From outlawing donkeys in bathtubs to forbidding surprise pizza deliveries, the United States is filled with bizarre, outdated, and downright hilarious laws that somehow still linger on the books. While many of these laws aren’t enforced today, they offer a glimpse into our quirky legal history—and make for some excellent trivia.
Here’s a roundup of some of the strangest laws still technically in effect across all 50 states:
1. Alabama – It’s illegal to drive blindfolded. Eyes on the road, folks.
2. Alaska – Dogs aren’t allowed in the back of open vehicles unless their tail clears 46 inches. Tall dog privilege?
3. Arizona – Donkeys may not sleep in bathtubs. Thanks to one flood in the 1920s, this became an actual law.
4. Arkansas – No honking after 9 p.m. near sandwich shops. Keep your pastrami cravings quiet.
5. California – In Berkeley, you can’t whistle for your lost canary before 7 a.m. Apparently, birds need their sleep too.
6. Colorado – Couches are banned on porches in Boulder. This one’s thanks to rowdy college couch bonfires.
7. Connecticut – A pickle isn’t a real pickle unless it bounces. Yes, officials tested this in 1948.
8. Delaware – You can’t sell dog hair. Sorry, Fluffy, your shedding isn’t a side hustle.
9. Florida – You must pay animal parking fees—even for elephants. A relic of the circus era.
10. Georgia – Living on a boat for more than 30 days? Illegal. Guess you’ll have to dock and Airbnb it.
11. Hawaii – It’s illegal to place coins in your ears. A coin trick crackdown from 1900.
12. Idaho – Sweeping debris into the streets is a no-go. Clean streets, clean conscience.
13. Illinois – Underage culinary students can legally taste alcohol. Sip, swirl, spit. No swallowing.
14. Indiana – Horses may not exceed 10 MPH. Hold your horsepower.
15. Iowa – No brick-throwing on highways. No matter how bored you are.
16. Kansas – Tire screeching is unlawful. Keep your drag racing to video games.
17. Kentucky – Women can’t marry the same man more than three times. Three strikes, you’re out.
18. Louisiana – Surprise pizza deliveries are considered harassment. A $500 fine for generosity gone wrong.
19. Maine – No parking in front of Dunkin’ in South Berwick. Coffee rage is real.
20. Maryland – Sleeveless shirts are banned in public parks in Baltimore. Better bring a hoodie to your jog.
21. Massachusetts – Fortune telling without a license is illegal.
22. Michigan – Selling cars on Sundays is outlawed.
23. Minnesota – Driving with dirty tires that leave marks is against the law.
24. Mississippi – Cities cannot require restaurants to display nutritional info.
25. Missouri – Bear wrestling is banned due to animal cruelty concerns.
26. Montana – It’s illegal to give a rat as a gift.
27. Nebraska – People with STDs can’t legally marry.
28. Nevada – Sitting or lying down on sidewalks in Reno is unlawful.
29. New Hampshire – Picking up seaweed from the beach at night is prohibited.
30. New Jersey – Wearing a bulletproof vest while committing a crime results in extra charges.
31. New Mexico – “Idiots” (archaic legal term) are technically barred from voting.
32. New York – Wearing slippers after 10 p.m. is prohibited by an outdated law.
33. North Carolina – Drinking while playing bingo is illegal.
34. North Dakota – Fireworks are banned after 11 p.m.
35. Ohio – Selling dyed baby chicks and rabbits is illegal.
36. Oklahoma – Horse tripping is outlawed.
37. Oregon – Hunting in cemeteries is against the law.
38. Pennsylvania – Paying someone to tell your fortune is technically illegal.
39. Rhode Island – Racing horses on highways is prohibited.
40. South Carolina – Minors under 18 cannot legally play pinball.
41. South Dakota – Sleeping in cheese factories is banned.
42. Tennessee – Sharing Netflix passwords is against the law.
43. Texas – Selling a human eye (and other organs) is illegal.
44. Utah – Biting during a boxing match is specifically outlawed.
45. Vermont – Women need husband’s permission to wear false teeth.
46. Virginia – Trick-or-treating after age 14 is illegal in some cities.
47. Washington – Attaching vending machines to utility poles is prohibited.
48. West Virginia – Hats are banned in movie theaters if they block others’ views.
49. Wisconsin – Restaurants must serve real butter unless customers request margarine.
50. Wyoming – Public buildings over $100K must include artwork funded by 1% of the budget.
So next time you find yourself wondering if you can race a horse on a Rhode Island highway or play pinball as a teen in South Carolina—just assume the answer is no. And maybe don’t even think about parking in front of a Dunkin’ in Maine.
These laws may not always be enforced, but they prove one thing: our legal system is as colorful as it is complex.
