Life is filled with absurdities, and it’s best exemplified by the scores of weirdest laws you probably never knew existed. For instance, in 1969, anyone who made the grave mistake of killing Bigfoot in Skamania County, Washington, faced up to five years in the slammer. Whether Sasquatch exists notwithstanding, the state later amended the law designating the mythical creature as an endangered species.

If you thought that was wild, try hunting in Virginia on Sunday, and you will find yourself facing the full extent of the law. While at it, don’t go mispronouncing Arkansas, and for anyone who needs a spelling refresher, it’s Ark-an-Saw.

Delaware Frowns Upon those Who Go Whispering in the Lord’s House

The city of Rehoboth Beach in Delaware takes its church services super seriously, to the point of having a law against whispering in the Lord’s house. Effected in 1974, the reason is quite simple; it causes a disturbance and distracts other members of the congregation from having a peaceful worship experience.

However, it doesn’t end within the confines of the house of prayer. The law further bans whispering within a 300-foot radius of religious institutions. Yes, the law still stands, but it would take a particularly irate churchgoer to call the cops on another congregation member who dares to break this interesting law.

In Arkansas, Cows Can’t Go For a Stroll Past 1 p.m. on Sundays

In Arkansas, strolls with cows shouldn’t go past 1 p.m. on Sunday. Enacted in 1882, the city of Little Rock enacted a law that outlawed having bovines wandering around Main Street after 1 p.m. Adding to it, if you must walk your farm animal on a public highway in Arkansas, make sure it isn’t blindfolded.

On top of that, don’t string a bell of any kind around your livestock’s neck within the city limits past 9 p.m. Little Rock has the most bones to pick with pet owners, and there is also a law that prohibits your dog from barking past 6 p.m.

It is Prohibited to Take a Snooze while Getting your Hair Done in Florida

PPicture getting your tresses some much-needed TLC at a beauty salon in Florida, and when cozily set under in the dryer, your heavy lids get the best of you. Think again before you catch some shut-eye because it could land you in trouble with the law, that is, if the shop owner decided the cops on you.

It's a costly mistake to catch some Z's while getting your hair done, and in particular while set up underneath the hairdryer. Not only will it cost you a fine, but the business owner will also have to part with a hefty sum.

Don’t Get a Moose Drunk in Alaska

Alaskans don’t mess around with their moose, and in 1917, the city of Fairbanks outlawed the action of feeding elk alcoholic beverages. A local tavern keeper saw it fit to get his pet moose sloshed, and it sent the poor animal into a violent tare. Technically, the law prohibits having moose on public sidewalks, which in turn prevents them from traipsing around taverns for drinks.

The state also doesn’t take it lightly when hunters waste parts of the animal after a successful hunt.  Legally, folks are meant to set the hide, stomach, heart, liver, kidneys, and head aside “for human use.”

Studying the Culinary Arts isn’t an Excuse to Drink Alcohol, Except in Illinois

Students enrolled in a culinary program can somehow circumvent underage drinking laws in Illinois.  As it stands, anyone under the age of 21 in the U.S. is not allowed to partake in alcohol, even if their future profession requires it. Illinois enacted the “Sip and Spit” law in 2012, to allow some wiggle room for underage drinkers to benefit from the full experience of attending culinary schools.

It gets interesting because while it allows students to sip some alcohol, they can’t swallow the boozy drink. Chef trainees supposedly have to spit out any liquor they taste, especially during the wine tasting portion of their coursework.

Thinking about Growing a Mustache? Indiana Outlaws it if you Plan on Smooching a Lot

Indiana law books state that for men, the right to have facial hair is reserved for those who are not habitual kissers. The inference is that only clean-shaven males have the liberty to go around smooching strangers on the street. On the other hand, does it mean that those who choose to grow mustaches have decided that they can live without sharing the love?

It’s unclear how and why the rule became law but perhaps it stemmed from a mustached individual getting too close for comfort with a state lawmaker. Wonder if males living in the state observe No-Shave November.

It’s Dirty Dancing all Over Again In Maine

In 1987, Maine outlawed dancing without a permit, and coincidentally, it was the same year that “Dirty Dancing” premiered on the big screen. The actual law refers to dancing at entertainment venues where alcohol is sold, and the exception is in cases where the establishment has a “Special Amusement Permit.”

The permit is renewable annually, and establishments applying for it have to pay a $129 fee. Before getting the permit, a public hearing is scheduled during the regular Town Council meeting, given that the public has a say in whether or not any premise receives the green light to allow dancing within their premises.

Nosy Nellies Don’t Have any Business Eavesdropping in Oklahoma

Being a busybody who enjoys indulging in some juicy gossip could land you in trouble if you live in Oklahoma. Enacted in 1910, the state considered nosy Nellies as petty criminals. Those found guilty of secretly loitering around buildings to eavesdrop on conversations, so that they could repeat what they heard with ill intent, are subject to misdemeanor charges.

In addition, the Sooner state outlaws the use of curse words in the presence of children below 10 years old and women. Anyone found cursing like a sailor is subject to spend time in prison or pay a $100 fine. Wonder what happens when it’s a woman caught cursing!

You Can’t Get Sloshed and Camp at an Alaskan Bar

If you are visiting Alaska and decide to grab one for the road, by all means, have fun. Just make sure that you are not already belligerently drunk before walking into a local watering hole. Alternatively, don’t get too intoxicated and decide to camp out at the bar. Police in Anchorage had just about had it with sloshed individuals and they started conducting sting operations in 2012.

Wondering how they nab the culprits? Well, plain-clothed officers conduct covert missions to identify and arrest excessively drunk individuals. Sounds like too much trouble but other patrons deserve to enjoy their drinks without the sight of drunken sleepy folks dampening the experience.

Cheating is a Costly Affair in Michigan

In 1931, the Michigan State Legislature enacted a law that considered adultery a felony. The law states that the married person, and not the third party to the cheating, is liable for punishment. Spouses who step out of their marriage risk paying dearly, and to be precise, a $5,000 fine is imposed on those found guilty of the crime. A cheating person also risks earning a four-year prison sentence.

The state doesn’t really enforce this law, otherwise, there would be lists of eye-popping headlines coming from Michigan. Regardless, some folks might decide to challenge the law as a way of seeking justice after their spouse breaks their vows.

Yamhill, Oregon doesn’t Embrace Occult Arts

While it isn’t a stateside law, the town of Yamhill in Oregon outlawed the occult arts in 1867. The town views these occult practices as unscientific and unsound practices, with the goal being an attempt or pretense to predict the past, present, or future events.  That includes astrology, which falls under the umbrella of the occult arts, and it’s illegal to practice it in Yamhill.

Alongside astrology, Yamhill forbids the practice of palmistry, clairvoyance, mesmerism, fortune-telling, and spiritualism within the town limits. Anyone who is keen on keeping tabs on what the future holds is out of luck when visiting this Oregon town.

Hawaii Doesn’t Think that Coins Should Go anywhere Near Someone’s Ear

Magicians in Hawaii have their work cut out for them because the state doesn’t allow folks to put coins in their ears. King Kamehameha enacted the law in 1847, and when the group of volcanic islands became part of the United States, it stayed in effect in line with the natives’ cultural traditions. Anyone with legal tender tucked inside their ear is suspected of dealing with illegal drugs.

Another account of events suggests that when Hawaii became part of the U.S., the American currency replaced the region’s former legal tender. Locals reportedly tried to hide their original coins in their ears, hence the reason why the law came into effect.

If It wasn’t Already Obvious, Alabama Outlaws Driving while Blindfolded

It appears as if some people needed a reminder in the form of a law outlawing driving while blindfolded in Alabama. The law further states that drivers should not operate a vehicle if their view of the front or side of the road is obstructed. Passengers are also prohibited from riding in positions that interfere with the driver’s view of the road ahead or the sides.

Alabama isn’t the only state with weird traffic laws, and in Arizona, vehicle owners aren’t allowed to drive in reverse on public roads. In Arkansas, motorists are prohibited from honking their horns near sandwich shops past 9 p.m.

Thinking about dressing up as a Priest for Halloween, Rethink your Costume Choice while in Alabama

Anyone living in Alabama and toying around with the idea of impersonating a clergy should think twice, or risk being prosecuted. The state has this weird law that says if a person in a public space fraudulently pretends to be a nun, minister of any religion, rabbi, priest, or clergy member, they will be found guilty of a misdemeanor.

Upon conviction, anyone found masquerading as a member of the clergy is subject to a $500 fine or confinement in a country jail for not more than 12 months. Some offenders can even end up serving a sentence and also paying the fine. The Alabama Legislature passed the law in 1965.

Donkeys Sleeping in Bathtubs? Not in Arizona!

The swinging ‘20s were a different time, perhaps best exemplified by a law that prohibited having donkeys sleep in bathtubs. A local dam in Arizona broke and flooded a rancher’s home, subsequently whisking his bathtub miles away. The rancher would have picked up, as most people do after surviving unfortunate incidents, only that the bathtub washed away with his donkey in it!

After efforts went into rescuing the poor animal, the town decided to spell it out in the form of a law. Donkeys have no business sleeping in bathtubs, but it’s perfectly fine for them to stand in one, perhaps when taking a shower.

Your Fortune Teller Must Have Certification in Massachusetts

Massachusetts doesn’t have a problem with folks who make a living telling fortunes, they only draw the line when the said professional is practicing without a license. Getting the license isn’t a straightforward process like going down to the local council offices to apply for one. The law further states that fortune tellers must have been living in the state for at least one year before applying for the permit.

The license is renewable annually, and fortune tellers pay a $50 fee for the privilege of operating within the state. Also, the licenses are location-specific and permit the person who obtains them to specifically

Possessing and Distributing Plastic Confetti is Illegal in Mobile

It may sound ridiculous, but the city of Mobile in Alabama has a 21st-century confetti policy. People in the city cannot have a few seconds of confetti fun because it is prohibited to make, possess, sell, throw, or give away plastic-based, non-biodegradable confetti. The law, updated in 2018, is a code found under the state’s littering section.

It took about a month for the absurd law to be passed after confetti started to litter the streets once again during Mardi Gras parades. Mobile residents can, however, legally enjoy such festivities using approved alternatives like serpentine-coiled paper streamers or paper confetti.

Silly String is all Fun and Games Unless you are in Mobile, Alabama

Mobile, Alabama, seems to have an issue with fun in general, and it isn’t only confetti that is banned in the city. Alabama’s only saltwater port also isn’t too fond of the use of silly string within the city limits. Just like plastic-made confetti, Mobile banned the manufacture, storage, sale, distribution, and handling of silly string.

The same applies to snap pops as well as other similar substances. Enacted for reasons related to public safety, Mobile also banned the huffing and sniffing of glue. Outlined under multiple sections in its city code, the law bars merchants from selling one tube of glue to each customer within a 24-hour period.

Arizona Motorists Pick up the Tab for Their Rescue

Dubbed the “stupid motorist law,” the absurd flood zone rescue law essentially boxes-in motorists in Arizona. It says that drivers who find themselves literally caught up between a rock and a hard place are liable for their actions. In particular, after driving around a barricade and unfortunately ending up in a flood zone, a motorist is to cover the costs related to their rescue.

If public emergency services, including paramedics or the fire department, respond to the scene in such an event, then the motorist can expect to walk away with a hefty bill for their services. The rescued driver might also incur an additional liability of up to $2k.

You need a Permit to Feed Pigs Garbage in Arizona

In Arizona, pig farmers, or any other individual responsible for feeding the animals, must obtain a permit before feeding the swine garbage. It is an authentic Arizona statute where no person is supposed to offer garbage to a pig without first getting a permit from the associate director.

The license does not last a lifetime and pig farmers must renew them every January to stay compliant with the law and keep raring pigs for commercial purposes. There is, however,  a twist to the law because it does not apply to individuals who exclusively feed their household garbage to swine raised for personal use.

Deceased Jumping Frogs Deserve their Last Respects in California

Who knew that frogs were that important in California? Apparently, there is a law where no one can eat a frog that lost its life following a frog-jumping contest. Instead, individuals must destroy it as fast as possible. Interested parties are nonetheless allowed to keep as many live frogs as they want to use in the contests.

The jumping contests are normally announced or advertised in newspapers and are open to the public. Frog jumping breeders can lose their croakers u at any moment if they don’t have the necessary permits or licenses. Anyone who injures frogs while breeding them is subject to animal cruelty charges.

 Unlike Noah’s Ark, Kentucky Churches Don’t Welcome Reptiles

It appears as if folks do the weirdest things in church, hence why equally strange laws exist prohibiting such acts. For instance, the state of Kentucky reminds churchgoers to leave their reptiles at home. Outlined under Chapter 437 of the Offences Against Public Peace Act, anyone who breaks the law faces a fine of up to $100.

Originating from the early 20th century when snake-handling was rife as a religious ritual. In 1909 Tennessee, members of the congregation would pass the slithering serpents, often rattlers, from one person to the next. Some places of worship would accompany the ritual with poison drinking as a test of faith.

Thinking of Starting your Career as a Rainmaker? Get a License First in Colorado

You need a permit to perform weather-changing activities in Colorado. While rainmaking practices sound absurd, and perhaps backward to some people, weather modification is quite possible. In fact, it is a lucrative business as exemplified by the ski resorts in Colorado paying companies to burn silver iodide around their premises.

The metallic material breaches the atmosphere and when it gets to the clouds, it stimulates precipitation. This, in turn, generates fresh sheets of powdery goodness, keeping the slopes at optimal conditions for skiers. Hence why a permit is necessary to perform such activities to ensure minimal harm to the surroundings.

Trash isn’t Treasure in Hartford, Connecticut

Trash hunters and dumpster divers have their work cut out for them in Hartford, Connecticut. It is illegal to more or less collect junk from public places and streets without a license. That includes old metal, cinders, rags, glass, paper, and other waste matter tossed out. The same code prohibits trash collectors from bartering or purchasing such items.

While collecting such junk, trash seekers are required to have their licenses with them at all times. Licensees are also prohibited from working between 6.00 p.m. to 7 a.m., and they are also banned from collecting trash that people or businesses set out for collection by the city.

Delaware Cracks Down on Dog Hair Sales

Delaware has a “101 Dalmatians-inspired” law in place that prohibits the sale of dog fur. As described in the law, the unlawful trade includes bartering or offering the fur or hair of a domestic dog for sale. The same applies to cat fur, and anyone found dealing in the trade is subject to a fine amounting to $2.5K.

Anyone who breaks the law also risks having their rights to own a pet permanently revoked. Trading in animal byproducts, say selling a coat fashioned out of dog fur, is equally punishable by law.  Classified as a misdemeanor, in the worst case, a guilty person faces up to 15 years behind bars.

Surprise Pizzas in Louisiana are Banned

Want to surprise someone with a rideshare-delivered meal? Forget about ordering a pizza if it is in Louisiana. The state considers sending surprise pizzas as a form of harassment. Could be that you are buying yourself the pizza and mistakenly enter the wrong address. That error could cost you a $500 fine.

The reasoning is that the sender is trying to stick the pizza recipient with a bill for something they never ordered. It is like the old ‘90s pranks where folks would send dozens of boxes of doughy goodness to someone who ends up having to pay for them all.

Sleeveless Shirts in Public, Not in Maryland!

Joggers in Maryland must have a tough time getting their sweat on at the park. The state bans wearing sleeveless shirts in public parks, and Baltimore considers it a park rule violation.  The fine isn’t the heftiest, and you will most likely have to part with $10 for breaking the rule.

Maryland residents are perhaps accustomed to strange laws, starting with the one that prohibits people from taking lions to the movies. There is also a law reminding women who think that they can go through their husband’s pockets for some loose change while he’s sleeping not to do it. When cruising down the highway, you are not allowed to curse.

The Fourth Time isn’t the Charm in Kentucky

After four walks down to the altar, if a woman still can’t figure out if her knight in shining armor is her true soulmate, she can’t get hitched to him again a fourth time. The state of Kentucky curbs the number of times a woman can get married to the same man to three.

Just to reiterate, a woman can get married as many times as she wants, to different men, but the state draws the line at walking down the altar more than three times to marry the same person. Several states have crazy laws related to the big day, and in Delaware, you can get an annulment if you got hitched as a prank or dare.

Curb your Galloping at 10 Miles Per Hour in Indiana

Equestrians in Indianapolis, Indiana are expected to curb their galloping speed at 10 miles per hour. Effected in 1975, the law essentially likens horses to vehicles, but it particularly referred to horse-drawn carriages and buggies which were still popular modes of transport at the time.

Given that speed guns came into the picture in 1992, we are curious how the traffic cops caught culprits surpassing the speed limit. The code further prohibits leaving horses insecurely fastened, unattended, or unhitched at places where vehicles typically park. Anyone found breaking the law is subject to all applicable traffic regulations enforced on motor vehicles. 

It is Illegal To Sell Artificial Limbs To Pawnbrokers In Delaware

If you happen to see something you like in a pawnshop in Delaware and are willing to give your prosthetics, do not even bother. Pawnbrokers cannot receive as a pledge or take wheelchairs or artificial limbs. Violations may lead to misconduct or up to $10K fines. The charter was enacted in 1907 and initially included workers' tools, which were dropped later.

As per the 2006 code, a loan shark is any person who engages in the business of lending money after clients place a deposit or pledge personal property. The individual can also be in the business of buying valuables and selling them at the seller's stipulated price.

It's Unlawful To Have More Than One Illegitimate Child In Mississippi

You are on the right side of the law as a resident of Mississippi with one illegitimate child. Parents officially jump into moral corruption for having two kids out of wedlock. It is a serious crime where you can spend anywhere from 30-90 days in county jail, pay fines no less than $250, or both.

If an individual gets another young one, they will be subject to three to six months in prison, which can come with a $500 fine. Ladies who give birth to twins can sigh in relief because this is construed as the birth of a single child.

Duelers Should Forget About Holding Public Service in Tennessee

Dueling is private combat governed by formal rules, a manifestation of a romantic spirit that existed in the south. To partake in the sport while living in Tennessee, individuals must shelve any passion or motivation they may have to be part of public service. The state's constitution of 1870 and 1835 denies public office to persons who have participated in a duel or become part of the fighting.

The legislature can punish offenders, yet individuals who fought outside Tennessee are not disqualified. The Supreme Court ruled that it did not have any powers to penalize the dueling act when it is done legally in other jurisdictions.

Marriage by Proxy is Permitted in Texas

There are different ways to get married in Texas besides the standard option of bride and groom walking down the aisle. If one individual cannot be part of the wedding, they can authorize another adult to stand in for them during the ceremony. Proxy marriages are, however, not available to every Tom, Dick, and Harry.

They are only limited to specific military personnel. The professionals can be armed forces members stationed in another nation supporting combat or other operations and cannot attend the joyous occasion on time. The couple getting married must submit an affidavit to the county clerk when applying for the marriage license.

Did You Know You Can't Hunt On Sundays in Virginia Unless You Are Killing Raccoons?

All wild animals in America should move to Virginia on Sundays if they want to spare their lives. The day is declared a rest day for all species, including birds and animals. Raccoons are, however, exempt from this protection because people are free to kill them until 2:00 a.m. It simply means people cannot kill or hunt creatures with firearms or other weapons.

Nevertheless, an individual carrying a weapon or gun lawfully on Sunday in a hunting zone will not be presumed to be killing wild species if there is no evidence. Residents should also not molest or destroy eggs, nests, or young animals without a permit, apart from nuisance species.