What are the odd laws in Kentucky?

Asked by: Prof. Alex Daugherty Sr.  |  Last update: February 7, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (66 votes)

Kentucky has several odd laws, including prohibitions against throwing flowers at public speakers, women needing husband's permission for hats in Owensboro, handling reptiles in church (KRS 437.060), and carrying an ice cream cone in your back pocket (historically for horse theft prevention). Other strange statutes involve mandatory annual bathing, restrictions on selling small numbers of ducks/rabbits, and rules about disposing of dirty dishwater in the street.

What are the crazy laws in Kentucky?

Kentucky: In Kentucky every citizen of is required to take a shower once a year. Owensboro: A woman may not buy a hat without her husband's permission. It is illegal in Kentucky to marry the same man more than 3 times.

Is it a law in Kentucky that you have to shower once a year?

Ok, this is a law everyone should agree with. All Kentucky citizens are required to shower at least once per year.

What is the blue law in Kentucky?

A century ago, Henderson's spiritual leaders were demanding enforcement of Kentucky's Blue Law, which dates to the earliest days of the commonwealth and prohibits most commercial activity on Sunday.

Why is it illegal to paint your lawn red in Kentucky?

Here's a quirky legal fact you probably didn't expect: In Kentucky, it's illegal to paint your lawn red. While it may sound harmless or even festive, the law exists because altering the natural appearance of property can raise safety, environmental, and public nuisance concerns.

50 Incredible Geographic Facts About Kentucky That Will Blow Your Mind

23 related questions found

What is the darkest legal tint in KY?

In Kentucky, the darkest legal tint depends on the vehicle type: sedans must have at least 35% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) on front sides and 18% VLT on rear sides/rear window, while SUVs, vans, and pickups can go darker, requiring at least 8% VLT on rear sides/rear windows, with a 35% VLT minimum for front sides, plus a 3% variance and dual side mirrors. All tints must be non-red/yellow, and a medical exemption is possible with a doctor's note.
 

Does KY have a sunshine law?

the records of federal agencies, and Kentucky's Open Meetings Law,4 often referred to as the "Sunshine Law," which opens the meetings of state and local government agencies to the public and the press.

Is Kentucky a no-tolerance state?

In fact, Kentucky law actually has a zero tolerance policy for marijuana. Since both possession as well as use of marijuana is illegal in the state of Kentucky, it is also illegal to drive with any measureable amount of marijuana in your system when in the state.

What are Sunday laws?

Blue laws (also known as Sunday laws, Sunday trade laws, and Sunday closing laws) are laws restricting or banning certain activities on specified days, usually Sundays in the western world. The laws were adopted originally for religious reasons, specifically to promote the observance of the Christian day of worship.

What is Seth's law in Kentucky?

Kentucky's “Seth's Law” (HB 385) is a 2024 Kentucky law named after mental health advocate Seth Stevens, designed to reform guardianship and competency proceedings by allowing trusted friends to make decisions for those with mental illness and enabling outpatient competency evaluations, reducing court delays and state guardianship, and improving access to care.
 

Can a 12 year old stay home alone in KY?

It can be a crime to leave a child home alone

While Kentucky does not have a minimum age law stating how old a child must be before they can stay home alone, three states do have such laws; Illinois (age 14), Maryland (age 8) and Oregon (age 10).

Is it illegal to marry the same man 4 times in Kentucky?

You Can't Marry the Same Man Four Times in Kentucky

While it's somewhat uncommon for divorced couples to reconcile and remarry, Kentucky legislators decided they should place limits on true love. A woman in Kentucky can't remarry the same man four times.

What is the duck law in Kentucky?

No person shall sell, exchange, offer to sell or exchange, display, or possess living baby chicks, ducklings, or other fowl or rabbits which have been dyed or colored; nor dye or color any baby chicks, ducklings, or other fowl or rabbits; nor sell, exchange, offer to sell or exchange or to give away baby chicks, ...

What is one weird law?

California. If your trip includes a drive through California, be sure to leave your housecoat at home, as it's unlawful for women to drive in them. If you're not sure what a housecoat is, you're not alone.

What is the castle law in Kentucky?

The Castle Doctrine in Kentucky

In other words, if you are attacked or threatened with bodily harm while in your home or on your property, you may use whatever force necessary to protect yourself or another person without having to retreat first. This includes the use of deadly force if necessary.

Is it legal to eat and drive in Kentucky?

So, what happens if a police officer in Kentucky spots you eating a cheeseburger while driving down the highway? In most cases, nothing. There's no law that specifically states that you cannot eat while driving in this state.

Is KY a hands-free state?

The state currently does not have a hands-free law. Senator Jimmy Higdon says it would cut down on distracted driving. “If we're making Kentucky roads safer, you know I need to be one of the spokesmen to say we have some bad habits because they are costing people their lives,” Higdon said.

Can I drink as a passenger in Kentucky?

Kentucky's open container laws are primarily governed by KRS 189.530, which outlines the conditions under which alcohol consumption is prohibited in vehicles. Generally, it is illegal for drivers or passengers to possess open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of a motor vehicle.

What is the Tim's law in Kentucky?

Tim's Law in Kentucky is a court-ordered Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program for individuals with severe mental illness, enabling families and providers to petition for treatment plans that prevent cycles of hospitalization, jail, and homelessness by connecting people to care like medication, counseling, and case management in the community, instead of solely relying on inpatient care. The law, named for Tim Morton, involves court oversight, with judges ordering treatment for those who often lack insight into their illness (anosognosia) and have a history of non-adherence, aiming to provide structured support and stabilize lives.
 

Can I sue someone for recording me without my permission in Kentucky?

If you are not part of the conversation, consent from at least one person involved is required to record. According to Kentucky Revised Statutes Section 526.010 and 526.020, recordings are not permissible in event of eavesdropping, or without the consent of at least one party, which is a Class D felony.

What is the Ethan's law in Kentucky?

Ethan's Law (KRS 525.135) in Kentucky, inspired by the rescue dog Ethan Almighty, significantly increases penalties for animal torture, changing the charge for intentionally torturing a cat or dog from a misdemeanor to a first-offense Class D Felony, with stricter definitions including restraint and wanton disregard for the animal's pain, aiming to prosecute severe abuse more effectively. The law, passed in 2024 as House Bill 258, provides clearer definitions and higher penalties for extreme cruelty, making it a felony from the start rather than a second offense, a major step for animal welfare in the state.
 

Can you get a tint exemption in Kentucky?

You may have heard some states allow darker tint for medical reasons. In Kentucky, that's not the case. No exemptions are permitted. Everyone must follow the same rules.

In what states can you tint your front windshield?

Most states allow some form of windshield tint, but it's almost always restricted to a strip along the top, generally above the manufacturer's AS-1 line (about 4-6 inches), and must often be non-reflective, with strict rules like California and New York requiring high VLT (Visible Light Transmission), while some states like New Jersey and New Hampshire forbid any tint on front windows. There are no states that permit tinting the entire windshield, and always check your specific state's laws as rules vary significantly.