Yes, you read that correctly. It is illegal to hunt camels in Arizona. While it may seem like a strange law to have on the books, it dates back to the mid-19th century, when camels were imported to the United States to be used as pack animals in the Southwest. However, the camels proved to be difficult to work with and were eventually released into the wild, where they began to cause problems for local farmers. As a result, a law was passed making it illegal to hunt camels in Arizona.
The Camel is native to North America, which makes this law less peculiar than it seems. It is estimated that there are around 3000 camels in the United States. However, many of them are held in enclosures in public sanctuaries like zoos, or held as exotic pets and exhibits by private and rich individuals/families.
In Alabama, it is illegal to play cards on a Sunday. This law dates back to the 19th century when many states had "blue laws" that prohibited certain activities on Sundays to encourage people to attend church and rest on the Sabbath. While this law is still on the books in Alabama, it is not actively enforced and is generally considered to be a relic of the past. Of course, "playing cards" was not always the activity it is today. In many instances, playing cards was often done for gambling, even in small amounts. Gambling is still frowned upon by churches, especially in more religious states.
In Kansas, it is illegal to wear a fake mustache that causes laughter in church. This law was likely enacted as a way to maintain decorum in religious services, but it seems to have been largely forgotten and is not likely to be enforced. In general, church attire was once meant to be more professional, and the term "Sunday best" originated from this notion. Many working-class people could not afford to have more expensive or tailored clothing as they were not conducive to farm work, labor, or working in a trade. This led to citizens needing to don more proper attire during Sunday worship.
In California, it is illegal to use a gasoline-powered vacuum cleaner. This law was likely enacted as a way to reduce air pollution, as gasoline-powered vacuum cleaners produce emissions that contribute to air pollution. However, the law has been largely forgotten and is not likely to be enforced. Of course, gasoline-powered vacuums have fallen out of favor, for many reasons. The rising cost of gasoline, the inefficient use of power, and the availability of more eco-friendly options (such as battery power) have made this redundant.
Of course, neighbors are very likely to complain if the sound and smell of a gasoline-powered vacuum wake them up on Saturday morning.
Usually, laws are in place for good reason. Even if someone does not agree with the law, they still can understand why it was written. However, some laws are just plain odd. Below are the weirdest laws in each state. While some have been repealed, many are still on the books in their respective state.
Alabama proves that “common sense isn’t always common.” Alabama law makes it illegal to drive while blindfolded.
Moose are very common in Alaska, so it makes sense that the state would have at least one weird moose-related law. If a person kills a moose in Alaska, they must salvage certain body parts including the liver, head, and heart for human use.
In Arizona, you have to be careful what you are feeding to farm animals. It is illegal to feed garbage to a pig unless you have a permit—or the animal is your own pig!
A state statute was put in place to discourage gambling. By limiting the addictive nature of gaming machines, the state hoped to curb gambling problems. As a result, no pinball machine in the state of Arkansas can give more than 25 free games away to winners.
It is legal in California to possess as many large frogs as you want and to have them participate in frog-jumping contests. However, a state law jumps in if any of the frogs die during the competition. If a frog dies during the contest “it must be destroyed as soon as possible, and may not be eaten or otherwise used for any purpose."
Many people travel or move to Colorado for its beautiful landscapes. They should be warned not to enjoy the scenery from a couch on their porch in Boulder. A law was passed there that makes it illegal to use indoor furniture outside of your house.
Since 1948, Connecticut has had a law about playing with your food. Within the state, pickles must be able to bounce if they are to be legitimately sold as a pickle.
In Rohoboth Beach, Delaware you can’t whisper in church. This 1974 law was enacted to prevent disturbances in church congregations. Remember to keep an eye on your surroundings outside as well since the law prevents whispering within 300 feet of any church.
Florida residents should look in the yards they pass as they are walking. Dog owners who post a “Bad Dog” sign will not be liable if their dog bites someone. Treat the sign as a warning and speed walk past that yard.
If you are interested in finding adventure on the water, Georgia may not be the state for you. It is illegal for a person to live on a boat for more than 30 days within the state.
Hawaii is a place of natural beauty and they plan to keep it that way. With very few exceptions, billboard advertising is illegal in the state.
While it usually goes without saying, Idaho made it explicitly clear in its law that cannibalism was not accepted. Unless you resorted to the practice in a life-threatening situation where it was your only choice for survival, you face up to 14 years in prison.
The city of Chicago made it illegal to dye or color baby chicks, ducklings, or goslings. If you do decide to dye your baby bird, you cannot sell or display it.
Slow and steady wins the race in Indiana. It is illegal in the state to ride a horse faster than 10 MPH. While this law was intended to prevent high-speed horse races in the past, it remains on the books, so watch your speed!
Iowa takes its dairy products seriously. Any imitation butter sold within the state cannot use the word “butter” or refer to creameries, cows, or dairies. It must be labeled as oleomargarine instead.
If you want to have a drink with dinner, you might be out of luck in Kansas. Over 25 counties within the state do not allow liquor to be sold by the glass.
If you want to be a public official or lawyer in Kentucky, you must take an oath swearing that you have never fought a duel with deadly weapons.
If you’ve ever wondered if you could win a fight with a bear, Louisiana is not the state to find out. Bear wrestling matches—a “contest between one or more persons and a bear”— are illegal in the state.
If you want to go out for drinks and dancing in Maine, you need to be careful. Dancing is prohibited in any businesses that sell alcohol unless they’ve been given a “special amusement permit.”
Don’t wear a sleeveless shirt in Baltimore parks. It is a violation of Baltimore park rules to have a sleeveless shirt, even while exercising. Make sure to cover your shoulders!
Massachusetts wants to make sure that your future is foretold correctly. Psychics who want to sell their services must live in the state for a year and apply for a license.
There are lots of states that have some rules about what businesses can be open on Sundays. In Michigan, you cannot buy, sell, or trade a vehicle.
There are lots of games and sports that are well-loved in Minnesota. However, if you were planning a contest to catch a “greased or oiled” pig, think again. These competitions are banned within the state.
Another state where it is important to stay silent while in church. Disturbing a church service in Mississippi could result in a citizen’s arrest.
After three days of a bull running loose in a Missouri town, any person who chooses to may castrate it. It is important to make sure there are at least three witnesses to the bull’s rampaging behavior, however.
The show must go on! Live stage performers in Montana are required by law to stay on the stage for the entire performance.
You’re not supposed to drive near the edge of the zero mountains that exist in Nebraska. This law pertains to making sure you keep control of your vehicle on dangerous roads and does exist in other states.
No rest in Reno. It is illegal in the city to sit or lie down on public sidewalks.
If you like to dine with ghosts, you might not want to travel to New Hampshire. Multiple counties in the state have outlawed picnics in cemeteries.
It is important not to mix your hobbies in New Jersey. A man absolutely cannot knit during fishing season according to state law.
It’s important to learn the state anthem of New Mexico and use it only in appropriate settings. Misusing the state anthem is illegal. This includes only singing a portion of the song.
Partiers in Suffolk County need to keep an eye (and hand) on their balloons. There is a law against releasing 25 or more balloons in a 24-hour time frame.
Bingo! Don’t play more than 10 hours of bingo a week in North Carolina. Playing more will violate the state’s gambling laws.
This one’s for the birds. Make sure you get a permit before you kill annoying pigeons in North Dakota. Killing them without a permit violates state law.
Low-level criminals who are looking for a free pass should check out Ohio. The only time you’re allowed to commit crimes, apparently, is if it’s on a Sunday or on the 4th of July. However, if you're on a river, these exceptions don’t apply.
Don’t trip a horse in Oklahoma. It’s illegal to take part in a horse-tripping event in the state.
Another state with unique cemetery laws. If you are visiting a cemetery, leave your guns at home. It is illegal to hunt within a cemetery in Oregon.
Anglers in Pennsylvania have to make sure to have their fishing equipment with them. It is illegal in the state to catch a fish with your mouth.
Rhode Island wants to prevent the zombie apocalypse. You face up to 20 years in prison if you bite off another person’s limb.
Kids who love arcades in South Carolina may be out of luck. You must be 18 years old to legally play pinball in the state.
You mustn’t fall asleep in a cheese factory in South Dakota. However, once the cheese is packaged, you are allowed to nap.
No sharing passwords in Tennessee! The “Tennessee Login Law” makes sharing streaming services logins with anyone who doesn’t live in your household illegal.
You can sell your hair or blood but don’t sell a human eye in the state of Texas.
You won't be able to stock up on alcohol in Utah during an emergency situation. Alcohol cannot be bought or sold within the state during an emergency.
Smile! You can’t get dentures without permission from your husband if you’re a woman.
Trick-or-treating is only allowed for children under 14 years old in Chesapeake City. No one of any age can be out past 8 p.m. to collect their treats.
As far as we know, Bigfoot isn’t even real, but you’re not supposed to harass this creature in Wharton County, Washington.
West Virginia adds to the definition of free food. Roadkill in the state is legal to take home to cook.
One lawyer can attest to the fact that you’re not supposed to carry more than one pound of margarine in Wisconsin. Another lawyer also says that it’s not illegal to put margarine on their food instead of butter without their knowledge.
Forgetting to close a gate can cost you in Wyoming. You can be fined up to $750 for not closing a fence behind you in the state.
State | Weird Laws |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Plastic confetti is illegal in Mobile. Driving while blindfolded is illegal. |
| Alaska | Moose are not allowed on sidewalks in Fairbanks. If a person kills a moose then they must salvage certain body parts including the liver, head, and heart for human use. |
| Arizona | It is illegal to spit in public in most parts of Goodyear. It is illegal to feed garbage to a pig unless you have a permit—or the animal is your own pig |
| Arkansas | The S at the end is legally declared silent. No pinball machine in the state of Arkansas can give more than 25 free games away to winners |
| California | The production, testing, maintenance and storage of nuclear weapons are illegal in Chico. It is legal in California to possess many large frogs. |
| Colorado | It is illegal to allow weed to grow more than 10 inches tall in Pueblo. It is illegal to use indoor furniture outside of your house. |
| Connecticut | According to Connecticut's food and drug administration, a proper pickle should bounce if dropped from a height of 12 inches or more. |
| Delaware | You can’t whisper in church. In Rehoboth Beach, trick-or-treating on Sunday is prohibited. |
| District of Columbia | Both dancing and "demonstrations" that could entertain or attract onlookers are illegal at most monuments. |
| Florida | If a dog owner has hung a sign reading "Bad Dog" in a promiently visible location, they are not liable for any damage their pet causes. |
| Georgia | It is illegal for a person to live on a boat for more than 30 days within the state. In Dublin, wearing a mask to conceal your identity is illegal (exception: children under 16 on Halloween). |
| Hawaii | Billboards and other outdoor advertising devices are illegal in much of Hawaii. |
| Idaho | Cannibalism is officially illegal. In Pocatello, it is illegal to not smile. |
| Illinois | It is illegal to dye or color baby chicks, ducklings, or goslings. In Galesburg, bicyclists are prohibited from removing both hands from the handlebars or engaging in "any acrobatic or fancy riding on any street". |
| Indiana | It is illegal in the state to ride a horse faster than 10 MPH. It is also illegal to sell cold beer for carry out. |
| Iowa | Drunk surfing or water skiing is prohibited in the landlocked state of Iowa. Imitation butter sold within the state cannot use the word “butter” or refer to creameries, cows, or dairies. |
| Kansas | Hunting from a motorboat, airplane, or motor vehicle is prohibited. More than 25 counties within the state do not allow liquor to be sold by the glass. |
| Kentucky | If you want to be a public official or lawyer in Kentucky, you must take an oath swearing that you have never fought a duel with deadly weapons. Kentucky law forbids the dyeing of birds, chicks or rabbits—unless they are being sold in quantities of six or more. |
| Louisiana | Bear wrestling matches are illegal in Louisiana. It is illegal to ingest human or animal blood in a ritualistic manner. |
| Maine | Dancing is prohibited in any businesses that sell alcohol unless they’ve been given a “special amusement permit.” It is illegal to skate or ride a skateboard while attached to a vehicles in a public place. |
| Maryland | It is illegal to wear a sleeveless shirt in Baltimore parks. In Rockville, it is illegal to swear or use profane language on or near any street, highway, or sidewalk. |
| Massachusetts | Psychics who wish to sell their services must live in the state for a year and apply for a license. It is illegal to make, sell, or use exploding golf balls. |
| Michigan | Adultery is punishable by jail time. It is illegal to buy, sell, or trade a vehicle on a Sunday. |
| Minnesota | Contests to catch a “greased or oiled” pig are illegal. Public intoxication is not illegal, though one is still responsible for any illegal acts they might commit while intoxicated. |
| Mississippi | Having more than 1 child out of wedlock is a misdemeanor punishable by a month in jail or a $250 fine. Speaking during designated times of silence in church is legally prohibited. |
| Missouri | If a bull has been running loose in town for three days and has been witnessed by at least three residents, any person who chooses to may castrate it. |
| Montana | Live stage performers in Montana are required by law to stay on the stage for the entire performance. Nighttime frisbee golf in any location other than a city-sanctioned folf course is prohibited. |
| Nebraska | Driving near the edge of a mountain road is illegal despite the fact that Nebraska lacks mountains. Cocktails that mix beer with hard liquor are prohibited. |
| Nevada | Throwing items from a chairlift is illegal. It is illegal in the city to sit or lie down on public sidewalks. |
| New Hampshire | In many towns, it is illegal to have a picnic in a cemetery. |
| New Jersey | A man absolutely cannot knit during fishing season according to state law. It is illegal to pump one's own gas in New Jersey. |
| New Mexico | It is illegal in New Mexico to sing only a portion of the national anthem or the state song, "Oh Fair New Mexico". Both tunes must be performed in their entirety or not at all. |
| New York | New York law prohibits the release of 25 or more balloons within a 24-hour time frame. |
| North Carolina | It is illegal to play more than 10 hours of bingo a week in North Carolina. Moreover, bingo events are limited to five hours each and may not be held within 48 hours of one another. |
| North Dakota | Killing pigeons without a permit is illegal. Fireworks are legal in Devil's Lake only from July 1st through 5th between the hours of 8am and 11pm. |
| Ohio | Certain crimes are legal on a Sunday or the 4th of July. Operators of underground coal mines are legally required to furnish their restrooms with adequate toilet paper. |
| Oklahoma | It is illegal to trip a horse in Oklahoma (as well as a number of other states). |
| Oregon | It is illegal to dispose of human waste while operating or riding in a motor vehicle. It is illegal to hunt within a cemetery. |
| Pennsylvania | It is illegal in Pennsylvania to catch a fish with your mouth. Purchasing alcohol in another state and bringing it into Pennsylvania is prohibited. |
| Rhode Island | Biting off another person's limb is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. It is illegal to impersonate an auctioneer. |
| South Carolina | Individuals under the age of 18 are prohibited from playing pinball. |
| South Dakota | It is illegal to generate static electricity that could interfere with TV or radio broadcasts between the hours of 7am to 11pm. You mustn’t fall asleep in a cheese factory in South Dakota. |
| Tennessee | It is illegal to share passwords to streaming platforms such as Netflix, iTunes, Spotify, Hulu, or HBO Go. |
| Texas | It is illegal to sell a human eye in Texas, though the sale of hair or blood is allowed. The Texas constitution states that public officials can believe in any Supreme Being they choose, but the do have to acknowledge one. |
| Utah | Alcohol cannot be bought or sold within the state during an emergency. A permit is required to possess a beer container larger than two liters (such as a keg). |
| Vermont | A wife cannot get dentures without permission from her husband. Clotheslines are classified as devices that run on renewable solar power and therefore cannot be legally prohibited. |
| Virginia | Trick-or-treating is only allowed for children under 14 years old and cannot continue past 8pm in Chesapeake City. It is illegal to hunt or kill wild animals on a Sunday—with the exception of waterfowl or game stocked on private land, provided they are at least 200 yards from the nearest house of worship. |
| Washington | In Wharton County, it is illegal to harass, harm, or kill Bigfoot. |
| West Virginia | It is completely legal to salvage and eat roadkill. More than 20 states have similar laws. |
| Wisconsin | It is illegal to carry more than one pound of margarine in Wisconsin. Similarly, restaurants are forbidden to substitute margarine for table butter unless the customer requests it. |
| Wyoming | Forgetting to close a gate can earn the offender a fine. Skiing while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is punishable by up to 20 days in jail and a $200 fine. |