Crazy Laws From Every State in the USA

There are some pretty crazy laws in the USA. Unless you have a law degree, chances are you don’t know much about our legal system. For instance: did you know there’s a difference between federal laws, state laws and local laws?

State laws vary by state and there are some pretty crazy laws out there. Once upon a time there was a reason behind these laws and over time these reasons became defunct but the laws were never changed.

Here are 50 of the craziest state laws we’ve come across, one for each state:

Alabama – No Ice Cream in Back Pockets

Did you know it’s illegal to carry an ice cream cone in your back pocket in Alabama? This quirky law was originally created to prevent horse theft, as people would use the sweet treat to lure horses away.

Alaska – Don’t Wake a Sleeping Bear

In Alaska, it’s illegal to wake a sleeping bear to take a picture. Wildlife authorities take animal safety seriously, and disturbing bears could lead to dangerous encounters.

Arizona – No Donkeys in Bathtubs

Arizona law prohibits keeping a donkey in a bathtub. This strange rule was enacted after a donkey-filled tub floated away during a flood, causing costly rescue efforts.

Arkansas – Say It Right

In Arkansas, it’s technically illegal to mispronounce the state’s name. The correct pronunciation is “Arkansaw,” and the law aims to preserve the state’s heritage and pride.

California – No Frogs in Frog-Jumping Contests

California law states that frogs in a frog-jumping contest can’t be killed if they die during the competition. This law protects the iconic annual frog-jumping contest inspired by Mark Twain.

Colorado – Don’t Ride a Horse While Drunk

In Colorado, riding a horse while under the influence is considered a DUI. The law applies the same as if you were driving a car, ensuring public safety.

Connecticut – Pickles Must Bounce

For a pickle to be legally sold in Connecticut, it must bounce. This law was enacted to prevent the sale of substandard pickles to unsuspecting consumers.

Delaware – No Whispering in Church

In Delaware, whispering in church during service can technically get you fined. This law is rarely enforced but exists to maintain decorum in religious gatherings.

Florida – No Parking on the Sidewalk with an Elephant

Florida has a law that prohibits parking your elephant on the sidewalk. This was likely a response to early circus influences in the state.

Georgia – No Chickens Crossing the Road

In Georgia, it’s illegal for chickens to cross the road. This law was meant to ensure poultry owners keep their flocks properly contained.

Hawaii – No Billboards Allowed

Hawaii bans billboards to preserve the natural beauty of the islands. This law helps maintain scenic views without visual clutter.

Idaho – No Giving Someone a Box of Candy Over 50 Pounds

In Idaho, it’s illegal to give a loved one a box of candy weighing more than 50 pounds. This law was likely introduced to promote moderation.

Illinois – No Fancy Bike Riding

In Illinois, it’s illegal to ride a bicycle with no hands. The law was created to prevent accidents caused by reckless riding.

Indiana – No Catching Fish with Bare Hands

Indiana law prohibits catching fish with bare hands. This rule is meant to regulate fishing methods and protect fish populations.

Iowa – No Faking Marriages

In Iowa, it’s illegal to pretend to be married in order to get a hotel room. This law aims to prevent fraud and maintain moral standards.

Kansas – No Shooting Rabbits from Motorboats

Kansas law bans shooting rabbits from motorboats to protect wildlife and encourage ethical hunting practices.

Kentucky – Every Citizen Must Shower Once a Year

In Kentucky, there’s an old law that technically requires citizens to bathe at least once a year. Though rarely enforced, it’s a humorous reminder of bygone hygiene expectations.

Louisiana – No Surprise Pizza Delivery

Sending a pizza to someone without their permission in Louisiana is illegal. This law helps prevent prank deliveries and unwanted costs.

Maine – No Christmas Decorations After January 14

In Maine, keeping holiday decorations up past January 14 can result in fines. The law encourages timely seasonal clean-up.

Maryland – No Lions at the Movies

Bringing a lion to the movies in Maryland is illegal. This law was likely introduced to ensure public safety and avoid disruptions.

Massachusetts – No Singing the National Anthem Off-Key

Singing the national anthem off-key in Massachusetts is technically against the law. This rule aims to preserve respect for the anthem.

Michigan – No Painting Sparrows to Sell as Parakeets

Michigan law prohibits painting sparrows and selling them as parakeets. This law was enacted to prevent fraud in the pet trade.

Minnesota – No Greasy Pigs in Competitions

It’s illegal to hold a greased pig contest in Minnesota. This rule aims to prevent animal cruelty and ensure ethical treatment of animals.

Mississippi – No Swearing in Public

In Mississippi, swearing in public can result in fines or jail time. The law encourages public decency and good manners.

Missouri – No Driving with an Uncaged Bear

Missouri law bans driving with an uncaged bear in your vehicle. This law prioritizes public safety and proper animal transportation.

Montana – No Guiding Sheep onto Railroad Tracks

In Montana, it’s illegal to guide sheep onto railroad tracks. This law protects livestock and prevents train accidents.

Nebraska – No Mixing Liquor and Beer

Nebraska law prohibits bartenders from mixing liquor with beer. The rule ensures adherence to alcohol regulations.

Nevada – No Camels on Highways

Camels are not allowed on Nevada highways. This law dates back to when camels were used for transportation in the desert.

New Hampshire – No Collecting Seaweed at Night

In New Hampshire, it’s illegal to collect seaweed at night. The law was introduced to regulate harvesting practices.

New Jersey – No Pumping Your Own Gas

New Jersey bans self-service gas stations. This law aims to preserve jobs and ensure safe fueling.

New Mexico – No Idiots Voting

An old law in New Mexico states that “idiots” cannot vote. This outdated and offensive language is no longer enforced.

New York – No Wearing Slippers After 10 PM

In New York, wearing slippers after 10 PM is technically illegal. The law was created to promote safety in public areas.

North Carolina – No Singing Off-Key

North Carolina law makes it illegal to sing off-key in public. This rule likely aims to maintain harmony in public spaces.

North Dakota – No Beer and Pretzels

Serving beer and pretzels together in North Dakota is prohibited. This unusual law is likely rooted in outdated liquor regulations.

Ohio – No Fishing Drunk

In Ohio, it’s illegal to get a fish drunk. This unusual law was created to protect aquatic life from potential harm.

Oregon – No Whistling Underwater

In Oregon, it’s illegal to whistle underwater. This quirky law remains a mystery to many.

Pennsylvania – No Tying a Dollar to a String and Pulling It Away

In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to tie a dollar bill to a string and pull it away when someone tries to pick it up. This law was created to prevent public disturbances.

Rhode Island – No Biting Off Another’s Limb

Rhode Island law prohibits biting off another person’s limb. This law was put in place to address violent altercations.

South Carolina – No Working on Sundays

Certain professions in South Carolina are prohibited from working on Sundays under old blue laws, though they are rarely enforced today.

South Dakota – No Horses Inside Fountains

It is illegal to let your horse drink from a fountain in South Dakota. This law was introduced to maintain public hygiene.

Tennessee – No Skunks as Pets

Tennessee law bans owning skunks as pets due to their potential to carry rabies and other diseases.

Texas – No Selling an Eye

In Texas, it is illegal to sell your eye. The law was enacted to prevent illegal trade in human body parts.

Utah – No Catastrophes Allowed

A strange Utah law states that no one is allowed to cause a catastrophe, which includes explosions and natural disasters.

Vermont – No Clotheslines Without a Permit

In Vermont, residents must obtain a permit to set up a clothesline, aiming to maintain neighborhood aesthetics.

Virginia – No Tickle Fights

In Virginia, it’s illegal to engage in tickle fights in public spaces to avoid disruptions and maintain order.

Washington – No Bigfoot Hunting

Washington has an official law that makes hunting Bigfoot illegal, reinforcing the state’s mythical pride.

West Virginia – No Hats in Theaters

Wearing a hat in a theater in West Virginia is prohibited to ensure everyone can see the screen.

Wisconsin – No Butter Substitutes in Prisons

Wisconsin law bans the use of margarine in state prisons, ensuring inmates get real dairy products.

Wyoming – No Photographing Rabbits from January to April

In Wyoming, it is illegal to photograph rabbits without a permit during the first four months of the year.

Are there any crazy laws you’ve come across in your state? Tell us in the comments!