Laws are supposed to keep things fair, safe, and sensible, but some are just plain weird. Across the U.S., ridiculous rules are still technically in place, even if no one's enforcing them. Get ready to shake your head, laugh, and wonder what lawmakers were thinking as we go over 13 of the most absurd ones still around.
Louisiana: Sending A Surprise Pizza Delivery To Someone
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Ordering a pizza for a friend is a thoughtful gesture, but not in Louisiana. Sending an unsolicited pizza to someone's doorstep is punishable. The law was created to prevent prank deliveries, which can waste a restaurant's time and cost money. So, it's best to always ask first before spreading kindness.
California: Eating A Frog That Dies During A Contest
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California takes its frog competitions seriously. This law stems from a concern over protecting wildlife. If your prized amphibian kicks the bucket during a frog-jumping contest, frying it up for dinner is strictly off-limits. So, if your frog doesn't leap to victory, you'll have to give it a proper burial.
South Dakota: Falling Asleep In A Cheese Shop
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If you ever feel an overwhelming urge to nap in the middle of a cheese shop in South Dakota, resist it. Dozing off in the presence of dairy is a serious offense. Maybe lawmakers were worried about shoppers passing out from the intoxicating aroma of aged gouda. Or perhaps too many took free samples seriously and never left.
Kansas: Hitting A Vending Machine That Malfunctions
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The frustration of watching your bag of chips dangle just out of reach is overwhelming, but in Kansas, taking your anger out on the machine is a crime. You could face legal trouble if you quickly kick the vending machine. The law is likely to prevent property damage, but let's be honest—sometimes, those machines deserve a little shake.
Arkansas: Mispronouncing The State Name As "Ar-Kansas"
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Arkansas is very particular about how you say its name. It's "Ar-kan-saw," not "Ar-Kansas." This rule dates back to an 1881 resolution to clear pronunciation confusion. Though enforcement is nonexistent, it's still on the books. So if you find yourself in Arkansas, play it safe and say it correctly—or risk some side-eye from the locals.
Hawaii: Placing Coins In One's Ears
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Magic tricks are fun, but slipping a quarter behind your ear could technically get you into trouble in Hawaii. This law was put in place to prevent people from defacing or misusing currency. While it's unlikely that authorities are patrolling for coin-related offenses, street magicians might want to keep their illusions coin-free—just to be safe.
Georgia: Living On A Boat For More Than 30 Days
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If you're a fan of life on the water, Georgia might not be the best place to anchor down long-term. State law prohibits living on a boat for more than 30 days. This law was originally designed to prevent squatting on waterways, but it still stands.
Nebraska: Persons With Gonorrhea May Not Marry
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At some point, Nebraska decided that if you had gonorrhea, marriage was off the table. While this law is rarely enforced, it technically remains in effect. It seems outdated in an age where antibiotics can clear up the infection. If marriage is on your mind, getting tested beforehand might not be a bad idea.
New Jersey: Wearing A Bulletproof Vest While Committing A Murder
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Murder is illegal everywhere, but in New Jersey, adding a bulletproof vest to the mix makes it even worse. The law is meant to prevent criminals from giving themselves an unfair advantage against law enforcement. Its absurdity lies in that someone breaking the most serious law wouldn’t worry about breaking an additional one.
Idaho: Cannibalism Under Life-threatening Conditions
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Idaho is the only U.S. state with an actual law against cannibalism. While this seems like a no-brainer, the legal system made an exception: if you're in a survival situation with no other option, it's not a crime. Hopefully, no one ever finds themselves in that scenario, but knowing Idaho has considered all possibilities is comforting.
Missouri: Driving With An Uncaged Bear
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If you're cruising through Missouri, make sure your bear is adequately contained. This law likely originated when traveling circuses and exotic animal handlers were more common, but it's still in effect today. So, if you have a pet bear, make sure it's safely secured before hitting the road. Safety first—both for you and everyone else on the highway.
Kentucky: Bathing At Least Once A Year
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Kentucky clearly has low expectations when it comes to personal hygiene. This law raises more questions than answers. Was someone out there pushing the limits of essential cleanliness to the point where the state had to step in? Hopefully, most people aren't waiting until December 31 to meet their legal obligations.
Alaska: Waking A Sleeping Bear For Pictures
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Alaska's law against waking a bear for a photo feels like it should be common sense. But apparently, someone had to try it for lawmakers to step in. Bears are not models looking to pose for National Geographic covers. They're massive, unpredictable, and generally not amused by being roused from hibernation for a selfie.
Delaware: Selling, Barter, Or Offer The Fur Of A Domestic Dog Or Cat
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Of all the laws on this list, this one at least makes sense. Delaware wants to clarify that selling or trading dog and cat fur is not an acceptable business practice. While the thought of this necessary law is disturbing, it was likely put in place to prevent unethical fur trade operations.
Alabama: Confetti Is Illegal
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In Mobile, Alabama, there's a peculiar ordinance that prohibits the use of confetti. Violators could face fines for tossing confetti in public places. This law was designed to prevent littering during Mardi Gras celebrations. While the intention was to keep the streets clean, the specificity of banning tiny paper bits is too much for many.
