1. Don’t Feed the Pigeons in San Francisco, California
In San Francisco, tossing breadcrumbs to those adorable flying rats is actually against the law — and yes, they will fine you for it. The city has an ordinance strictly prohibiting pigeon feeding in public areas, especially around places like Union Square. The reasoning? It encourages overpopulation, leads to health concerns, and ruins historic buildings.
Enforcement is surprisingly robust thanks to community reporting and a dedicated animal control unit. Officers have actually handed out tickets on the spot to unsuspecting bread-tossers. In some areas, you’ll even see signs posted warning you not to “feed the birds” — no Mary Poppins allowed. It’s one of those things that feels like a joke… until the ticket shows up.
2. No Jaywalking in Los Angeles, California
Sure, jaywalking might seem like the unofficial national sport of busy city dwellers, but in L.A., it can actually cost you. LAPD officers have been known to hand out $250 fines just for crossing the street when it’s not your turn. With its car-centric culture, the city emphasizes pedestrian discipline — even if there’s not a single vehicle in sight. It’s one of the few places where people will literally wait for the walk sign on an empty road.
The law is taken seriously partly due to safety concerns and partly due to the city’s chaotic traffic patterns. The enforcement is particularly common in tourist-heavy areas like Hollywood or Downtown. Even celebrities like Jonah Hill and Justin Bieber have reportedly been cited for it. So if you’re visiting, do your best Frogger impression legally — only cross at the green.
3. Keep Your Ice Cream in Check in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel has a lot of quirky charm — it’s a town where Clint Eastwood was once mayor and high heels technically require a permit. But one of the most famously enforced rules? You can’t eat ice cream on the sidewalks in some areas of town.
This rule dates back decades and was originally aimed at keeping sidewalks clean and classy. Although the ordinance has been relaxed a bit since the Eastwood era, locals say that law enforcement still politely discourages it, especially near certain historic districts. So don’t be surprised if someone in a small-town sheriff’s badge asks you to finish your cone elsewhere. Who knew vanilla swirl could be a civic threat?
4. No Singing After Dark in North Carolina
In parts of North Carolina — notably in towns like Lumberton — local ordinances prohibit singing, yelling, or “boisterous conduct” after 11 p.m. in public spaces. This law is often aimed at keeping neighborhoods peaceful, but it’s been applied to people literally just singing too loudly outside. Even karaoke sessions that spill into the street could earn you a noise citation.
The rule is enforced particularly during festivals or late-night parties, where revelers forget they’re not on The Voice. Local police have warned groups gathered outside bars or restaurants to quiet down or risk a fine. It’s not just a matter of cranky neighbors — the city takes nighttime tranquility very seriously. So if you’re belting “Bohemian Rhapsody,” do it before bedtime.
5. Don’t Drive Dirty in Provo, Utah
In Provo, Utah, it’s actually against the law to drive around in a dirty car — especially if your license plate is unreadable. The law was made to help police easily identify vehicles and reduce road hazards like obscured lights or signals. And unlike most places where this would get a shrug, Provo police actually ticket for it.
Residents have reported being pulled over for dusty rear windshields and grimy tail lights. Snow and mud season especially bring out the hose-happy side of enforcement. It’s a great excuse to keep your ride clean — or else risk an oddly embarrassing citation. So maybe that weekly car wash is more civic duty than luxury.
6. Spitting Is a No-Go in Burlington, Vermont
In Burlington, spitting in public is not just frowned upon — it’s downright illegal. The city ordinance is pretty clear: no expectorating on sidewalks, streets, or public transit. And if you think no one cares, think again — enforcement has been part of city clean-up efforts for years.
This isn’t just about manners — it ties into health regulations, especially during flu and allergy season. Law enforcement has cited people, especially in downtown nightlife areas. They say it’s about public hygiene and keeping Burlington’s streets walkable without weird puddles. So keep it in your mouth, or risk a fine on Church Street.
7. Don’t Swear in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach has long had an anti-profanity ordinance on the books, especially aimed at maintaining a family-friendly vibe on the boardwalk. Loudly cursing in public — even on the beach — can technically get you a ticket. Yes, even yelling “$#&@!” after stepping on a seashell could count.
While enforcement isn’t always aggressive, it does happen — and tourists are often surprised to get cited. The law is still on the books as part of an effort to create a wholesome coastal atmosphere. So if you stub your toe on the boardwalk, try “shucks” instead of something four-lettered. Your wallet will thank you.
8. Mind the Bike Bell in New York City, New York
If you’re biking in NYC and don’t have a bell on your ride, you’re technically in violation of city code. It might seem minor — and tons of casual cyclists ignore it — but police have handed out tickets for bell-less bikes, especially during safety crackdowns. The rule exists to help warn pedestrians, particularly in crowded areas like Central Park or the Brooklyn Bridge.
It’s not uncommon for plainclothes officers to stop riders and issue fines during enforcement blitzes. Some delivery riders and e-bikers have even racked up multiple citations for this tiny oversight. In a city full of honks and sirens, the humble “ding” is legally required. So don’t forget your bell — or risk an ironically loud consequence.
This post 8 Local Laws That Sound Made-Up But Are Enforced More Strictly Than the Constitution was first published on American Charm.
