1. Arkansas: No Honking After 9 P.M. Near Sandwich Shops
Apparently, honking near sandwich shops late at night is prohibited in Little Rock, Arkansas. Maybe it’s a noise-control thing, but it does make you wonder if honking outside delis was once a prank or a call for the best sandwich in town. Either way, keep it quiet while grabbing a late-night snack.
2. Arizona: Don’t Let Your Donkey Sleep in the Bathtub
In Arizona, it’s against the law for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub. This quirky rule reportedly started in the 1920s when a donkey sleeping in a tub was swept away by a flood. Rescuing it proved so difficult that the law was set in place to avoid such a situation again. Poor donkeys; no more tub snoozing for them.
3. Alabama: No Dominoes on Sundays
In Alabama, it’s technically illegal to play dominoes on a Sunday. Maybe someone in the 1800s decided dominoes were far too raucous for the Lord’s Day? Or perhaps there were secret underground domino leagues causing mayhem? Either way, Alabamians, keep the dominoes stowed away on Sundays.
4. California: Frogs Can’t Die in Frog-Jumping Contests
In California, it’s illegal for a frog to die during a frog-jumping competition. This law, inspired by the famous Calaveras County Frog Jumping Jubilee, is intended to protect the animals involved. If a frog happens to croak mid-jump (pun intended), it can’t be eaten—it must be respectfully disposed of.
5. Colorado: No Catapulting
If you’re itching to use a catapult in Colorado, you’re out of luck—it’s banned. This law possibly stems from an era when “siege warfare” wasn’t just a phrase from fantasy novels. Either way, no medieval mischief here. You’ll have to find another way to launch your watermelons.
6. Connecticut: It’s Illegal to Sell a Used Mattress Without Proper Labeling
In Connecticut, if you want to sell a used mattress, it must be clearly labeled as such. This law ensures buyers aren’t duped into thinking they’re buying a new mattress when it’s actually pre-owned. Originally intended to protect consumers from hygiene risks, it’s now one of those quirky rules we can’t imagine needing.
7. Florida: No Selling Children
Yes, you read that correctly. In Florida, it’s illegal to sell your children. You have to wonder if this law was implemented in response to a very, very specific incident. In any case, it serves as a reminder that some rules exist for common sense as much as for legality.
8. Georgia: You Can’t Keep a Donkey in a Bathtub
Similar to Arizona, Georgia also has an old law prohibiting donkeys from sleeping in bathtubs. The origin of this law is a bit unclear, but it’s thought to be related to public nuisance rules. Apparently, bathtubs make poor stables, so Georgia law is here to protect bathtime—and keep donkeys out.
9. Hawaii: No Coins in Your Ears
Hawaii prohibits putting coins in your ears, a law that apparently originated as a measure to prevent street magic scams. Although it might seem strange today, keeping change out of your ears remains the law. Now you know where to draw the line with your coin tricks.
10. Idaho: It’s Illegal to Sweep Dirt from Your House into the Street
In Idaho, sweeping dirt from your house directly into the street is prohibited. This law was likely enacted to keep towns clean, but it adds a humorous twist to the idea of tidying up. So, if you’re in Idaho, make sure you dispose of dust and dirt the proper way—brooms down, folks!
11. Indiana: No Catching Fish with Your Bare Hands
In Indiana, it’s illegal to catch a fish using just your hands. Known as “noodling,” this technique was outlawed to protect the fish and possibly the noodlers. If you’re fishing here, you better bring a rod—or prepare for a brush with the law.
12. Iowa: Mustaches Are Illegal If You Kiss in Public
In the city of Ottumwa, Iowa, there’s an old law that technically makes it illegal for a man with a mustache to kiss a woman in public. This unusual rule may have originated as a modesty law or as a response to hygiene concerns, but whatever the reason, it’s a reminder of how times (and fashion) change.
13. Kansas: No Cherry Pie with Ice Cream on Sundays
In Kansas, it’s illegal to serve cherry pie with ice cream on a Sunday. It sounds like a crime against dessert lovers everywhere, but this peculiar law may have aimed to curb indulgence on the Sabbath. Thank goodness it’s rarely enforced these days.
14. Kentucky: No Dyeing Ducks Blue and Selling Them
In Kentucky, it’s illegal to sell dyed blue ducks unless you sell at least six at a time. Originally intended to prevent people from coloring animals for novelty sales, this law ensures there’s no single blue duck wandering about alone, apparently.
15. Louisiana: No Stealing Someone’s Crawfish
In Louisiana, crawfish theft is no joke—it’s punishable by hefty fines or even jail time. Crawfish is serious business in this state, where it’s a staple of both culture and cuisine. Protect your crawfish pots, folks!
