There are many very reasonable laws in the United States that we must obey. However, in addition to laws that make perfect sense, the United States also has laws that are so strange they are almost unbelievable. To better understand how dumb and strange the laws in the United States are, here we will share the 10 dumbest laws in the United States.
The Top 10 United States of Crazy Laws
1. No staring at dogs (Oklahoma and Ohio)
You must have caught a dog peeking at you. When a dog looks at you, you definitely want to look at it. Well, if you do that in Oklahoma and Ohio, then you will be considered a violation. It sounds very strange, but the law in Ohio is even more extreme. If you make any facial expressions at a dog, then you will be asked to pay a fine, even worse, a prison sentence.
2. No singing while wearing a swimsuit (Florida)
When you go to the beach and wear a swimsuit, you definitely want to enjoy the atmosphere on the beach, relax and sing with your partner or friends. Imagine if it’s a sunny day, and your partner or friend played a good song, you would definitely want to sing along and dance together. It might be legal to do that. But, not in Florida. You should know that in Florida you are not allowed to sing while wearing a swimsuit. That is an illegal act. And you could get fined.
3. No eating fried chicken with a knife and fork (Georgia)
This ordinance was passed in 1961 as a way to gain publicity for the city. It prohibits eating fried chicken with utensils such as a knife and fork. If you are in Georgia, make sure you do not eat fried chicken with a knife and fork. You can simply eat the fried chicken with your hands. Although this law sounds stupid and rarely enforced, in 2009, someone was arrested for using a knife and fork while eating his fried chicken.
4. It is illegal to shine your shoes on a Sunday after 1pm (New York)
In New York, you cannot shine your shoes on a Sunday after 1pm. It is illegal and you will be asked to pay a fine. This rule sounds very dumb and strange, as most people would have shined their shoes on Sunday to wear on Monday. However, this rule does not apply to people working in well-known and trustworthy hotel management.
5. It is illegal to eat hamburgers on a Sunday (Minnesota)
Enjoying your favorite food on holidays is one of the most fun things to do. When you have a day off, you definitely want to spend your time going to a beautiful place while eating your favorite food. The thought of eating a hamburger with delicious meat and sauce is very appetizing. However, if you are in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, you cannot eat hamburgers on Sundays. It is an illegal act that will result in a fine. Sounds strange, but it is the truth.
6. No Sending Unrequested Pizza (Louisiana)
When your family member or friend has a birthday, you might want to surprise them with a delicious pepperoni pizza. That sounds wise. And you would think that those who receive your pizza gift would be happy. However, make sure you do not do it in Louisiana. You should know that in Louisiana you are not allowed to send unsolicited pizza, no matter what the reason is. So, if you are in Louisiana, never try to send a surprise pizza to anyone or you will have to pay a $500 fine.
7. No honking near sandwich shops after 9pm (Arkansas)
If you are in Arkansas, make sure you do not honk your vehicle at any store that serves cold drinks or sandwiches after 9pm. The law was enacted by Little Rock, Arkansas. It is unknown how strictly enforced this law is. However, to enforce this law, the law enforcement officers need to be at the right place at the right time. Therefore, be cautious. Never honk your car horn at any place that serves cold drinks or sandwiches after 9pm, or you will be fined.
8. It is illegal to buy ice cream after 6 pm (New Jersey)
Ice cream is a food that is loved by many people from childhood to adulthood. You will be able to buy ice cream anytime. However, if you are in New Jersey, make sure you do not buy ice cream after 6pm. You should know that in New Jersey there is a rule that prohibits individuals from buying ice cream after 6 pm. It is said to be illegal. But if you have a doctor’s letter, for example from a dentist, which usually allows you to eat ice cream after a tooth extraction, then you can buy ice cream after 6 pm. This rule may not apply elsewhere. However, when you are in New Jersey, make sure you obey all the rules that have been set in the place.
9. It is illegal to eat a frog if it dies during a frog jumping competition (California)
In California, frog jumping competitions are very popular. For your information, the largest frog jumping competition is held every year in Calaveras County. During frog jumping competitions, there may be dead frogs. Frogs that die during frog jumping competitions should not be eaten. In California, there is a rule that prohibits everyone from eating frogs that die during frog jumping competitions. It is said to be illegal. So, when a frog dies during a leapfrog competition, it should be destroyed as soon as possible and should not be eaten or used for any purpose.
10. It is illegal to serve ice cream on cherry pie (Kansas)
You can imagine how delicious a cherry pie topped with ice cream would be, it is very appetizing. However, you should know that in Kansas, it is illegal to serve ice cream on a cherry pie. This rule sounds very strange. But that’s the reality. To avoid a violation, make sure you obey all the established rules.
Other Weirdest and Dumbest Laws in the United States
Here are some other weirdest and dumbest laws in the United States:
- It is illegal to let your donkey sleep in your bathtub after 7pm (Arizona)
- It is illegal to eat an orange while taking a bath (California)
- It is illegal to drive while blindfolded (Alabama)
- It is illegal to accept an artificial limb or wheelchair as payment (Delaware)
- It is illegal for a woman to drive a car without her husband raising a flag in front of her first (Louisiana)
- It is illegal to throw a knife at a man wearing a striped suit (Kansas)
- It is illegal to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole or street lamp (Georgia)
- It is illegal or stores to sell cornflakes on Sundays (Ohio)
- It is illegal to eat cottage cheese on a Sunday (Florida)
- It is illegal to slurp a soup in public (New jersey)
- It is illegal to fart in public after 6 pm (Florida)
- It is illegal to be drunk while playing the game of bingo (North Carolina).
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
