Let’s explore the quirky side of American jurisprudence with a revised list of the most eyebrow-raising laws still on the books today. From prohibitions on specific animals to rules about food, these laws are a testament to America’s colorful legal history. Here’s a refresh of our list, including a new contender for the number 9 spot that keeps the weirdness coming strong.
1. Alabama: No Bear Wrestling
Image Credit: Shutterstock / AndreAnita
It’s illegal to engage in bear wrestling matches in Alabama. Seems like a fair fight isn’t exactly what they were going for.
2. Alaska: No Waking Sleeping Bears for Photos
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dean Drobot
In Alaska, disturbing a bear’s slumber for a photo op is off-limits. Safety first, selfies second.
3. Arizona: No Camel Hunting
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Muhammad Bilal23
Despite the desert setting, hunting camels in Arizona is prohibited. Camels breathe a sigh of relief.
4. California: No Frog-Jumping Contests With Fatal Outcomes
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Abhishek Raviya
If a frog dies during a jumping contest in California, it can’t be eaten. Frog rights are a thing.
5. Connecticut: Pickles Must Bounce
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Elena Hramova
A law in Connecticut mandates that a pickle can only be considered a pickle if it bounces. Bounce testing is the ultimate quality control.
6. Florida: No Selling Children
Image Credit: Shutterstock / HTWE
Florida explicitly outlaws the sale of children, which is probably for the best. Family values take a literal meaning here.
7. Georgia: No Tying Giraffes to Telephone Poles
Image Credit: Shutterstock / paula french
In Georgia, securing your giraffe to a telephone pole is a no-go. Parking regulations just got a lot more specific.
8. Idaho: No Fishing from a Camel’s Back
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dudarev Mikhail
Fishing on a camel’s back is specifically banned in Idaho. Looks like you’ll need to find another fishing buddy.
9. New Law: California: No Chocolate Milk in San Francisco Schools
Image Credit: Shutterstock / ivan_kislitsin
In an effort to improve student health, San Francisco has banned chocolate milk in public schools. Kids now have to navigate the cafeteria without their chocolatey companion.
10. Indiana: No Catching Fish With Your Hands
Image Credit: Shutterstock / oknemada1
In Indiana, fishing with your hands is off-limits. It’s all about giving fish a fighting chance.
11. Kansas: No Snowball Fights
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Brocreative
Throwing snowballs in Topeka, Kansas, is considered the use of missiles. Winter warfare is taken seriously here.
12. Kentucky: No Dyeing Ducklings
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Richard Peterson
Selling dyed ducklings is illegal in Kentucky unless in groups of six. It’s all about quantity over color.
13. Maine: No Dancing at Dance Halls Without Permission
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pressmaster
You need a permit to dance in Maine’s dance halls. Free spirits need to check in first.
14. Maryland: No Bringing Lions to the Movies
Image Credit: Shutterstock / ArtMediaFactory
Taking your lion to the movies in Maryland is a no-go. Movie night stays a human-only event.
15. Pennsylvania: No Singing in the Bathtub
Image Credit: Shutterstock / AnnaStills
Serenading in the bathtub is outlawed in Pennsylvania. Keep the concerts in the living room.
Unbelievably True
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Studio Romantic
The United States is a treasure trove of laws that range from the thoughtful to the downright peculiar. Whether these laws address public health concerns or prevent chaos (of the animal variety), they remind us of American legal history’s diverse and often humorous spectrum. Remember, if your plans involve unusual activities, a quick legal check might save you from unwittingly breaking one of these lesser-known laws!
More From The Green Voyage
Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations 2024
6 Essential Banking Apps for International Travel – Managing Your Finances on the Go
Traveling With Kids – 10 Tips to Create Memorable Family Holidays
The post 15 Weirdest Laws in the US Today first appeared on The Green Voyage.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / sirtravelalot.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip