What are the absurd laws in Minnesota?

Asked by: Kolby Howell Jr.  |  Last update: July 16, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (40 votes)

Minnesota has a mix of bizarre, outdated ordinances on the books and unexpectedly specific modern regulations. While many viral "weird laws" (like crossing state lines with a duck on your head) are harmless urban legends, several highly specific, quirky rules are—or were—very real.

What are the funny laws in Minnesota?

Minnesota has several peculiar, antiquated, and often misunderstood laws, including bans on crossing state lines with a duck on your head, parking an elephant on Main Street, and having bathtubs with feet. While some are urban legends, others, like prohibiting dirty truck tires in Minnetonka, are real, alongside strict, modern regulations like the hands-free driving law.

What is the most unusual law?

Some of the world's weirdest laws include bans on dying in Longyearbyen, Norway, and a, now repealed, law banning high-heeled shoes at ancient Greek sites to protect monuments. Other strange regulations include a ban on feeding pigeons in Venice, Italy, and a restriction against carrying more than 50 kg of potatoes in Western Australia.

What is the Juliet law in Minnesota?

Minnesota recognizes a limited “Romeo and Juliet” exception, where one person is under 16 and the other is no more than 36 months older, provided the older individual is not in a position of authority. Violations are prosecuted under Minnesota's criminal sexual conduct (CSC) statutes, specifically Minn.

What is the deep fake law in Minnesota?

Minnesota law (effective August 1, 2023) criminalizes the use of AI-generated "deepfakes" to influence elections and allows civil action for non-consensual intimate deepfakes. Key statutes include penalties for sharing deceptive media within 90 days of an election and, as of April 2026, a ban on "nudification" apps.

Minnesota’s Weirdest Laws | Top 5 Dumb Legal Rules That Still Exist

19 related questions found

What is the 36 hour rule in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, the 36-hour rule mandates that a person arrested without a warrant must be brought before a judge for their first appearance within 36 hours. This time frame excludes the day of arrest, Sundays, and legal holidays. If not brought before a judge within this period, the individual must be released.

What is the rule 609 in Minnesota?

Impeachment by Evidence of a Criminal Conviction. (2) for any crime regardless of the punishment, the evidence must be admitted if the court can readily determine that establishing the elements of the crime required proving — or the witness's admitting — a dishonest act or false statement.

What is the 48 hour rule in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, the 48-hour rule requires that a judge determine probable cause within 48 hours of a warrantless arrest to continue holding a suspect in custody. If a judge does not find probable cause or sign a complaint within this time (including Sundays/holidays), the person must be released.

Can a 13 year old date a 16 year old in MN?

who engages in sexual conduct with a person under the age of 14 can be charged with crimes. People between the ages of 14-16 may only legally consent to sexual conduct with someone less than 24 months (2 years) older than them.

Is it legal to ride I the bed in MN?

Believe it or not, currently it is legal in Minnesota for humans to ride in the bed of a pickup truck, whether or not the truck has a topper. It is not safe, but it is legal.

What are the ridiculous laws still in place?

While many "weird laws" are simply internet myths or outdated municipal codes, local governments worldwide still have surprisingly specific, bizarre legislation on their books.

Is it illegal to shake a rug?

Under Section 60(3) of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839 it's technically an offence within the Metropolitan Police District. This clause explicitly prohibits one to “beat or shake carpets, rugs, or mats” in a public thoroughfare at any time (except doormats before 8am).

What's the most broken law in the US?

The most broken law in America by volume is speeding. Surveys and traffic data consistently show that the vast majority of drivers violate posted speed limits daily.

What are the bathtub laws in Minnesota?

In bathing areas with more than one fixture, each bathtub or shower area shall be provided with privacy curtains and/or wall dividers. Bathtubs and showers shall be provided with a nonslip bottom or floor surface, and at least one grab bar, securely anchored, shall be provided at each fixture.

What is the most obscure law?

Strange U.S. Laws

  • It is illegal to sing in a public place while wearing a swimsuit. If you are going to sing in a public place, make sure you are fully clothed.
  • If you leave an elephant tied to a parking meter, you must pay the meter or you will be charged with a ticket.

What is the no touch law in Minnesota?

Minnesota law requires drivers to put down their phones and go hands-free while driving. The state's hands-free cell phone law went into effect August 1, 2019 and makes Minnesota the 25th state, along with Washington, D.C., to enact laws regarding hands-free use while driving.

What state is the age of consent 7 in?

While the unrestricted age of consent is between 16 and 18 in all U.S. states, the laws have widely varied across the country in the past. In 1880, the ages of consent were set at 10 or 12 in most states, with the exception of Delaware where it was 7.

What is the oldest age a 13 year old can date?

The “close in age” rule means that:

  • 12- and 13-year-olds can be sexual with people who are no more than two years older than them.
  • 14- and 15-year-olds can be sexual with people who are no more than five years older than them.

Can a 17 year old marry a 20 year old?

Yes, a 17-year-old can marry a 20-year-old in many U.S. states, but it typically requires parental consent, and sometimes court approval. The 17-year-old is still legally a minor, making consent mandatory in most jurisdictions, and the age difference must usually be within a specific range (often 4 years or less).

What is the Romeo and Juliet law in Minnesota?

Minnesota does not have a formal "Romeo and Juliet" statute, but it does have specific exceptions to sexual conduct laws for minors who are close in age, generally when one party is 13–15 and the other is less than 24–48 months older. These narrow provisions exist to avoid criminalizing consensual teenage relationships, but do not apply if there is coercion, abuse of authority, or a large age gap.

Does a cop have to tell you why they pulled you over in Minnesota?

A peace officer making such a traffic stop must inform the vehicle's operator of a reason for the stop unless it would be unreasonable to do so under the totality of the circumstances.

What is the lunch rule in Minnesota?

Under the updated meal break law, employers must allow employees to take a meal break that: lasts at least 30 minutes; occurs when working six or more consecutive hours; and. provides time to eat a meal.

What is the new law in Minnesota 2026?

As of January 1, 2026, MN Paid Leave provides job protection and partial income replacement for employees working at least 50% of their time in Minnesota who need to care for themselves or their loved ones.

Is yelling at someone an assault?

Simply yelling at someone is generally not considered legal assault. However, it can cross the line into assault or another crime depending on the context and exactly what is said or done.

What felonies cannot be expunged in Minnesota?

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Felony Murder (when occurring during a predatory crime)
  • Kidnapping.
  • Criminal Sexual Conduct (all degrees)
  • Prostitution (certain offenses involving minors)
  • False Imprisonment (in specific circumstances)
  • Indecent Exposure (repeat or aggravated)