Weirdest Laws in Every State

The 50 states of America have some pretty weird laws on the books.

These Weird Laws in Every State Are Stranger Than Fiction

No Cursing Street Sign in front of a green bush

The law is designed to keep us safe in a fair and equal society — well, at least in theory. But what about when the law is stranger than fiction? So much so that in certain places you may be completely unaware that your behavior is actually against the law?

It turns out that there are many unusual laws that have been written over the course of American history — and many of these laws are still on the books today. In Alabama, for example, you technically could be arrested for dressing up as a member of the clergy on Halloween. If your pickle doesn’t bounce in the state of Connecticut, you could be looking at a hefty fine. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

The 50 states of America have some pretty strange laws on the books. We took a look at the weirdest law in every state so that you can ask yourself if you truly are or have always been, a law-abiding citizen.

Alabama: It’s Illegal to Impersonate a Priest

Year enacted: 1965

According to Alabama law, it is illegal to impersonate a priest in a public setting. This means that you can't dress up like one or sport any of the accouterments associated with the clergy.

It also applies to impersonating nuns or rabbis. To do so is considered a misdemeanor. That eliminates an entire Halloween costume genre.

Alaska: Don’t Give Alcoholic Beverages to a Moose

Year enacted: Circa 1917

During World War I in the city of Fairbanks, it was illegal to feed a moose alcohol — sort of. The story goes that a local tavern keeper kept trying to get his pet moose drunk, which would send the moose on violent tares.

The law technically states that moose in Fairbanks are not allowed on public sidewalks, which would, theoretically, prevent them from entering taverns and getting drunk.

Arizona: The Stupid Motorist Law

Year enacted: 1995

When you think about this law, it actually makes sense. What makes it weird is the very appropriately worded way it is titled.

The law states that any motorist who becomes stranded after driving around barricades in a flood zone will be charged the cost of their rescue. And we agree that you’d have to be pretty stupid to do that.

Arkansas: You Can’t Walk Your Cow After 1 p.m. on Sunday

Year enacted: 1882

In Little Rock, it is unlawful to walk one's cow down Main Street after 1 p.m. on a Sunday. So, if you enjoy a Sunday stroll with your bovine bestie, you may have to reconsider Little Rock for your weekend getaway.

Furthermore, no livestock of any kind can wear a bell within the city limits after 9 p.m.

California: Women May Not Drive in a Housecoat

Year enacted: Unknown

Forgot something at the store and need to run out real quick in your bathrobe? That’ll be a hard stop if you’re a woman in the state of California.

This antiquated (read: bizarre) law prohibits women from operating a motor vehicle while wearing a housecoat. If violated, a woman can be subject to some hefty fines.

Colorado: Don’t Purchase a Car on Sundays

Year enacted: Revised 2016

Want to buy a car in Colorado on a Sunday? That's too bad. According to the Sunday Closing Law, Colorado prohibits the sale of automobiles on a Sunday.

That said, you're totally fine to buy accessories for your car on that day. Why? It's hard to say. But you can't exchange vehicles either. Basically, no new cars for anyone on a Sunday in Colorado.

Connecticut: A Pickle Must Bounce in Order to Be Sold

Year enacted: 1948

If it doesn't bounce, then it's not a pickle, and you can't sell it as one. At least not in the state of Connecticut.

The series of statutes come from when a farmer was caught selling pickles that were not fit for human consumption. The man was fined $500 for his imposter pickle business.

Delaware: No Whispering in Church

Year enacted: 1974

Rohoboth Beach is serious about its church services. In fact, it's so serious that there is a law on the books that prevents whispering in church. The reason? It's considered to be a disturbance to the congregation.

The law takes it a step further even and prevents whispering from anywhere within 300 feet of church as well.

Florida: Women Can’t Fall Asleep in the Salon

Year enacted: Unknown

Feeling sleepy during a haircut? You’d better drink some coffee if you're in Florida. According to an old Florida law, it is illegal for a woman to fall asleep underneath a hairdryer in a salon.

Taking a nap while your hair is being dried is punishable by fine. The salon owner will also incur a fine.

Georgia: Llama-Related Activities Are at Your Own Risk

Year enacted: 1991

It’s unclear why this law was necessary. Who knew there was such a high population of llama-riders in the state of Georgia?

In any event, according to law, anyone who participates in "llama activities" is responsible for any injuries that they may suffer. According to Georgia, llamas are inherently risky, and the state wants no part of it.

Hawaii: You Can’t Put a Coin in Your Ear

Sunset Sihouette Palm Tree on Poipu Beach of Kauai Hawaii

Year enacted: 1900

Magicians looking to pull a coin out of your ear are going to have a tough time doing so in Hawaii. That's because it's illegal to put a coin in your ear in the state. Why? It's because of the cultural traditions of the native Hawaiians.

When Hawaii joined the U.S. it still had its own currency, but that tradition was repressed, and the native Hawaiians did not want their money disrespected by being placed in an ear.

Idaho: Don’t Mess With the Telegraph Lines

Year enacted: 1963

While the law probably made sense at the time it was enacted, we're pretty sure Idaho has landlines, cellphones and even the internet these days. Perhaps those telegraph lines are a bit obsolete at this point.

Still, there is a law on the books that says that anyone who removes the telegraph lines is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Illinois: You Can Drink Underage If You’re in a Culinary Program

Year enacted: 2012

You don’t need to sneak booze if you’re under the age of 21 in the state of Illinois. All you need to do is enroll in a culinary program. Sounds easy enough, right?

In 2012, the Illinois Senate passed a law that allowed culinary students to drink under the legal age limit. The only catch is that the students must be in a culinary classroom — and they have to spit the wine out after tasting.

Indiana: Mustaches Are Illegal — If You Plan on Kissing a Lot

Year enacted: Unknown

According to Indiana law books, it’s illegal for men to sport a mustache if they are in the habit of kissing other humans.

It’s unclear why this law was created, but law tends to come from necessity, so we imagine some mustached individual was getting far too close for comfort.

Iowa: No Selling RVs on a Sunday

Year enacted: Unknown

Looking to sell your RV on Sunday? Not so fast. Iowa is one of the only states that prohibits the sale of RVs on the Day of Rest.

Why? The reason is more rational than you might think. Selling an RV is like selling real estate. It involves a bank, insurance company and title, most of which are not open on Sundays. It's a consumer-protection issue, which is sort of comforting when you think about it.

Kansas: More Than 25 Counties Prohibit Selling Liquor by the Glass

Year enacted: 1948

Shots, anyone? That’s not going to happen in Kansas.

Until 1948, Kansas had entirely banned the sale of alcohol, which is 15 years after Congress repealed Prohibition. To this day, however, 29 counties in Kansas still do not permit the sale of individual glasses of liquor.

Kentucky: No Reptiles in Church

Year enacted: Early 1900s

Even the most devout of reptiles are banned from entering churches in Kentucky. Or so says a law that originated in the early 20th century.

According to Kentucky law, you could face a fine of more than $50 if your reptile sets even one scale inside a church house.

Louisiana: Don’t Steal Another Person’s Crawfish

Huge serving of crawfish boil with vegetables

Year enacted: 2011

If you're someone who likes to steal food off your partner's plate, you may want to think again in Louisiana, especially if what you're eating is crawfish. According to a 2011 law, if you steal someone's crawfish, you may not walk away easily.

In fact, stealing crawfish can get you prison time — up to 10 years if you steal more than $1,500 worth of crawfish. That may be significantly more than a plateful, but why take the risk? Just get your own!

Maine: No Dancing Without a Permit

Year enacted: 1987

In Maine, it’s illegal to dance without a permit — sort of. The law actually states that it is illegal to dance in establishments that sell alcohol unless the establishment has a “special amusement” permit.

That said, if you are dancing while singing along to karaoke, you are well within your right to do so.

Maryland: Keep It Clean in Public

Year enacted: 2017

Thinking of cursing in Rockville, Maryland? No bleeping way.

A few years ago, the town of Rockland passed a law that prohibits swearing in public. If anyone hears an expletive cross your lips, you could be fined up to $100. Better start practicing your "gosh darnits" now.

Massachusetts: Sing It Right or Pay the Price

Year enacted: Unknown

Whenever you're in Massachusetts, it is the law to sing the "Star Spangled Banner" correctly. No matter if you're in a theater, restaurant or cafe, any time you are in public, the national anthem must be performed correctly.

To alter it in any way would be considered a crime, and the perpetrator would be charged a fine of up to $100.

Michigan: Stand by Your Man (or Woman)

Year enacted: 1931

According to Michigan State Legislature, adultery is considered a felony. Stepping out on your spouse can land you a $5,000 fine or up to four years in prison.

While the state does not enforce the law, it’s still something to consider (among many things) before you entertain the idea of breaking your vows.

Minnesota: Pigs Shall Remain Ungreased

Year enacted: 1971

One particular law in the Minnesota State Legislature strictly bans the greasing or oiling of pigs for contests. The law states, "No person shall operate, run or participate in a contest, game or other like activity in which a pig, greased, oiled or otherwise, is released and wherein the object is the capture of the pig."

Sounds fair, right?

Mississippi: You Can’t Have 2 Kids Out of Wedlock

Year enacted: 2013

It sounds bizarre (not to mention against the constitution), but the state of Mississippi did pass a law in 2013 that declares that people are only permitted to have one child without being married. If you have a second child out of wedlock you will be facing fines or even jail time.

If this sounds ridiculously draconian … that's because it is.

Missouri: No Bear-Wrestling

Year enacted: 2000

It seems unnecessary to state that wrestling a bear is a bad idea. Nevertheless, Missouri has such a law on the books.

Before 2000, it was not uncommon for people to set up bear-wrestling rings, which is not only crazy but also completely inhumane. It's pretty shocking that such a law had to be instituted, but here you have it.

Montana: Performers Must Stay on Stage

Year enacted: 1967

Need to take five during your stage performance? That’s not possible in Billings.

City law requires performers to remain on stage for the entirety of their performance. According to the law, no entertainer, regardless of gender, is permitted to leave the stage during the performance, for any reason.

Nebraska: No Person With an STD Can Legally Mary

Year enacted: Unknown

Going back to antiquated and draconian laws, according to Nebraska law, it’s illegal for anyone with a sexually transmitted disease to be married. This law is absolutely ridiculous and impossible to enforce because no blood test is required for a marriage license.

Nevertheless, it is on the books in the Cornhusker State.

Nevada: Sidewalks Are for Standing

Year enacted: 2006

When in Reno, it is the law to remain vertical on the sidewalk at all times. That's right — no lying down on the sidewalk in Reno.

Local law dictates that, "No person shall sit or lie down upon a public sidewalk or upon a blanket, chair, stool or any other object placed upon a public sidewalk in the Downtown Reno Regional Center."

New Hampshire: Pregnant Women Can’t Commit Murder

Year enacted: 2017

Not too long ago, the state of New Hampshire enacted a new homicide law that defined a 20-week fetus as a person. That said, the law has a loophole for pregnant women who are seeking an abortion.

The law had to be amended, however, because the original language was so vague that it seemed to allow for pregnant women to commit murder of any kind.

New Jersey: You Shouldn’t Wear a Bulletproof Vest While Committing a Crime

A woman in a police vest standing in front of the sky

Year enacted: 1983

If you're planning on committing a crime in New Jersey, you best leave your bulletproof vest at home. Why? Because wearing one is a separate charge.

It seems a little absurd — you're already committing a crime, so what does it matter what you're wearing? But in New Jersey, it turns out that when it comes to committing crimes, fashion is everything.

New Mexico: Idiots Are Banned From Voting

Year enacted: 1910

For more than 100 years, a law was on the books in New Mexico that prevented "idiots" from voting. Seems like a good plan in theory, but the actual practice was rather discriminatory.

Until 2016, the word "idiot" was used to describe people with mental disabilities or with an IQ below 30, so in reality, it was a pretty outdated and harmful law. Today, the ban has been reversed and the language changed.

New York: Only Wear Masks for Party Purposes

Year enacted: 1845

This Empire State law isn’t exactly enforced these days, considering New York State is very pro-mask, but before COVID, it was actually illegal in New York to wear a mask or any facial alterations unless it was for a pre-approved event or a party.

The law looks a little different every since the mask mandates and has been partially overturned.

North Carolina: No Costumes in Business Settings

Year enacted: 1953

Apparently, that office Halloween party is canceled? At least in North Carolina it is.

The law may sound a bit bizarre, but it actually was written to abolish the frequent Ku Klux Klan activity that was prevalent in the area. In that case, this is a law we can certainly get behind.

North Dakota: Only Citizens Can Weigh in on Lentils

Year enacted: 1997

Lentils, chickpeas and lupins may not seem like foods that are particularly controversial, but when you live in North Dakota, you may see it differently. In 1997, the state created a Dry Pea and Lentil Council to promote certain agricultural industries.

And you can't be just anyone to serve. Only U.S. citizens are permitted to be members of the council.

Ohio: You Must Report If Your Wild Animal Escapes

Year enacted: 2006

It may seem obvious, but evidently, the residents of Grand Rapids need a little extra reminder: If your wild animal escapes, you are legally obligated to report it to authorities within an hour.

Wild animals refer to any animal that is not indigenous to the state or presents a risk of serious physical harm to other people or property. Your pet guinea pig probably does not count.

Oklahoma: Mind Your Business

Year enacted: 1910

In Oklahoma, it’s illegal to be a busybody. That's right — no eavesdropping in this state.

According to the early 20th-century law, it is a misdemeanor to secretly loiter with the intent to overhear a conversation and then repeat it with ill intent.

Oregon: No Astrologers Allowed

Year enacted: 1867

To clarify, this is not a statewide law. But it is very much a law in the town of Yamhill. Astrology is considered to be a form of the "occult arts," which are illegal to practice in Yamhill.

So, if you're looking to know more about your future, definitely don't visit this Oregon town. Also forbidden here are mesmerism, spiritualism, fortune-telling and palmistry.

Pennsylvania: You Can’t Barter Your Baby

Year enacted: 2006

There are human trafficking laws all over the world, but in Pennsylvania in particular, it is specifically illegal to barter for or with a baby.

Just in case you thought you’d bring a baby down to the general store to trade for a few sacks of flour, it’s not an option in Pennsylvania. And we’re grateful for that.

Rhode Island: Limb-Biting Is Strictly Prohibited

Year enacted: 1896

This isn’t necessarily a bad law to have on the books either. It just seems rather straightforward and unnecessary to enact into law. In any event, in the state of Rhode Island, it is illegal to bite off another person's limb.

In the event that you do (on purpose, of course), you could face up to 20 years in prison. To be fair, the law also applies to putting an eye out and slitting the nose, ear or lip as well.

South Carolina: Don’t Seduce an Unmarried Woman

Year enacted: Unknown

In South Carolina, it is against the law to use the promise of marriage as a pickup line.

It’s not really a nice thing to do no matter where you are, but it is actually illegal in South Carolina for a man over the age of 16 to seduce an unmarried woman with the false promise of marriage.

South Dakota: Candy Can’t Have More Than .5% of Alcohol

Year enacted: 2018

It’s not that South Dakota is a dry state. Not at all, actually. But when it comes to candy, South Dakota can be rather puritanical.

Candy is not legally permitted to have more than .5 percent of alcohol in it. That’s not to say that we’re looking for the booziest bonbons, but sometimes, it’s nice to indulge in a liqueur-filled candy now and again.

Tennessee: Dueling Disqualifies You From Public Office

Year enacted: 1796

Saturday's alright for fighting, but if it's a duel in Tennessee between people who may someday want to run for office … you’d better think again.

According to the Tennessee constitution, it is illegal for someone to run for public office if they have a history of participating in a duel of any kind.

Texas: You Must Believe in God to Run for Office

Year enacted: 1845

Texas has some pretty outrageous laws — even in modern days. But one of the more obscure and outdated laws is that anyone who wants to hold office in Texas has to believe in God.

It says so right in the Texas constitution. Atheists need not apply. It’s as if they forgot why this country was founded in the first place.

Utah: Don’t Launch Missiles at Buses

Year enacted: 1999

It may seem pretty obvious, but in Utah, they decided to spell it out. It is illegal in the state of Utah (and we hope everywhere else in the country) to hurl a missile at a bus or a bus terminal.

If you are a “peace officer” or security personnel, you are exempt from the law, provided you have a pretty good reason to do so.

Vermont: Let the People Have Their Clotheslines

Year enacted: 2009

The Vermont bylaws are pretty serious when it comes to laundry. So much so that it is written in the Vermont statutes that the people of Vermont will not be prohibited from installing clotheslines.

The law forbids any regulations that prohibit them as well as other energy devices based on renewable resources.

Virginia: Sundays Aren’t for Killing … Unless It’s Raccoons

Year enacted: 1950

Woodland creatures get a break on Sundays even in hunting season. That's because in Virginia it is illegal to go hunting on Sundays.

The only exception to the rule is when it comes to hunting raccoons. It's always raccoon season in Virginia, it seems.

Washington: Don’t Kill Bigfoot

Year enacted: 1969

Whether you believe in Bigfoot or not doesn’t matter. Skamania County certainly does, and they have his life protected for eternity. People became so fascinated with tracking down this legendary forest beast that people from all over the country were coming to the wilderness to see if they could catch a glimpse.

The law, which has since been updated to encompass any endangered species, states that anyone who slays Bigfoot will be imprisoned for a sentence of five years.

West Virginia: No Lewd Behavior Before Marriage

Year enacted: 1931

After 1931, in West Virginia, it was illegal to participate in any lewd or lacivious activity before the sacred marriage vows had been exchanged. How … unrealistic.

Nevertheless, it was written in the West Virginia Legislature that any such behavior before marriage was not only immoral, but also illegal. Thankfully the powers that be came to their senses, and the law was repealed in 2010.

Wisconsin: All Cheese Must Be Delicious

Year enacted: 1993

Wisconsin is certainly the dairy counter of America, known for producing some of the best cheese in the country. You can blame the well-fed cows, the rolling pastures or maybe even the cheese-making techniques for such delicious cheese, but you may also be interested to know that it is actually the law for Wisconsin cheese to be delicious or, as the legal jargon puts it, “highly delicious.”

According to the law, "Cheese shall be fine, highly pleasing and free from undesirable flavors and odors."

Wyoming: Don’t Ski Under the Influence

Year enacted: 2011

Yet another law that would probably do well in many states, Wyoming took it upon itself in 2011 to declare that skiing under the influence is a misdemeanor.

If you're impaired by consumption of alcohol or drugs and take to the slopes, you can be imprisoned for up to 20 years, fined $200 or both.