Dumb laws

[Zach]

I think this might be cool if everyone posts the dumb laws they have heard of... here's mine!

Alaska: Dropping a moose out of an airplane.

[EinBebop]

'Hate' crimes.

I've betrayed the spirit of the subject, haven't I? :D

[auto]

In Arkansas its illegal to mispronounce the name of the state.
(think Arkan's Ass)

[Kenshin]

In Baltimore Maryland it is illegal to take a lion to the movies.

In Statan Island New York you may only water your lawn if the hose is held in your hand.

In China only intellegent people may go to college.

In Carmel New York it is illegal for a man to wink at a women who he doesn't
know.

In Zion Illinois it is illegal to give any domesticated animal a lighted cigar.

In New York State it is illegal to throw a ball at someones head for fun.

In new York State nobody can walk around with ice cream in their pocket on sunday.




more coming soon...

[Eddie G.]

'Hate' crimes. Despite the clever "All crimes are hate crimes" jokes, laws against hate crimes have a purpose. Someone who kills people because they're black is more likely to kill again than someone who killed their verbally abusive husband. It is logical to treat them as special cases.



In Statan Island New York you may only water your lawn if the hose is held in your hand.

Actually that one kind of makes a lot of sense.

[SSJPabs]

I've betrayed the spirit of the subject, haven't I? :DAllow me to assist. Laws preventing domestic partnerships or any legal rights that are that same as marriage for people of the same sex. The headaches that will play with things like tenancy, etc. are mind boggling.

Making it so sweeping was pretty stupid in and of itself because of the collateral damage it created.

[Kenshin]

In Arkensas it is legal for a man to beat his wife but it is illegal for him to do it more then once a month.

It is illegal to wear suspenders in Nogles Arizona.

It is illegal to raise chickens in bottles in New Jersey.

In North Dekota bear and pretzels may not be served together at anytime in a public resturant.

In Oklahoma it is illegal to give Liquor to a fish.

In Newport Rhode Island it is illegal to smoke a pipe after sunset.

In Louisana it is illegal to rob a bank then shoot the bank teller with a water pistol.

in California it is illegal to peal an orange in your hotel room.

In florida if an elephant is left tied to a parking meter the parking fee must be paid as if it where a vehicle.

In conneticut it is illegal to walk across the street on your hands.

[sidewinder]

In my hometown of Spokane, it's illegal to spit on a bus. The saliva distracts the driver.

[Eddy]

In my home of New Jersey it's...

Against the law for a man to knit during fishing season.
Against the law to "frown" at a police officer.
You may not slurp your soup.
Car dealerships may not open on Sunday.
It is illegal to delay a homing pigeon.

[Kury Wagner]

The weirdest one in WI to me is butter substitutes are not allowed to be served in our prisons.

[SirLemming]

In Baltimore Maryland it is illegal to take a lion to the movies.LOL! I'd like to hear the story behind that one.

In Louisana it is illegal to rob a bank then shoot the bank teller with a water pistol.Interesting add-on to the whole "don't rob banks" law.

in California it is illegal to peal an orange in your hotel room.What the heck?!

[Kenshin]

In Jonesboro Georgia it is illegal to say "Oh boy."

It is illegal to catch fish with your bare hands in Kansas.

In Nevada it is illegal to drive a camel on a highway.

In Ohio you can be fined and sometimes arrested for making ugly faces at dogs.

In Utah birds have the right of way on all highways.

It is illegal to paint a horse in Vermont.

In Wilbur Washington it is illegal to ride an ugly horse.

In west verginia no child may attend school if their breath smells like wild onions.

[Cartman]

In North Dakota, it is illegal for one to go to sleep wearing their shoes.


Alaska: Dropping a moose out of an airplane.
Actually, I believe it was looking at a moose from an airplane that was illegal.

[Deadman]

In Jonesboro Georgia it is illegal to say "Oh boy."

It is illegal to catch fish with your bare hands in Kansas.

In Nevada it is illegal to drive a camel on a highway.

In Ohio you can be fined and sometimes arrested for making ugly faces at dogs.

In Utah birds have the right of way on all highways.

It is illegal to paint a horse in Vermont.

In Wilbur Washington it is illegal to ride an ugly horse.

In west verginia no child may attend school if their breath smells like wild onions...wtf??????

[Bryangst]

Here's some from Oregon, the state I live in:

One may not bathe without wearing "suitable clothing,"

Dishes must drip dry

Juggling is strictly prohibited without a license in Hood River

It's illegal to walk down a sidewalk and knock a snakes head off with your cane in Klamath Falls

People may not whistle underwater in Portland

One may not box with a kangaroo in Myrtle Creek

[Swordfish_II]

It is illegal to catch fish with your bare hands in Kansas.
I just heard on the news that it won't be any longer...

[EinBebop]

It is illegal to catch fish with your bare hands in Kansas.I just heard on the news that it won't be any longer...At last, I won't have to hide it anymore.

I've betrayed the spirit of the subject, haven't I?When I said this, I meant that I violated the spirit of what was obviously meant to be a light-hearted thread by introducing a serious, controversial subject.

I sure feel dumb when I have to explain my own jokes. :p

[Storm Eagle]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned laws preventing parents to use physical discipline. I don't think less of parents who do that, as long as they don't go crazy and get trigger-happy. I don't mind if parents don't do it, as long as they're not whimps about it, and can come up with other discipline methods that actually WORK. If anything, physical discipline should only be outlawed to the extent that an object can't ever be used.

[Psycho Fox]

Pennsylvania laws:

It is illegal to have over 16 women live in a house together because that constitutes a brothel. However up to 120 men can live together, without breaking the law.

Even if the 120 men are uhh providing pleasurement for women? Kinda funny if a brothel aimed at women customers would be legal yet one aimed at men wouldn't.

[SirLemming]

Even if the 120 men are uhh providing pleasurement for women? Kinda funny if a brothel aimed at women customers would be legal yet one aimed at men wouldn't.Yeah. I'm not sure which direction to approach that sexism lawsuit from.

[Boomhauer]

Dishes must drip dryHaha! Man! :p

In New York City, it is illegal to ride your bike pass the speed limit.

In New York City subway, it is illegal to sit on the steps, lean on a pole/trash can, walk with your hands in pant pockets, carry a camera/cellphone/tape recorder. Ladies have the right of way, too.

In NY State, it is illegal to have pitch-black tinted windows on your car. It's also illegal to have body kits, etc.

In Bronx, NY it is illegal to turn on red no matter what.

In most parts of Connecticut it is illegal to play loud music.

In Massachuessets, its illegal to sit on stairs at your home.

In Buffalo, it is illegal to go to most stores without money.

In Pennsylvania (I think), it's illegal to walk after 1 am and before 6 am.

In one of the states it is illegal to chase for a bus. You missed it, you miss it.

It is illegal to brag about the law.

[Ajax]

Since nobodys pointed out dumb Texas laws here it goes

It is illegal to take more than three sips of beer at a time while standing.

A recently passed anticrime law requires criminals to give their victims 24 hours notice, either orally or in writing, and to explain the nature of the crime to be committed.

It is unlawful for a person to consume an alcoholic beverage while operating a motor vehicle upon a public roadway, if the person is observed doing so by a peace officer.

The entire Encyclopedia Britannica is banned in Texas because it contains a formula for making beer at home.

When two trains meet each other at a railroad crossing, each shall come to a full stop, and neither shall proceed until the other has gone.

It is illegal to drive without windshield wipers. You don't need a windshield, but you must have the wipers.

You can be legally married by publically introducing a person as your husband or wife 3 times.

A city ordinance states that a person cannot go barefoot without first obtaining a special five-dollar permit.

It is illegal for one to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel.

It is illegal to milk another person's cow.

[tucsoncoyote]

Here are some Dumb Arizona (And California Laws) I know of:

Arizona First...

In the Entire State of Arizona... It's Illegal to hunt Camels... Period...


In Arizona, If you committ a Misdemeanor Crime wearing a Red Mask, it's a Felony..

In Glendale Arizona, Cars may not be driven in reverse.

In Tombstone, Arizona, It is illegal for men and women over the age of 18 to have less than one missing tooth visible when smiling.

and in Tucson Arizona, Women may not wear pants. (That's the Law!)

Now the funniest Dumb Law I ever Found was a Law that is about 30 years old and in fact Comes from the City of Chico California, this law was put on the books, after the start of these Issues with Nuclear weapons and Nuclear Free zones.. so here is this one.. and then you ask me.. How smart is this dumb law...


Detonating a nuclear device within the Chico, California, city limits results in a $500 fine.

Question: How would the City of Chico California Collect such a Fine?

:coyote:

[Deadman]

heh these laws are funny! too bad i dont know any dumb laws

[Psycho Fox]

A recently passed anticrime law requires criminals to give their victims 24 hours notice, either orally or in writing, and to explain the nature of the crime to be committed.

That is so funny,

Murder: "Hello, I'm calling to inform I'm going to kill you tommorow"
Victim: "So considerate of you calling, how are you going to kill me"
Murder: "Stabing you with a knife"
Victim "Oh, I was going to wear my good clothes that day but thanks to your thoughtfullness I won't stain them with my blood"
Murder: "It would have been rude of me not to"
Victim: "Well have a good day"
Murder: "You too"

[Storm Eagle]

In Bronx, NY it is illegal to turn on red no matter what.

There's actually this one light in that city where you can make a right turn when it's red, but you'd have to treat it as you would a stop sign.

I heard that it's illegal in Sweden to spank a kid in public, though I personally don't think that's so dumb.

[Magwheel]

Where I come from, it's a felony to tell a half-truth, turn a tv into a birdcage before all capacitators have been discharged at least 3 times (but no more than 5), and start or spread urban legends about far-away lands via email/posted bills all in the same 3-year period. yeah right.

It never occured to me that this may be odd, but in Quebec, the entire province as far as I know, it's illegal to turn right on a red. Of course it's always illegal to turn left on a red, but because no one ever points that out, I'll assume it's ok to turn left on a red in Quebec. Is this uncommon in the states?

I think most of these laws are more amusing than dumb. I find that Call-Ahead very funny; it'd be a real kick in the pants to criminals. Tacking on an extra charge or two when people break the law :p Gotta come up with some more. Make it a felony to speed when leaving a bank. Or to mask your voice with a cloth item while talking on the phone to members of the opposite sex or business partners/competitors. heh heh...

*starts loading trunk with tools required to disassemble a car, just in case*

[OverdrivePrime]

These are great!

In Chicago, there are no college sorority houses because 12 unrelated women living in the same dwelling was considered a brothel.
As for the Pennsylvania version of the law, I'm confused - if you have more than 120 men living together it is then considered a brothel?

In Wisconsin there are two different towns with laws relating to firearms and intercourse.
Lodi, Wisconsin prohibits a woman from firing a pair of six shooters in a hotel room during sex.
Connorsvillle, Wisconsin prohibits men from firing a gun when their partner climaxes.
:p

[Psycho Fox]

These are great!

In Chicago, there are no college sorority houses because 12 unrelated women living in the same dwelling was considered a brothel.
As for the Pennsylvania version of the law, I'm confused - if you have more than 120 men living together it is then considered a brothel?

You know I just realized both laws would consider nunneries brothels.

[Juu-kuchi]

Gravity.

[HumanoidTyphoon]

In Chicago, there are no college sorority houses because 12 unrelated women living in the same dwelling was considered a brothel.
As for the Pennsylvania version of the law, I'm confused - if you have more than 120 men living together it is then considered a brothel?More than 120 men and I'm not sure it would be considered a dwelling=p I guess at the time there were no male brothels so it wasn't an issue.=/

Also dumblaws (http://www.dumblaws.com/laws.php?site=laws&cid=184)

[Sue]

In Baltimore Maryland it is illegal to take a lion to the movies.
Heh. I never heard of that one before, and I live in Baltimore...learn something new everyday.


I'd worry if any of these laws are enforced :sweat:

[Boomhauer]

In Somolia, it is illegal to look fresh and clean. Execution is followed upon violation. :sweat:

Louisianna in the late 60's, it was illegal to not say hello when someone looked at you.

In Sesame St., Starkville, Mississippi, it is unlawful to participate if you're not from the staff. Tresspassing is strickly prohibited unless publicky noted.

In Manhattan in 1908, the speed limit was 8 mph.

In Canada, it is unlawful to beat the yellow light. Unlike most states here, the yellow light is quickly followed by a red light and must be obeyed at all times.

In NY State, it is illegal to carry a flashlight heavier than 1.14kg unless a licensed security guard.

In the military, it is unlawful for men to grow long hair.

[tucsoncoyote]

Actually here's one that is STILL In the Witchita, Kansas Rule Books, and yes, failure to do this will probably result in a ticket and a Fine..(and Maybe Jail Time..)

so Listen up..this one's really whack...

Before proceeding through the interesection of Douglas and Broadway (in Witchita, Kansas), a motorist is required to Stop his Vehicle, get out of their vehice and fire three shot gun rounds into the air.

No joke.. It's in the Books.,.. (and the Funny Irony is that the Kansas Legal Bar (THe Place where Lawyers get acredited to Practice Kansas Law), is less then a block from this intersection! Makes you wonder who wrote this one up!

So How's that for Stupidity?

:coyote:

[tucsoncoyote]

More than 120 men and I'm not sure it would be considered a dwelling=p I guess at the time there were no male brothels so it wasn't an issue.=/

Also dumblaws (http://www.dumblaws.com/laws.php?site=laws&cid=184)Right that's about as sensible as this one.. ...

if you molest Butterflies in Pacific Grove, California, you can get fined $250.00.*


(I wonder if "The Monarch" (From The Venture Bros.) Knows about this law?

:coyote:

*Edited Note: Actually This law has some logical sense to this as Pacific Grove California is the Summertime habitat to the "Endangered" Monarch Butterfly.

(of course now the question has to be asked.. since Molesting an "Endangered Species" is a Federal offense and is punishable by 5 years in Jail (Minimum) the question would be, could you be tried on the Federal law for violating the "Endangered Species Act? or would you still have to pay the 250 dollar Fine?

[Zach]

In Arkansas its illegal to mispronounce the name of the state.
(think Arkan's Ass)
Yeah, I know... I live in Arkansas.

[Mynd Hed]

I'm seeing a lot of laws posted on here that really aren't that dumb-- a lot of the ones involving animals fall under the whole "cruelty to animals" thing.

In Arizona, cohabitation with someone you're not married to is illegal. So you say, okay, that's pretty old-fashioned but not really all that uncommon. Thing is, they don't specify that the cohabitants have to be having a sexual relationship or be of the opposite gender. So EVERY PAIR OF COLLEGE ROOMMATES IN THE STATE is living in sin as far as the state of AZ is concerned.

There's also a line in the sex crimes chapter of the Arizona Revised Statutes about sodomny. Big deal, you say, lots of states still have outdated sodomny laws on the books. The really funny thing is how it's phrased. Every other sex crime-- rape, sexual assault, child molestation, sexual harrassment, etc.-- is precisely defined in a seperate section. However, the only legal definition of sodomny offered by the ARS is "the infamous crime against nature." That's it. No further explanation. You can look this up.

[SirLemming]

In Somolia, it is illegal to look fresh and clean. Execution is followed upon violation. :sweat: Then Outkast had better cancel their vacation to Somalia.

[StarScream64]

In Boston, Massachusetts, it's still legal for the residents of Beacon Street to take their cows to pasture at the Boston Commons (at least last time I checked). Keep in mind, this is akin to the residents of 5th Ave. taking their cows to pasture in Central Park.

[Cartman]

In Boston, Massachusetts, it's still legal for the residents of Beacon Street to take their cows to pasture at the Boston Commons (at least last time I checked). Keep in mind, this is akin to the residents of 5th Ave. taking their cows to pasture in Central Park.
Could that law have possibly been established during Colonial times?

[Westlander]

In NY State, it is illegal to carry a flashlight heavier than 1.14kg unless a licensed security guard.It ain't that stupid y'know. A two-pound flashlight can give someone a nasty headache if used properly (read: when you smack him upside the head with your trusty Maglite).

It is illegal to use Marvel characters in unlicensed third-party games. They will sue you for this. I heard they already did this to some people.

[Psycho Fox]

It ain't that stupid y'know. A two-pound flashlight can give someone a nasty headache if used properly (read: when you smack him upside the head with your trusty Maglite).

Yhea but train crews carry heavy flashlights too as do other workers. Also there is tons of legal tools that can give someone a much more naster headache like a wrench.

[Alex Toon]

In Louisiana, giving a false promise to someone gets you up to 1 year in prison.
I wonder why Angola isn't jam-packed top-to-bottom.(Angola is an all-male prison.)

[Otaku Bishop]

In Calafornia, it is illegal to molest a butterfly.
-and-
In Nevada, it is illegal to set off a radioactive plant within 12 miles of the city limits.

[StarScream64]

Could that law have possibly been established during Colonial times?Yup. That was the original purpose to the Commons; pasture land for livestock. Guess after a while, people tend to forget to nullify obsolete laws. :shrug:

Though that "lion in a movie theater" one.... ya got me on that one.

[Andy Mancini]

In Maryland, it's illeagal to play the song "Short People" by Randy Newman on the radio. I've always been tempted to request the track when I'm driving through the mountains, for no other reason than to see what happens.

[StarScream64]

Found some more for Massachusetts:


All men must carry a rifle to church on Sunday.
No gorilla is allowed in the back seat of any car.
Duels to the death permitted on the Common on Sundays provided that the Governor is present. (I'd like to see someone take advantage of this one.)
For Newton, MA: All families must be given a hog from the town's mayor.
Another city prohibits the use of space guns.
And I just found out that not just citizens of Beacon St. can take their cows to pasture at the Commons, but anyone can. Darn! Wish I had known that when ol' Betsy was still around!
And some for Illinois:

The English language is not to be spoken.
It is forbidden to fish while sitting on a giraffe's neck. (Chicago)

[Boomhauer]

Found some more for Massachusetts:


All men must carry a rifle to church on Sunday.
No gorilla is allowed in the back seat of any car.
Duels to the death permitted on the Common on Sundays provided that the Governor is present. (I'd like to see someone take advantage of this one.)
For Newton, MA: All families must be given a hog from the town's mayor.
Another city prohibits the use of space guns.
And I just found out that not just citizens of Beacon St. can take their cows to pasture at the Commons, but anyone can. Darn! Wish I had known that when ol' Betsy was still around!
And some for Illinois:

The English language is not to be spoken.
It is forbidden to fish while sitting on a giraffe's neck. (Chicago)

That's the world's stupidest thing I have ever read.

Illinios is America, isn't it? I have yet to hear any non-english speakers there.

And the Massachussets thing is total bs, man. Where'd you get this prank?

[StarScream64]

That's the world's stupidest thing I have ever read.

Illinios is America, isn't it? I have yet to hear any non-english speakers there.

And the Massachussets thing is total bs, man. Where'd you get this prank?Dumblaws.com, I think. Hey, I never said that I actually stand by the validity of any of these. This is the Internet, after all. :D

[Boomhauer]

Dumblaws.com, I think. Hey, I never said that I actually stand by the validity of any of these. This is the Internet, after all. :D
I know, but I never confirmed your belief in those laws. :) The source you got it from is what I was concerned about, those dumblaws people.com.

[Otaku Bishop]

He(or she)'s right.

[PowerZord]

In puertorico is gonna be illegal to Drive on the left side of the road.
So it will only be one lane for all

[Otaku Bishop]

In Mexico, it is illigal toeat a three-bean cassorole in the courtroom.:ack: