on the first and last syllables.

    This provision is not a criminal statute, so there is no penalty for mispronunciation. In this case, state law regulates state symbolism and protocol, and serves as guidance for public and official use.

58. Los Angeles Bans Charging Admission at House Parties

    If residents of residential zones in Los Angeles choose to throw a private gathering or party, all related costs are on them. County Ordinance 13.41.020 clearly prohibits charging admission for parties held in residential areas.

    Under the following section, 13.41.030, violations may bring a fine of up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both. The aim is to reduce noise in residential neighborhoods.

59. Indiana Bans Fishing with Bare Hands (and Dynamite)

    The Indiana Code in § 14-22-9-1 lists fishing methods that are prohibited without a special permit. The law expressly mentions dynamite, firearms, or electric current, and it also bans catching fish with bare hands. The rule applies to all waters and fish owned by the state.

60. Using Profanity Can Lead to Up to 90 Days in Jail

    The city of Rockville in the state of Maryland penalizes any blasphemy or use of obscene language on or near streets, sidewalks, and highways. Under Section 13-53 of the Rockville Code of Ordinances, each violation can result in a fine of up to $100, up to 90 days in jail, or both. In practice, enforcement is limited to a degree by constitutional free speech protections, yet the provision remains part of the local code.

61. Liquor Candies Must Not Contain More Than 1% Alcohol

    Across Massachusetts, it is illegal to sell, offer for sale, or distribute candies that contain a liquid or syrup with an alcohol content exceeding 1 percent. The law published in Section 8 of Chapter 270 of the Massachusetts General Laws applies to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Violations are punishable by a fine of $100.

62. Missouri Taxed Single Men With a Special Tax

    Shortly after the state of Missouri was founded in 1821, a law required single men aged 21 to 50 to pay a special tax of one dollar per year. Roughly converted, that amount equals $29 in 2025 dollars.

    The existence of a “bachelor tax” in Missouri is confirmed by historical sources and the Boone County tax list from 1821.

    In the context of the time, one dollar was not insignificant. The bachelor tax did not last long, it was repealed in 1822.

63. Throwing a Stone Can Bring a Fine of Up to 500 Dollars

    The code of the District of Columbia in § 22–1309 expressly forbids throwing a stone on a street, road, highway, or any other open area. A violation can result in a fine of up to $500.

64. City of Ogden Bans Owning More Than One Cow

    Ordinance § 12-7-5 of Ogden, Utah allows farmers to keep at most one cow. Anyone who wants a second or additional cow must first obtain approval from the county health department.

    The rule is part of broader livestock regulations and relates to sanitary and neighborhood standards. Permits are issued only until January 1 of the following year, after which a new application is required.

65. In Many U.S. States, Car Sales Are Banned on Sundays

    A number of U.S. states still prohibit Sunday sales of new or used motor vehicles. This unusual rule stems from historical blue laws, which restricted certain activities on Sundays for religious reasons. Sunday is regarded as a day of rest.

    
    Colorado prohibits dealerships and used car lots from operating or selling motor vehicles on Sundays. Exceptions include service departments and the sale of fuel and accessories, as provided in Section 44-20-302 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. Violations can lead to fines from $75 to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, and loss of a dealer license.

    
    Indiana has banned dealing in automobiles on Sundays since 1977. Violating § 24-4-6-1 of the Indiana Code is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

    
    Maine bans any Sunday sale of new and used motor vehicles in Section § 3203 of its statutes. Penalties include up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or loss of the right to use dealer and transit plates. In 2025, a bill to repeal the ban failed to pass.

    
    Michigan has prohibited car dealing on Sundays since May 12, 1953. In addition to buying and selling vehicles, meetings related to vehicle transactions are also banned. The prohibition is set out in 435.252 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. Violations can result in license revocation, imprisonment, and a monetary fine at the court’s discretion.

    Pennsylvania bans the purchase, sale, and exchange of motor vehicles and trailers under 18 Pa.C.S. § 7365. Penalties are relatively mild. A fine of up to $200 applies only to a second offense committed within one year of the first violation.

    Wisconsin prohibits selling, buying, or otherwise dealing in motor vehicles on Sundays under 218.0116(1)(k).

66. In Texas, Blind People May Use Firearms While Hunting

    The Texas statutes include Section 62.0055, which allows blind individuals to participate in hunting and to use a firearm with a laser sight. The law sets several conditions that must be met.

    A blind person may hunt if accompanied by a sighted person at least 13 years old who holds a hunting license. The provision was added in 2007 to end long-standing discrimination against people who are blind.

67. Alabama Laws Prohibited Bear Fighting

    As recently as the early 2000s, Alabama had a law that explicitly banned organizing or taking part in bear fights. In the Alabama Code it appeared as § 13A-12-5 (2014) (Acts 1996, No. 96-468) and expressly prohibited organizing and promoting bear fights. Charging admission or employing people in connection with bear fights was also prohibited. Anyone who bought, owned, or sold a bear in connection with bear fighting likewise violated the law.

    Violations were classified as a Class B misdemeanor, and authorities could seize the bear.

    All of these provisions ceased to apply after Act 2015-70 took effect on April 21, 2015. Although § 13A-12-5 is now marked as repealed in the 2024 Code, animal protection laws still safeguard bears in Alabama. Black bears also receive special protection under § 9-11-480 of the Alabama Code.

68. Only People 18 and Older May Buy Handcuffs in New Jersey

    The New Jersey Code includes 2C:39-9.2, which expressly prohibits selling handcuffs to anyone under 18. A person who sells handcuffs to a minor commits a disorderly persons offense. The rule has been in force since 1991 to limit access to handcuffs among minors. The statute does not specify a penalty.

69. Sagging Pants in Collinsville Once Carried Fines Up to 300 Dollars

    Collinsville, Illinois adopted Ordinance No. 4429 on July 11, 2011, which banned wearing pants sagging below the hips in public. Violations drew steep fines.

    Under the ordinance, pants had to be secured at the waist and could not droop more than 7.6 cm below the hips. The first offense carried a fine of $100, and a second or subsequent violation could be punished with a fine of up to $300.

    The ordinance was repealed on September 12, 2017, and people in Collinsville can now wear their pants as they see fit.

70. Shaking Rugs Out of a Window Is Banned in New York City

    A New York City ordinance in § 16-118 expressly prohibits shaking carpets, doormats, or clothing out of a window. The goal is to prevent littering of public spaces. A first offense carries a fine of $50 to $250.

71. Alabama Punished Sunday Card Playing With Jail Time Until 2015

    Until 2015, Alabama’s blue laws restricted certain Sunday activities for religious reasons. Section 13A-12-1 prohibited Sunday card games, racing, gambling, hunting, and shooting. Commercial activity was also banned with limited exceptions. Penalties included a fine of 10 to 100 dollars, up to three months in county jail, or hard labor for the county for up to three months.

    These outdated provisions were removed in 2015.

72. Glendale Ordinance Bans Dogs From Entering and Riding Elevators

    In Glendale, California, an ordinance prohibits dogs from entering or riding in elevators in office, retail, and other public buildings. The rule aims to ensure safety and prevent conflicts in the tight space of an elevator.

    Only guide dogs for people who are blind or deaf are exempt under § 6.08.030.

73. Florida Banned Unmarried Cohabitation Until 2016

    In Florida, § 798.02 long prohibited an unmarried couple from living together. Violations were a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail or a fine of up to $500.

    The provision was largely unenforceable for decades, yet it remained on the books. It was repealed in 2016 by SB 498. Since then, cohabitation is not a crime in Florida.

74. Unauthorized Ordering of Goods or Services Can Mean Six Months in Jail

    Have you ever ordered food delivery to a friend as a prank, or shipped a gag item cash on delivery? In Louisiana, beyond paying damages to the victim, you could face a fine of up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both.

    Louisiana’s Revised Statutes RS 14:68.6 clearly prohibit unauthorized ordering of goods or services.

75. Hilton Head Bans House Lighting Because of Sea Turtles

    In the seaside resort of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, a seasonal rule from May 1 through October 31 prohibits residents from using lighting. The aim of Section 8-5-111 of the municipal code is to protect sea turtles that nest on the beaches during this period. From 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., any lighting on houses and private property that is visible from the beach is prohibited.

    Owners must switch lights off or shield them. Violations can bring a fine of up to $500 or up to 30 days in jail. Each day a violation occurs counts as a separate offense.

76. Oregon Law Bans Towel Drying of Dishes

    Throughout Oregon, § 4-901.11 prohibits food establishments from drying dishes with a towel or other cloth. To avoid cross-contamination, the rule requires air-drying. A cloth may be used only to polish dishes that are already completely dry. The ban on towel drying does not apply to private homes.

77. Ordinance Bans Driving Into Downtown With an Empty Tank

    The code of Youngstown, Ohio includes Section 331.44, which prohibits entering the downtown area if a vehicle does not have enough fuel to leave it. The zone is bounded by Chestnut, Walnut, Boardman, and Commerce Streets.

    A first offense is punishable by a fine of up to $150. A repeat offense within 12 months can bring a fine of up to $250 and up to 30 days in jail.

78. Some Portland Streets May Be Driven Only Twice per Night

    Portland, Oregon introduced an original approach to address nighttime traffic congestion in certain areas. Chapter 16.70 of the city code contains a provision that prohibits drivers from traveling through marked segments more than twice between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

    Violations can result in a fine of up to $150.

79. City Bans Dancing in Establishments That Serve Alcohol

    In the city of Lynden in the state of Washington, since 1981 Section 5.04.035 of the local code has prohibited any dancing in establishments where alcohol is served. The ordinance expressly bans dancing individually or in groups of two or more in all businesses where beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages are sold for immediate consumption on the premises.

    The validity of the ordinance was affirmed in 1984 by the state supreme court decision Harvest House Restaurant v. Lynden.

80. Voters in Arkansas Have at Most 10 Minutes to Mark Their Ballot

    The Arkansas Code in § 7-5-309(b)(1)(B) states that each voter has no more than 10 minutes in the voting booth to mark their ballot. Over the years the time limit was increased, since for the 2014 elections a voter had only 5 minutes to mark the ballot.

    Whether any penalty applies to a voter who exceeds the time limit is not specified in the code.

81. Nebraska Prohibits Marriage for People With Venereal Diseases

    The Nebraska Revised Statutes still include a provision that prohibits a person who has a venereal disease from getting married. The roots of § 42-102 go back to Nebraska’s early statehood, with the first reference appearing in the 1866 statutes. Today this part of the law is not enforced in practice.

82. Utah Explicitly Prohibited Fishing From Horseback

    Across the state of Utah, on July 15, 1925 a law took effect that explicitly banned fishing from horseback. It was also unlawful to ride a horse downstream or upstream during fishing on any stream. Violating this rule carried a fine of 25 dollars, which corresponds to approximately $463 in 2025 dollars.

    The law was later modified, and Utah no longer explicitly bans fishing from horseback today.

83. Using a False Name Is Proof a Guest Intended Not to Pay for Lodging

    The New Hampshire code in § 353:10 states directly that using a false name at a lodging establishment is sufficient evidence that the guest did not intend to pay for their stay. Using a fictitious name in a hotel is not automatically a crime, however it does suffice as evidence in a fraud proceeding.

84. Inviting Bar Staff for a Drink Is Prohibited in El Monte

    The code of the city of El Monte in California includes provision 9.04.030, which prohibits employees from accepting alcoholic beverages from customers of the business where they are employed. The purpose of this rule is to prevent guest harassment and problematic staff behavior during shifts. Similar laws apply in other California cities as well.

85. The City of Clemson Imposes a Curfew for Dogs in Heat

    The Code of Ordinances of the City of Clemson in South Carolina includes § 4-27, which requires dog owners to prevent free movement of dogs in heat and to keep them under control for the entire cycle. The purpose of the law is to prevent disturbances to other dogs. The rule adopted in 1979 applies to all animals, not only dogs.

86. All Adult Businesses Must Close on Sunday Mornings

    The Arizona code in § 13-1422 requires all adult arcades, cabarets, or escort agencies to remain closed on Sundays from 1:00 to 12:00 and on other days from 1:00 to 8:00. Individual cities may further refine specific rules by municipal ordinance, however the closure requirement itself follows directly from state law.

87. All Windows in the City of Hudson Must Have Insect Screens

    The city of Hudson in Wisconsin requires that from May 1 to October 1 all windows and doors be equipped with screens to prevent insects from entering. The obligation applies to all dwellings and rental units.

    The requirement is set by the Hudson Housing Standards Ordinance in § 140-8 and § 140-9.

88. You Can Go to Jail in Arizona for Cutting Down a Cactus

    Saguaros are the tallest species among cacti, and they are typical of the Sonoran Desert in California and Arizona. The cacti are protected in part by Saguaro National Park and also by the Arizona Code. In § 3-932 it states that theft or unauthorized handling of a protected plant is a crime.

    The exact penalty depends on the value of the plant. For example, in 2009 a sentence of eight months in prison was imposed on Joseph Tillman, who felled several cacti without authorization in Saguaro National Park.

89. Bingo May Not Last Longer Than Five Hours

    Bingo is a very popular social game in the United States, played for fun and for money. Each player gets a 5×5 grid, and each square has a random number from 1 to 75. The bingo caller draws numbered balls from a hopper. If a player has the number on their card, they mark it. Once they connect five numbers in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, they win that round.

    The North Carolina General Statutes in § 14-309.8 require that bingo organized by a nonprofit can be held at most twice a week. There must be at least 48 hours between events, and a single session may not exceed 5 hours.

90. Hunting on Sundays Is Prohibited in Massachusetts

    The Massachusetts General Laws in Chapter 131, Section 57 clearly state that Sunday is a closed season. No person may hunt birds or mammals on that day, and no one may carry a rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver, or bow and arrows. These weapons may be carried only if they are used at a shooting range.

    The same provision prohibits trapping mammals with traps, and it also bans training falcons or other protected birds.

91. Waterboro Sets a Maximum Allowed Leash Length for Dog Owners

    Waterboro in the state of Maine issued an ordinance that all dog owners in the town must follow. In point 3a, the ordinance even sets the maximum permissible leash length of 8 ft. Violations can be punished, for example, by impounding the dog for up to 10 days.

92. Massachusetts Prohibits Shooting Ranges From Using Human Silhouette Targets

    The Massachusetts General Laws prohibit in Chapter 140, § 122B(c)(i) all licensed shooting clubs from using targets that depict a human figure. The only permitted exception allows human silhouette targets during training for law enforcement and other security services.

93. The City Limits Camping on Private Property to a Maximum of 72 Hours

    The city of Kendall in New York prohibits camping on one’s own property for more than 72 hours. The municipal ordinance in § 265-38(A) requires a one-time permit for longer stays. No more than two camping sites may be present on a single property at the same time.

94. Clemson Requires a Lifeguard at the Pool to Enforce Quiet Hours

    In the city of Clemson in South Carolina, pool operations in apartment complexes are allowed between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. only if a certified lifeguard is present the entire time. Violating provision 10-4-82 of the local code can result in a fine of up to $500, or imprisonment for 30 days.

    The city enforces quiet hours in apartment complexes this way, assuming the cost of having a lifeguard will not be economically viable. The presence of a lifeguard is also intended to ensure swimmer safety.

95. Billiard Tables in the City of Kalispell Must Be Visible From the Street

    The code of the city of Kalispell in Montana includes § 19-30, which requires all businesses with pool and billiard tables to keep them visible from the street. The operator of such a business or its employees may not block the view of a billiard table with curtains, blinds, shutters, colored glass, furniture, or any other obstruction.

    This provision was added to the code in 1947. The purpose was to allow a clear view into rooms with billiard tables, and thereby ensure oversight and public order.

96. West Virginia Prohibits Administering Anesthetics to a Woman Without a Witness Present

    The Code of West Virginia in § 61-8-10 prohibits physicians, dentists, and all other persons from administering chloroform, ether, or other anesthetics to a woman unless a third person is present. Violating the law can result in a monetary penalty of $100, imprisonment for 60 days, or both, depending on the court’s decision.

97. Sunday Sports Games in Cambridge May Be Played Only With a Permit

    The code of the city of Cambridge in Massachusetts in Section 12.20.030 requires prior approval from the Recreation Commission for all Sunday sports games held in city parks and fields. If at least one such permit is issued for Sunday, at least one police officer must be on duty under the ordinance.

    The municipal rules go even further. Permits for soccer, hurling, and Gaelic football are subject to an extra fee of $50, which reflects the greater wear on turf fields.

98. South Carolina Prohibits Sunday Sales of Televisions and Musical Instruments

    In South Carolina, so-called blue laws still apply, derived from historical religious norms that prohibit certain activities on Sundays.

    The South Carolina Code lists in § 53-1 a wide range of bans and requirements. For example, Sunday sales of clothing are expressly prohibited, with exceptions for swimwear or stockings, as are sales of household goods, china, paints, bolt textiles, musical instruments, or televisions.

99. House Number Determines Which Day You May Water Your Lawn

    In Cottage Grove, Minnesota, an unusual ordinance aims to balance demand on the water system and save water during dry periods. Under § 8-1-10(B)(1), lawn watering follows the last digit of the house address. On odd calendar days only owners with an odd house number may water, and on even days only owners with an even number may water. On the 31st day of the month no watering is allowed.

    Lawn watering is also prohibited from 12:00 to 16:00. Violating this ordinance is a misdemeanor that can be punished by a fine or jail time.

100. Norco in California Has Completely Banned Oleanders

     The oleander is a highly poisonous evergreen shrub with strikingly colorful flowers, native to the Mediterranean. Norco in California presents itself as a center of the equestrian community, and to protect livestock it has completely banned this plant within its limits. The municipal code includes § 6.08.010, which prohibits growing or possessing any kind of poisonous oleander.

     This rule was added to the code in 1974. Interestingly, in 1991 the section covering penalties for violating the law was removed from the code. As a result, growing oleanders is prohibited, but there is no defined punishment for breaking the rule.