Weird State Laws 2024

Illegal to Hunt Camels - Arizona

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.

Illegal to Play Cards on Sunday - Alabama

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.

Illegal to Wear Fake Moustaches that Cause Laughter - Kansas

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.

Illegal to Use a Gasoline-Powered Vacuum - California

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.

1. Alabama

Alabama proves that “common sense isn’t always common.” Alabama law makes it illegal to drive while blindfolded.

2. Alaska

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.

3. Arizona

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!

4. Arkansas

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.

5. California

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."

6. Colorado

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.

7. Connecticut

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.

8. Delaware

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.

9. Florida

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.

10. Georgia

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.

11. Hawaii

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.

12. Idaho

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.

13. Illinois

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.

14. Indiana

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!

15. Iowa

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.

16. Kansas

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.

17. 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.

18. Louisiana

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.

19. Maine

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.”

20. Maryland

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!

21. Massachusetts

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.

22. Michigan

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.

23. Minnesota

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.

24. Mississippi

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.

25. Missouri

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.

26. Montana

The show must go on! Live stage performers in Montana are required by law to stay on the stage for the entire performance.

27. Nebraska

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.

28. Nevada

No rest in Reno. It is illegal in the city to sit or lie down on public sidewalks.

29. New Hampshire

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.

30. New Jersey

It is important not to mix your hobbies in New Jersey. A man absolutely cannot knit during fishing season according to state law.

31. New Mexico

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.

32. New York

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.

33. North Carolina

Bingo! Don’t play more than 10 hours of bingo a week in North Carolina. Playing more will violate the state’s gambling laws.

34. North Dakota

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.

35. Ohio

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.

36. Oklahoma

Don’t trip a horse in Oklahoma. It’s illegal to take part in a horse-tripping event in the state.

37. Oregon

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.

38. Pennsylvania

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.

39. Rhode Island

Rhode Island wants to prevent the zombie apocalypse. You face up to 20 years in prison if you bite off another person’s limb.

40. South Carolina

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.

41. South Dakota

You mustn’t fall asleep in a cheese factory in South Dakota. However, once the cheese is packaged, you are allowed to nap.

42. Tennessee

No sharing passwords in Tennessee! The “Tennessee Login Law” makes sharing streaming services logins with anyone who doesn’t live in your household illegal.

43. Texas

You can sell your hair or blood but don’t sell a human eye in the state of Texas.

44. Utah

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.

45. Vermont

Smile! You can’t get dentures without permission from your husband if you’re a woman.

46. Virginia

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.

47. Washington

As far as we know, Bigfoot isn’t even real, but you’re not supposed to harass this creature in Wharton County, Washington.

48. West Virginia

West Virginia adds to the definition of free food. Roadkill in the state is legal to take home to cook.

49. Wisconsin

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.

50. Wyoming

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.