1. No Singing in the Bathtub in Pennsylvania
We all have our quirks, but Pennsylvania takes it up a notch. Singing in the bathtub is technically illegal in the state, though no one can say for sure who would enforce this rule. This law likely stemmed from fears about safety, like someone slipping or accidentally ingesting water while singing. In an age when bathrooms are more slip-resistant and safety standards are much higher, this law sounds absurd.
2. No Feeding Pigeons in San Francisco
San Francisco has an old law prohibiting the feeding of pigeons. This law was put in place to control the pigeon population and prevent the spread of disease. In 2025, the law may sound excessive, especially as other urban wildlife management methods have taken its place, but it’s still technically enforced.
3. No Spitting on the Sidewalk in Pueblo, Colorado
If you’re caught spitting on the sidewalk in Pueblo, you might be met with a fine. This law, rooted in public health concerns from a bygone era, was originally meant to prevent the spread of diseases like tuberculosis. While it may have been a practical measure back when spitting was a major public health concern, today, with advancements in hygiene and public awareness, this law seems more annoying than necessary.
4. No ‘Dangerous’ Dances in New York
New York has been the epicenter of dance and music for decades, but there’s an old law that says dancing is prohibited in certain places without a special license. It was originally intended to keep control of where people gathered during Prohibition, ensuring speakeasies didn’t become havens for illicit activities. Fast forward to 2025, and while nobody is worried about illegal speakeasies anymore, this law remains on the books.
5. No Driving Blindfolded in Alabama
At first glance, it seems obvious why you shouldn’t drive while blindfolded, but this law was made for an even stranger reason. It dates back to a time when local authorities worried that people might engage in risky behavior as a joke or dare. Though driving blindfolded would obviously be dangerous, it’s highly unlikely that this is a widespread problem in 2025.
6. No Roosters in Baltimore, Maryland
Picture this: you’re a new homeowner in Baltimore, you raise some hens for fresh eggs, and then one day, you decide to get a rooster for a bit of ambiance. Not so fast—Baltimore has had a ban on roosters since the 1800s due to complaints about noise. While modern city living is loud enough, this old rule persists, and some say it’s time to let a rooster crow if it wants to.
7. No Fishing Without a License in Utah (Even for Pets)
Utah has taken fishing laws to a whole new level. It’s technically illegal to fish in the state without a proper license, even if you’re not trying to catch anything for consumption. The law was put in place to regulate fishing practices and prevent overfishing, but in 2025, it seems extreme to have to buy a license just to toss a line into a lake for fun.
8. No Chewing Gum on Public Buses in Missouri
Missouri is home to a peculiar public transit rule: chewing gum on the bus is prohibited. This law was designed in the 1950s to keep buses clean and free of gum stuck to seats and windows. While gum on seats might still be annoying, modern bus cleaning practices and better public awareness make this regulation feel like an old relic.
9. Don’t Jump From a Building in New York City
Jumping from a building may sound extreme, but it was actually outlawed in New York City in the 1920s after a series of reckless stunts and daredevil acts drew crowds. It was initially intended to prevent dangerous pranks. In the age of safety regulations and construction codes, it’s hard to imagine this being an ongoing concern in 2025.
10. No Public Drunkenness in Alaska
In Alaska, a law exists that prohibits public drunkenness—even within the privacy of your own home if your intoxicated state is deemed to be disruptive to others. This regulation likely dates back to when alcohol-related issues were more prominent in some communities, but in 2025, it’s hard to imagine it being an enforcement priority.
11. No Riding Horses on the Beach in California
This old California law makes sense only if you look at it through the lens of a different era. Originally, it was created to keep the beaches clean and safe for pedestrians, protecting against potential horse traffic accidents. With cars and bikes dominating the landscape now, the law seems more symbolic than necessary.
12. No Selling “Fake” McDonald’s Food in New York
McDonald’s has been synonymous with fast food for decades, so it’s no surprise that New York has an old law that prohibits selling anything that could be mistaken for McDonald’s food. This was established to prevent counterfeit burgers and fries from hitting the market, an issue that probably hasn’t been relevant in decades, but technically, the law still exists.
Even though these laws are quirky and sometimes outright absurd, they’re a testament to the ways that society changes faster than legislation. Let’s hope 2025 is the year they finally hit the archives.
