Fifty Bans in the US That Are Hard to Believe Are Real
There is a whole list of amazing prohibited things and actions in the USA. The strangest prohibition laws are told by Reader's Digest.
Photo: Chris Dorney | Dreamstime.com
Sometimes in the US you can come across some pretty strange laws, like the ban on Kinder Surprise Eggs, which have been banned from being sold in stores since 1997.
Some of the bans, like Kinder, are federal, but many exist at the state level. Most of these bans are relics of the past, rarely enforced, and some have been overturned by federal regulations. Nevertheless, these laws remain on the books, and when they are mentioned, it is usually laughed at.
Be sure to check what is illegal in your state.
On the subject: Minimum Wage Increase and New Restrictions for Drivers: What Laws Came into Effect in California on July 1
Alabama: No Bear Wrestling
The city of Mobile has banned spray paint and confetti. But every city in the state has a law against organizing or participating in bear fights in any way. This includes selling tickets and training a bear to fight. It's one of the most absurd laws because when you see a bear, you want to run, not fight it.
Alaska: No Bows or Arrows Allowed
In Alaska, it's illegal to enter a bar while intoxicated—that makes sense. But in Nome, it's illegal to carry a bow and arrow, even though bow hunting is actually allowed in the state.
Arizona: Camel hunting banned
Yes, it is illegal to hunt camels in Arizona. It seems odd, since they are not native animals. But before the Civil War, the US Army experimented with camels in the Arizona desert. After the project failed, the animals were released into the wild, and are now protected.
Arkansas: Don't Honk Outside a Diner
In Little Rock, it's illegal to honk your horn outside sandwich shops after 21 p.m. So be patient in the drive-thru line.
California: No Fake Mustaches
In 1872, California passed a law making it illegal to wear fake moustaches and beards—unless you were using them to commit a crime or escape from prison. It seems that many people were hiding behind fake moustaches when they fled the police.
Colorado: Don't Throw Firecrackers at Cars
In the city of Alamosa, throwing firecrackers at cars is prohibited. It sounds like an obvious measure, but the authorities decided to enshrine it clearly in the law.
Connecticut: Kissing is illegal on Sundays
In Hartford, men are not allowed to kiss their wives on Sundays. The origins of this law are unknown, but it still exists, although it is not enforced.
Delaware: No Halloween on Sundays
In the city of Rehoboth Beach, if October 31 falls on a Sunday, the holiday is moved to Saturday.
Florida: Internet Cafes Banned
In 2013, the governor signed a law against illegal gambling, but the result was a ban on all internet cafes. As a result, about 1000 establishments were closed. The law is still in effect, although cafes continue to open, claiming that they do not violate the law.
Georgia: Don't swear near dead bodies
You can't swear near a dead body here - otherwise you won't be allowed to run a funeral business. Apparently, decency is important even after death.
Hawaii: You can't text while crossing the street
Since 2017, Honolulu has banned using a phone while crossing the road. The fine is from $15 to $99. Although it sounds funny, this habit causes thousands of traffic accidents every year.
Idaho: Don't be in the house with marijuana
Even if you don't use marijuana, but you are in a house where it is present, you face a $300 fine and 90 days in jail.
Illinois: Pants Dropped Banned
The city of Lynnwood has had a ban on pants that show more than three inches of underwear since 2008. The fine is between $35 and $750.
Indiana: No shooting at fish
It is illegal to shoot or catch fish with your bare hands in Indiana.
Iowa: No stripping or running around naked
Exposure to arousal is considered a serious crime unless the viewer is the offender's spouse.
Kansas: Kids Can't Have Toy Guns
In Kansas City, it is illegal to sell air guns, such as BB guns, airsoft guns, and other types of short-barreled toy guns, to children. However, shotguns are not prohibited for sale to children, as they fall under a different category of guns and are regulated differently.
Kentucky: You Can't Sell Dyed Rabbits
Selling dyed rabbits, ducklings and chickens is prohibited. Fine: up to $500.
Louisiana: Vampire Ban
It is forbidden to drink blood here - both human and animal. Violation is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5000.
Maine: No Rollerblading on Sidewalks
In Biddeford, it's illegal to ride a bicycle or roller skate on the sidewalk. And in Augusta, you can't sell lemonade without permission from the police chief.
Maryland: Don't Swear on the Playground
In Cumberland, profanity is prohibited on playgrounds - even if you stub your pinky.
Massachusetts: You can't transport a tree if it's too big for your vehicle
In 2017, the police were outraged by a driver with a huge Christmas tree on his roof. So they passed a new law: transport trees responsibly.
Michigan: Public urination is a serious crime
Not only can you get a fine of up to $500 and 90 days in jail, but you can also be put on the sex offender registry.
Minnesota: Public drunkenness not a crime
Here you won't be arrested just for being drunk on the street. But if you start fighting or breaking property, that's a different matter.
Mississippi: Polygamy Can't Be Taught
Mississippi makes it illegal to teach "doctrine, principles, or tenets" of polygamy. Violations are punishable by one to six months in prison.
Missouri: No Hiding on Moving Vehicle
In Colombia, it is illegal to ride a bicycle or roller skate while attached to a moving vehicle.
Montana: You can't give rats as gifts
In the city of Billings, it is legal to buy, sell, or give away rats only if they are intended to feed snakes or birds of prey. For any other purpose, it is illegal.
Nebraska: Can't marry if you have an STD
In Nebraska, a person with a venereal disease cannot legally marry. In practice, such a marriage is not considered invalid, but annullable.
Nevada: No Lying on Sidewalks
In Reno, lying on the sidewalk is strictly prohibited - except in real emergencies.
New Hampshire: Don't Take Seaweed Off the Beach
It is illegal to take seaweed from the New Hampshire coast.
New Jersey: You Can't Text While Walking Down the Street
Texting while walking is illegal in Fort Lee. The fine is $85.
New Mexico: Dueling is prohibited
Although dueling is a thing of the past, it is still officially illegal in New Mexico.
New York: No Alcohol Before Brunch
In New York City, restaurants cannot serve alcohol until 10 a.m. on Sundays.
North Carolina: Ban on 'Crimes Against Nature'
This includes, for example, a man and a woman living together without marriage. This is considered a class 2 crime. The law is morally outdated, but formally exists.
North Dakota: Sex with Birds and Dead People Is Banned
The state prohibits "deviant sexual acts," including sexual contact with animals, birds, or dead people. The penalty is up to $2000 in fines, a year in prison, or both.
Ohio: No Arrests on Sundays
In Ohio, it is illegal to arrest a person on Sundays, Independence Day, or while the legislature is in session.
Oklahoma: Horse Tripping Ban
It is forbidden to participate in events where horses are tripped on purpose (their legs are entangled with ropes). This is considered cruelty to animals.
Oregon: It's illegal to throw a bottle of urine on the curb
Oregon is very strict about the disposal of personal waste. It is illegal to leave containers of urine or feces on or near the road.
Pennsylvania: No Phones Allowed in Courtrooms
Lancaster County strictly prohibits cell phones and any audio recording devices in courthouses - even for reporters.
Rhode Island: No Biting Off Fingers
In Rhode Island, it is illegal to bite off "limbs or body parts," gouge out eyes, or cut another person's nose, ear, or lip. The penalty for doing so is up to 20 years in prison.
South Carolina: No Sunday Work
State law prohibits doing business, working, or employing workers on Sunday. Charleston County makes an exception for Sabbathkeepers.
South Dakota: Don't Generate Static Electricity
The City of Huron has made it illegal to create "static electricity" that causes interference or "snow" on your TV screen. This is not about electrified hair, it's about electrical interference.
Tennessee: Don't Share Netflix Passwords
Since 2011, Tennessee has banned sharing passwords for any paid streaming services. Doing so carries a penalty of up to a year in prison and a $2500 fine.
Texas: Same-sex sex banned
Although the Texas penal code still prohibits "deviant sexual conduct" between people of the same sex, it was invalidated by a 2003 U.S. Supreme Court decision.
Utah: No Throwing Snowballs
In Provo, it is illegal to throw sticks, rocks, or snowballs in a manner that damages property, creates a hazard, or "frightens passersby."
Vermont: Apple Pie Without Ice Cream Is a Crime
Since 1999, when serving the state's official pie, apple pie, in Vermont, you must try to serve it with either milk, a ½ ounce slice of cheddar, or a large scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Virginia: Trick or Treat Only Up to 14
In the city of Chesapeake, if you are over the age of 14, you cannot go door-to-door trick-or-treating on Halloween. Violation is punishable by a fine of up to $100, six months in jail, or both.
Washington: If you have a cold, stay home
In Washington State, it is illegal to knowingly be in public with a contagious disease. Violation is a criminal offense.
West Virginia: If you've been in a duel, don't work in government
Anyone who has engaged in a duel with weapons, or even accepted a challenge, is disqualified for life from holding public office in the state.
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Wisconsin: No Snowball Fights
In the city of Voso, snowballs are formally considered "projectiles," like stones or arrows. Although they are no longer in the text of the law itself, they are still listed in the references to the code.
Wyoming: No drunk entry into mine
In Wyoming, this violation is punishable by a $500 fine and/or up to a year in jail. In addition, it is illegal to sell metals, paper, etc. while intoxicated—the buyer is responsible for this.
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