Across the United States many bizarre laws still linger on the books, relics of the past before the days of electricity and automobiles. From prohibitions on bear wrestling to restrictions on where you can carry your ice cream cone, some old laws paint a humorous yet bewildering picture of oddities of not-so-long-ago society. Let’s uncover some of the most absurd laws that are surprisingly still technically enforceable today.
Pickles Must Bounce
According to a law in Connecticut, a pickle cannot be considered a pickle unless it bounces. This regulation was supposedly established to ensure the quality and crispness of pickles. A true “pickle” must bounce when dropped from a height of one foot.
No Dueling with Water Pistols
In Massachusetts, dueling with water pistols is banned. This law was probably intended to prevent public disturbances caused by such activities. Engaging in a water pistol duel can result in criminal charges.
No Bear Wrestling
In Alabama, it’s illegal to wrestle bears. The law was created to protect both animals and people from harm during such dangerous activities. Violating this law can lead to serious fines and even jail time.
No Waking Sleeping Bears for Photos
It’s unlawful in Alaska to wake a sleeping bear just to take a photograph. This law aims to protect wildlife and people. Disturbing a bear’s natural behavior can result in hefty penalties.
No Camel Hunting
Arizona has a law on the books that prohibits camel hunting. This might seem odd until you learn that the U.S. Army once experimented with using camels as pack animals in the desert. Today, hunting camels is not only irrelevant but also illegal.
No Honking Near Sandwich Shops After 9 PM
In Little Rock, Arkansas, you cannot honk your car horn near a sandwich shop after 9 PM. This law was likely created to prevent disturbances in dining areas. Violators can be fined for breaking this noise ordinance.
No Frog-Jumping Contests for Dead Frogs
In California, frogs that die during frog-jumping contests cannot be eaten. This law ensures that the competition remains fun and does not turn into a food event. It aims to respect the frogs’ participation in the sport.
No Firing Catapults at Buildings
Colorado forbids the use of catapults to launch projectiles at buildings. This law is designed to prevent damage and maintain public safety. Violations can lead to criminal charges.
No Perfume as Bait
In Delaware, it is illegal to use perfume to lure fish. This unusual law aims to maintain fair fishing practices. Using any artificial scent to catch fish is considered cheating.
No Selling Children
In Florida, there is a law that makes it illegal to sell your children. This law is in place to protect minors from being trafficked or exploited. While it seems obvious, it’s still officially recorded in law books.
No Keeping Ice Cream in Back Pockets on Sundays
In Georgia, it is illegal to keep an ice cream cone in your back pocket on Sundays. This law was historically used to prevent people from stealing horses. Horses would follow the ice cream cone, effectively being led away without the thief having to lay hands on them.
No Billboards
Hawaii maintains its natural beauty by prohibiting the erection of billboards along highways. This law helps preserve the scenic vistas that are characteristic of the islands. Violators face significant fines.
No Fishing from a Camel’s Back
In Idaho, you cannot fish while sitting on the back of a camel. This law likely stems from a desire to prevent disruptions in local fishing practices. It is one of the more obscure statutes in the books.
No Eavesdropping
In Illinois, eavesdropping on conversations without consent is illegal. This law protects personal privacy and confidentiality. Criminal charges can be brought against violators.
No Catching Fish with Your Hands
In Indiana, it’s illegal to catch fish with your hands. This law is intended to protect aquatic life and ensure fair fishing practices. Using any body part or a firearm to catch fish is prohibited.
No Fake Butter in State Prisons
Iowa law prohibits the use of fake butter in state prisons unless authorized by a doctor. This regulation ensures that prisoners receive a certain standard of food quality. Substituting real butter with imitations requires medical approval.
No Snowball Fights
In Topeka, Kansas, throwing snowballs is equated to the use of missiles and is, therefore, illegal. This law is designed to prevent injuries and property damage. Offenders may be charged with a misdemeanor.
No Carrying Ice Cream Cones in Your Pocket
Similar to Georgia’s law, in Kentucky, it is illegal to carry an ice cream cone in your pocket. This old law was also intended to prevent horse theft. Today, it remains in the books more as a quirky relic than an enforceable law.
No Gargling in Public Places
In Louisiana, public gargling is prohibited. This law is likely intended to maintain public decorum and cleanliness. Breaking this law can lead to a fine.
No Christmas Decorations After January 14
In Maine, leaving up Christmas decorations after January 14 is subject to a fine. This law aims to encourage the timely removal of holiday decorations. It helps keep communities looking neat and orderly.
No Lion-Taming in the Streets
In Maryland, it is illegal to tame lions in the streets. This law likely stems from a time when circus animals roamed more freely during shows. Today, it ensures public safety and animal welfare.
