18 Strange Laws That Once Existed in America
Across U.S. history, many unusual state and local laws once existed that seem strange today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Some American laws were created to solve specific local problems but later appeared outdated or unnecessary. These rules often reflected cultural norms, public safety concerns, or moral standards of their time. Most have since been repealed or are no longer enforced, leaving behind curious examples of past legislation.
1. Alabama: No Ice Cream Cones in Back Pockets
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Alabama once had a law against placing an ice cream cone in your back pocket. It was meant to prevent horse theft, since horses could follow the scent and wander off. While the intent was serious, the wording made it unusual. The law is no longer enforced.
2. Arizona: No Donkeys Sleeping in Bathtubs
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In Arizona, it was once illegal to let a donkey sleep in a bathtub. The law reportedly came after a flooding incident in the 1920s when a donkey was swept away. Officials banned the practice for public safety. The law has since been considered outdated.
3. California: No Animals on School Grounds Without Permission
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California once had local laws banning certain animals, including dogs, from being brought onto school grounds without approval. The rule was originally about protecting children. Over time, it became seen as overly restrictive. Many places later rewrote the rule.
4. Colorado: No Lending Vacuums to Neighbors on Sundays
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In some Colorado towns, borrowing household items like vacuums on Sundays was once prohibited. The law came from blue laws meant to enforce Sunday rest. It reflected religious traditions of the time. The rule is no longer recognized.
5. Connecticut: Pickles Must Bounce
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Connecticut law once stated that for a pickle to be legally sold, it had to bounce when dropped. This came after a food regulation dispute in the 1940s. Officials used bouncing as a quick freshness test. The rule was later updated with modern food safety standards.
6. Delaware: No Whispering in Church
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Delaware once banned whispering in church during services. The law was meant to reduce distractions and preserve order. While based on respect for religious gatherings, it was unusual in its enforcement. It has since disappeared from practice.
7. Florida: No Singing in Public While Wearing a Swimsuit
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At one time, Florida had local laws restricting singing in public while wearing swimwear. These rules reflected older modesty standards in beach towns. They were rarely enforced in later years. Eventually, they were removed.
8. Georgia: No Carrying Ice Cream Cones in Back Pockets on Sundays
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Like Alabama, Georgia also banned ice cream cones in back pockets. The reasoning was tied to horse theft prevention. The law was tied to Sunday restrictions, making it stricter. Today, it is a historical oddity.
9. Idaho: No Fishing from a Camel’s Back
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Idaho once had a law against fishing while sitting on a camel. The unusual wording likely came from lawmakers wanting to restrict the fishing of animals in general. Camels were rare in Idaho, making the law strange. It is no longer enforced.
10. Illinois: No Giving Whiskey to Dogs
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Illinois law once prohibited giving whiskey to dogs. It was created to prevent animal cruelty and misuse of alcohol. While the purpose was serious, the law’s phrasing made it sound odd. It has since been repealed.
11. Indiana: No Mustaches if You Kiss Humans
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Indiana once had a law suggesting men with mustaches should not kiss others. It reflected outdated ideas about hygiene and public health. The rule was never strictly enforced. Today, it is remembered as a curiosity.
12. Iowa: One-Armed Piano Players Must Perform for Free
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Iowa once had an unusual law about piano players with one arm needing to play for free. The origin is unclear but may have been related to licensing fees. The law seemed discriminatory and unnecessary. It has since been removed.
13. Kentucky: No Reptiles in Church Services
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Kentucky passed laws against using snakes and reptiles in religious ceremonies. This was linked to certain practices in small communities. Officials considered it a public safety matter. The rule remains part of state regulation.
14. Maine: No Christmas Decorations After January 14
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Maine once required Christmas decorations to be taken down by mid-January. The law was tied to fire safety in homes with real trees. While practical, it seemed unusual as a legal requirement. It is no longer strictly enforced.
15. Massachusetts: No Exploding Golf Balls
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Massachusetts banned exploding golf balls after novelty versions caused accidents. The law came from a real safety concern. Today, it sounds strange but shows how lawmakers responded to specific issues. It remains a noted oddity.
16. Minnesota: No Crossing State Lines with a Duck on Your Head
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Minnesota once prohibited crossing state lines while carrying a duck on your head. The law’s origins are unclear but likely tied to hunting regulations. The wording made it sound absurd. It is not enforced today.
17. Nebraska: No Mothers Permitted to Give Daughters a Perm Without License
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Nebraska once required a cosmetology license for mothers giving daughters a hair perm. The rule was part of broader beauty industry regulations. While technically logical, the specific phrasing made it seem unusual. It has since been updated.
18. New York: No Throwing Balls at People’s Heads for Fun
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In New York City, it was once illegal to throw a ball at someone’s head for fun. The law was created to prevent injuries. While reasonable in intent, it became a strange entry in legal codes. It has since been replaced by general safety laws.