18 Laws Still on the Books That Will Blow Your Mind
These bizarre rules still exist today — and yes, they’re technically enforceable.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Laws are supposed to make sense, but some of them seem straight out of a comedy skit. Across the U.S. and the world, you’ll find outdated or head-scratching rules that somehow never got repealed. From outlawed mustaches to banned ice cream cones, here are 18 absurd laws that are still legally valid.
1. It’s Illegal to Own Just One Guinea Pig in Switzerland
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Swiss law considers guinea pigs social animals and requires them to be kept in pairs. Keeping a solo piggie is seen as cruelty.
2. Don’t Tie a Giraffe to a Telephone Pole in Georgia
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In Georgia, it’s technically illegal to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole. No one knows why it was ever necessary. Still, the law lingers in the books.
3. No Ice Cream in Back Pockets – Kentucky
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This law was meant to deter horse theft in the 1800s. Thieves would lure horses away with ice cream placed in their pockets.
4. Oklahoma Bans Bear Wrestling
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You read that right — organizing or promoting bear wrestling matches is prohibited in Oklahoma. Apparently, this used to be a real issue.
5. Chewing Gum is Banned in Singapore
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Singapore strictly controls gum sales to keep public spaces clean. Only therapeutic gum is allowed with a doctor’s prescription.
6. No Sleeping in Cheese Factories – South Dakota
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There’s an actual law in South Dakota against sleeping in cheese factories. Maybe it was a worker safety issue — or someone got too comfy near the cheddar.
7. Don’t Die in Parliament – United Kingdom
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Dying in the UK’s Parliament buildings is supposedly illegal, as it entitles you to a state funeral. While the law’s enforceability is murky, it’s a long-standing urban legend — and still often repeated.
8. It’s Illegal to Handle Salmon Suspiciously in the UK
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The “Salmon Act 1986” includes a clause about suspicious fish handling. It was designed to prevent illegal fishing activity, but the wording leaves room for comedy.
9. Bingo Games Can’t Last More Than 5 Hours – North Carolina
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In North Carolina, bingo games are capped at five hours. Anything longer could be considered illegal gambling. Sorry, diehard dabbers.
10. Don’t Explode a Nuclear Bomb – California
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California has a law banning nuclear explosions within city limits. If you do, there’s a fine, though enforcing it seems a little late. Still, it’s oddly specific.
11. No Whistling Underwater – Vermont
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This law may be impossible to enforce, but Vermont bans underwater whistling. Why? No one’s sure, but it’s there if you want to challenge it.
12. It’s Illegal to Forget Your Wife’s Birthday – Samoa
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In Samoa, husbands who forget their wives’ birthdays can face legal consequences. This is a gesture of cultural respect but also a firm reminder.
13. Don’t Step on Money – Thailand
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It’s against the law to step on Thai currency because it bears the king’s image. Disrespecting the monarchy can bring serious trouble.
14. Missouri Bans Driving with an Uncaged Bear
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In Missouri, owning a bear is legal, but you can’t drive around with one unrestrained. A cage is required by law. Apparently, someone needed that clarified.
15. Don’t Sell Haunted Houses Without Disclosure – New York
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A 1991 court ruling established that sellers must disclose if a house is “legally haunted.” If it’s advertised as such, buyers have the right to know.
16. It’s Illegal to Swear in Front of a Corpse – Georgia
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In Georgia, cursing in the presence of a deceased person is a misdemeanor. The law intends to maintain dignity during funerals.
17. You Can’t Be Drunk in a Bar – Alaska
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Alaska law forbids being “visibly drunk” in a bar, which is pretty ironic. Bartenders can be fined for over-serving.
18. Only Licensed Electricians Can Change a Light Bulb – Victoria, Australia
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In the Australian state of Victoria, changing a light bulb without certification was once illegal. The rule has since been relaxed, but it still raises eyebrows.