10 Weird State Laws That You Probably Didn't Know About
1. Alabama: No Dominoes on Sundays
In Alabama, it is illegal to play dominoes on a Sunday. If you're caught playing this game of strategy and skill on the Lord's Day, you could be fined up to $10.
Why was this law put in place?
There is no clear reason why this law was enacted, but some speculate that it was an attempt to prevent gambling on Sundays.
Is this law still enforced?
It is unlikely that anyone would be prosecuted for playing dominoes on a Sunday in modern times, but technically, the law is still on the books.
2. Alaska: No Whispering in someone's Ear While They're Moose Hunting
In Alaska, it is illegal to whisper in someone's ear while they are moose hunting. This law was put in place to prevent distractions that could lead to dangerous hunting accidents.
What happens if you break this law?
If you're caught whispering in someone's ear while they're moose hunting, you could be fined up to $100.
Is this law still enforced?
It is unclear if this law is still enforced, but it is unlikely that anyone would be fined for whispering in someone's ear while they're hunting.
3. Arizona: No Donkeys in Bathtubs
In Arizona, it is illegal to keep a donkey in a bathtub. This law was put in place to prevent people from washing their donkeys in their bathtubs.
What happens if you break this law?
If you're caught keeping a donkey in your bathtub, you could be fined up to $300.
Is this law still enforced?
It is unlikely that anyone would be fined for keeping a donkey in their bathtub in modern times, but technically, the law is still on the books.
4. Arkansas: No Honking Your Horn Near a Sandwich Shop After 9 PM
In Arkansas, it is illegal to honk your horn near a sandwich shop after 9 PM. This law was put in place to prevent disturbances to the peace and quiet of the neighborhood.
What happens if you break this law?
If you're caught honking your horn near a sandwich shop after 9 PM, you could be fined up to $1,000.
Is this law still enforced?
It is unlikely that anyone would be fined for honking their horn near a sandwich shop in modern times, but technically, the law is still on the books.
5. California: No Whistling for Lost Canines
In California, it is illegal to whistle for a lost canary or dog. This law was put in place to prevent confusion with emergency whistle signals.
What happens if you break this law?
If you're caught whistling for a lost canary or dog, you could be fined up to $25.
Is this law still enforced?
It is unlikely that anyone would be fined for whistling for a lost canary or dog in modern times, but technically, the law is still on the books.
6. Colorado: No Keeping Couches on Your Porch
In Colorado, it is illegal to keep couches on your porch. This law was put in place to prevent unsightly outdoor furniture from detracting from the beauty of the neighborhood.
What happens if you break this law?
If you're caught keeping a couch on your porch, you could be fined up to $2,650.
Is this law still enforced?
It is unlikely that anyone would be fined for keeping a couch on their porch in modern times, but technically, the law is still on the books.
7. Connecticut: No Selling Pickles That Don't Bounce
In Connecticut, it is illegal to sell pickles that don't bounce. This law was put in place to prevent the sale of pickles that were not fresh and crisp.
What happens if you break this law?
If you're caught selling pickles that don't bounce, you could be fined up to $100.
Is this law still enforced?
It is unlikely that anyone would be fined for selling pickles that don't bounce in modern times, but technically, the law is still on the books.
8. Delaware: No Wearing Pants That Are "Form-Fitting" Around the Waist
In Delaware, it is illegal to wear pants that are "form-fitting" around the waist. This law was put in place to prevent people from showing off their physiques in public.
What happens if you break this law?
If you're caught wearing pants that are "form-fitting" around the waist, you could be fined up to $25.
Is this law still enforced?
It is unlikely that anyone would be fined for wearing pants that are "form-fitting" around the waist in modern times, but technically, the law is still on the books.
9. Florida: No Singing in a Swimsuit
In Florida, it is illegal to sing in a swimsuit. This law was put in place to prevent indecent exposure on the beach.
What happens if you break this law?
If you're caught singing in a swimsuit, you could be fined up to $100.
Is this law still enforced?
It is unlikely that anyone would be fined for singing in a swimsuit in modern times, but technically, the law is still on the books.
10. Georgia: No Owning More Than Six Dildos
In Georgia, it is illegal to own more than six dildos. This law was put in place to prevent the sale of sex toys.
What happens if you break this law?
If you're caught owning more than six dildos, you could be fined up to $1,000.
Is this law still enforced?
It is unlikely that anyone would be fined for owning more than six dildos in modern times, but technically, the law is still on the books.
FAQs
1. Are these laws real?
Yes, these laws are real. However, many of them are no longer enforced.
2. Why were these laws put in place?
Most of these laws were put in place for reasons that are no longer relevant today. Some were meant to protect public safety, while others were intended to promote morality and decency.
3. Can you be arrested for breaking these laws?
It is highly unlikely that anyone would be arrested for breaking these laws in modern times. In most cases, the penalties are minor fines.
4. How many weird laws are there in the United States?
It is difficult to say exactly how many weird laws exist in the United States, but there are thousands of them.
Conclusion
Although many of these weird state laws are no longer enforced, they serve as a reminder of the strange and quirky aspects of American culture. From prohibiting dominoes on Sundays to outlawing the ownership of more than six dildos, these laws are a testament to the creativity and humor of legislators throughout history.