10 Bizarre Laws That Somehow Still Exist Today
These weird and wildly specific laws are still technically on the books—and yes, they’re real.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Some laws make sense. Others? Not so much. This list rounds up 10 laws that are still in effect and will leave you wondering how they ever became official in the first place. Whether it’s about handling fish suspiciously or banning high heels in certain areas, these strange rules are legal head-scratchers from around the world.
1. You Cannot Hold a Fish Suspiciously in London
cottonbro studio on Pexels
In London, it is illegal to carry a fish suspiciously under the Salmon Act of 1986. Yes, authorities apparently wanted to crack down on shady seafood dealings. The law is still technically enforceable, although its purpose now mostly raises eyebrows.
2. High Heels Are Banned at Ancient Greek Sites
Dennis G. Jarvis in Wikimedia Commons
Greece outlawed high heels at historical landmarks to protect the ancient stones from damage. The idea was that stiletto points might pierce through marble like a tiny jackhammer. Tourists must opt for flatter footwear when walking where philosophers once strolled.
3. Chickens Need Permission to Cross the Road in Georgia
Engin Akyurt on Pexels
In Gainesville, Georgia, chickens are not allowed to cross the road. This tongue-in-cheek ordinance was made to poke fun at the classic joke—but it’s still on the books. Authorities insist it’s about keeping poultry safe, but we all know why it exists.
4. No Ice Cream in Your Back Pocket, Especially on Sundays
UMUT DAĞLI on Pexels
In Kentucky, putting ice cream in your back pocket is illegal. This was once a sneaky way to steal horses, believe it or not. Today, it’s just a weird reminder that criminals used to be oddly creative.
5. Whistling Underwater is Off-Limits in Vermont
Sofya Borboris on Wikimedia Commons
Vermont’s legal code actually includes a ban on underwater whistling. No one really knows why—or how enforcement would even work. However, the law still exists, probably as a relic from someone’s overly detailed legislative brainstorm.
6. Dogs Cannot Molest Vehicles in Kentucky
Александр Македонский on Pexels
Kentucky has a law stating dogs may not “molest” vehicles. The language is vague, and no one really knows what canine crime inspired it. All we know is someone’s pup must’ve had a really bad day with a parked car.
7. Falling Asleep in a Cheese Factory Is Illegal in South Dakota
Anna Shvets on Pexels
South Dakota once decided that sleeping in a cheese factory should be a punishable offense. Maybe someone got too cozy near the cheddar wheel. It is still technically prohibited, although enforcement is practically nonexistent.
8. Bathtub Sharing Is a Legal Issue in Colorado
Vlada Karpovich on Pexels
Denver has a law banning the sharing of a bath with someone else. The origins are fuzzy, but the law exists, and it makes romantic soaks legally complicated. Whether it’s about plumbing or propriety, this one is truly bizarre.
9. Witches Must Register in Romania
Monstera Production on Pexels
In Romania, practicing witches must register and pay taxes just like any other profession. Failure to comply can result in fines—or curses, depending on who you ask. It is one of the few places where spell-casting is legally monitored.
10. You Cannot Die in the Houses of Parliament
Michal Klajban on Wikimedia Commons
Dying in the British Parliament is illegal, though no one has figured out how to enforce it. The rule stems from the idea that those who die there deserve a state funeral. It is one of the most absurd laws still in effect and the most impossible to punish.