What weird laws are still in effect?

Editorial team Published on

Many outdated and bizarre laws remain officially on the books across the United States. While they are rarely enforced, cities and states continue to hold onto these fascinating relics:

What are some weird laws that still exist today?

Many bizarre and oddly specific laws remain officially "on the books" worldwide. Though completely unenforceable or widely ignored, they were historically passed to solve specific problems, deter public nuisances, or enforce strict moral codes.

What is the weirdest law of all time?

"Weirdest law" is subjective, but some of the most bizarre regulations still officially on the books (even if largely unenforced) include these quirky standouts:

What are the top 10 weirdest laws in the United States?

The United States has many strange, archaic laws still on the books, including bans on carrying wire cutters in Texas, wearing fake mustaches in Alabama churches, and sleeping on top of outdoor refrigerators. These regulations often stem from forgotten local ordinances meant to address specific issues from decades ago.

What is the weirdest federal law?

1) 21 U.S.C. §333 and the associated 21 Code of Federal Regulations §102.39 makes a criminal out of anyone who sells onion rings resembling normal onion rings, but which are made from diced onion, without saying so. So, now we are safe from these criminals.

Insane Laws that Still Exist in USA

24 related questions found

What is the silly law in Texas?

Texas has plenty of bizarre, archaic, and hyper-specific laws on the books. While many are old relics rarely enforced, they remain a quirky part of local lore.

Is it illegal to shake a rug?

Under the Metropolitan Police Act of 1839, it's illegal to beat or shake a mat, carpet, or a rug in the streets of London. The only time you may beat them, is before 8am. You'll have to use a vacuum cleaner to clean your carpet, because shaking it outside is a criminal act! Dyson - what's your take?

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 is the funny law in Tennessee?

Tennessee has a mix of bizarre, outdated, and hyper-specific state and local regulations. While urban legends skew the facts, many of these weird laws remain technically on the books or reflect historical quirks.

Where is it illegal to fall asleep with your shoes on?

THE LAW: In North Dakota, it's illegal to fall asleep with your shoes on. Strange law, but true.

Is it illegal to say oh boy in Georgia?

No, it is not illegal to say "oh boy" anywhere in Georgia.

What are some silly rules?

During a concert, it is illegal to eat peanuts and walk backwards on the sidewalks. In New York, you can teach your pet parrot to speak, but not to squawk. In New York City it's illegal to shake a dust mop out a window. It is against the law to throw a ball at someone's head for fun.

Is it illegal to wear hot pink pants after midday?

Many many websites claim, without any kind of evidence to support it, that it is illegal to wear hot pink pants after midday on a Sunday in Victoria. There is, however, nothing we could find in the legislation – old or new – to indicate that this is fact. So you may wear your hot pink pants anytime you like!

In what state is it illegal to whistle?

In Berkeley, it is illegal to whistle for a lost canary before 7 a.m. This law seems to be a specific and unusual restriction on a seemingly harmless activity – whistling for a lost pet canary. The stipulation that it's only prohibited before 7 a.m. adds an extra layer of peculiarity to the law.

What are the weird laws in Ohio?

Ohio is home to several bizarre, archaic, and hyper-specific local ordinances that are still technically on the books. These are rarely, if ever, enforced, but they remain a quirky part of local lore:

What are the weird laws in Alaska?

Alaska has a collection of famously quirky laws, many of which stem from its unique wildlife, harsh winter conditions, and early territorial history. These unusual legal oddities regulate everything from airplanes to barbershops.

Is it illegal to cuss in Tennessee?

Any person who profanely swears or curses in the presence of any court of record commits a Class C misdemeanor.

What is the funniest law in the US?

The United States is home to thousands of bizarre, outdated local and state laws. Because legal standards vary heavily across the country, several unusual statutes are uniquely weird:

What is the bully law in Tennessee?

Tennessee's anti-bullying laws require public schools to maintain strict, comprehensive policies against bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment. In addition to mandatory school-level investigations, bullying a minor can result in the suspension of driving privileges for one year, while adults face Class A misdemeanor charges.

What is the silliest felony?

"Funniest felonies" are rarely planned heists; instead, they are usually real-life crime fails, self-sabotaging mistakes, and baffling decisions that result in serious felony charges.

Is it illegal to wear slippers after 10 in New York?

No, it is not illegal to wear slippers after 10 PM in New York.

Which states have no break laws?

According to state lunch break laws, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, and ...

Is ding dong dash illegal?

Ding-dong ditching is not a specific crime, but the act is technically illegal. It can easily result in misdemeanor charges for trespassing, harassment, disorderly conduct, or disturbing the peace.

Can you be fined for spitting on someone?

Misdemeanor Battery: If the spitting was a spontaneous act with no intent to cause injury, it may be classified as misdemeanor battery. Misdemeanor battery is punishable by up to six months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.

Is it illegal to carry a plank of wood in London?

Carrying a plank of wood through the street

It is an offence to carry a plank of wood through the street if you're not loading or unloading it, according to the Metropolitan Police Act 1839.