The US has a complex history, and each state has it own set of (mostly sensible) laws its citizens must abide by, alongside federal laws. But hidden among the understandable ones are some laws that are weirdly absurd.
It’s true that these quirky state laws aren’t generally enforced anymore, but technically, they could be. And you have to ask yourself how these laws came into being in the first place!
Georgia
In Georgia, it’s illegal to eat fried chicken any other way than with your hands.
Michigan
In Michigan, the laws states that you are not, under any circumstances, allowed to tie a crocodile or alligator to a fire hydrant.
Kansas
In Kansas, it is against the law to throw knives at men who are wearing striped suits.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, it is illegal to buy ice cream after 6 p.m. unless you have a doctor’s note.
North Dakota
In North Dakota, you are not allowed to lie down and fall asleep while wearing shoes.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, a woman is only allowed to drive a car if her husband waves a red flag in front of it first.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, it is illegal to take a picture of a rabbit from January to April unless you have an official permit.
California
In California, it is against the law to eat an orange while in the bath.
Arizona
In Arizona, women are not allowed to eat raw onions while drinking buttermilk on Sundays.
Alaska
In Alaska, it is against the law to push a moose out of a moving airplane.
Texas
In Texas, it is illegal to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel.
Maine
In Maine, it is against the law to bite your landlord, even if provoked.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, there’s a legal requirement for every citizen to shower once per year.
Florida
In Florida, it is a jailable offense for unmarried women to parachute on Sundays.
Ohio
In Ohio, you are not allowed to pull faces (silly or serious) at a dog.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, it is illegal to sing off-key.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, it is against the law to walk a dog unless it is wearing a diaper.
New York
In New York, the law for riding an elevator is very clear: you are not allowed to talk to another person in the elevator, you must keep your hands folded, and keep your eyes facing forward.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
