The United States is full of remarkable things, from its stunning landscapes to its diverse culture and famous fast food. But there’s also another side to the U.S.: the bizarre and often confusing laws that exist across the country. Some of these laws leave you scratching your head, wondering what inspired their creation. If you’re curious about the strangest legal restrictions, check out these bizarre laws from various American states.
1. Fashion Police in Rhode Island
Planning to wear that see-through raincoat in Rhode Island? Think again. Transparent clothing is banned here—although it seems more like a rule against poor fashion choices than an actual legal concern. Wearing something too sheer in public could get you in serious trouble, even though most people might just be giving you an odd look instead of calling the cops.
2. Boat Life Limitations in Georgia
If you dream of living on your boat in Georgia, you may want to reconsider. The state has a strict law stating that you can’t live on your boat for more than 30 days. With over 300,000 registered boats in Georgia, this law likely aims to prevent marinas from becoming overcrowded with floating homes. Looks like you’ll have to find a new way to live your best maritime life.
3. Blindfolded Driving in Alabama
Alabama has banned blindfolded driving, but why did this law even need to exist? It seems like common sense, but some brave (or foolish) souls may have tried this stunt in the past, prompting officials to take action. It’s a serious safety concern, and maybe one day it will even become a popular sport—Blindfolded Driving Championships, anyone?
4. Speed Limits for Horses in Indiana
In Indiana, riding your horse at more than 10 MPH is illegal. While horses are capable of running much faster, the law puts a limit on how fast you can go, likely to keep things safe on the roads. But are there actual horse speed traps? Do they use radar guns? Who knows, but better to stick to a slower trot if you find yourself riding in Indiana.
5. Sunday Car Sales in Michigan
In Michigan, car sales are prohibited on Sundays, possibly because the state believes that shopping for a car on the Lord’s Day might be too much excitement for one day. While this law might sound outdated, it does give you an extra day to rest before you go shopping for your next ride.
6. Christmas Decorations Deadline in Colorado
In Colorado, there’s a law against keeping your Christmas lights up too long. If you don’t take them down by mid-January, you could be breaking the law. This law likely encourages people to tidy up after the holiday season, although we can’t help but wonder how many people have been caught in the act of still trying to hang onto that holiday spirit.
7. Bear Wrestling in Missouri
Missouri once had a thing for bear wrestling—yes, actual wrestling with live bears. However, the state wisely banned the practice, recognizing it as too dangerous and cruel to the animals. Now, those who enjoy competitive animal sports might have to shift their focus to something like llama racing or maybe alligator juggling.
8. Serial Marriages in Kentucky
Kentucky has a strange law that prohibits a person from marrying the same individual more than three times. This law likely stems from a history of people repeatedly divorcing and remarrying the same partner, and it aims to prevent such “serial marriages.” If you’re planning on tying the knot in Kentucky, make sure it’s for good.
9. No Honking in Arkansas Sandwich Shops
If you’re in Arkansas and hungry for a sandwich, do yourself a favor: don’t honk your horn near a sandwich shop. According to local laws, honking in such establishments is strictly prohibited. Guess it’s best to quietly savor your sandwich cravings instead of expressing excitement with loud honks.
10. Unusual Haircuts in Texas
In Texas, it’s illegal for children to have “unusual” haircuts. While this law may have been meant to maintain order in schools, it could restrict kids from expressing their creativity. From mohawks to lightning bolt buzz cuts, this law has the potential to regulate how kids choose to wear their hair—though it raises questions about who determines what’s “unusual.”
11. Red Lawn Prohibition in Kentucky
In Kentucky, painting your lawn red is strictly prohibited. While this might sound like a prank, it’s part of a broader effort to keep neighborhoods looking aesthetically pleasing. While a bright red lawn might be fun to experiment with, it could land you in trouble in Kentucky.
12. Carrying a Violin in a Paper Bag in Utah
In Utah, it’s illegal to walk down the street with a violin in a paper bag. Although only a small percentage of Utah residents own a violin, this quirky law has caused plenty of head-scratching. It raises questions: What if you’re carrying a ukulele or a banjo instead? Could they be safely tucked away in a bag? The mystery remains.
13. Cheese on Apple Pie in Wisconsin
Wisconsin takes its cheese seriously—so seriously that it’s illegal to serve apple pie without a slice of cheese on top. While the combination might seem unusual to outsiders, it’s a beloved tradition for locals. If you ever find yourself in Wisconsin, don’t try to order apple pie without cheese; you’ll be breaking the law.
14. Selling Hollow Logs in Tennessee
In Tennessee, selling hollow logs is banned. This curious law begs the question: How often was this happening to warrant such a rule? Regardless, Tennessee has its fair share of strange laws, and this one tops the list of the most puzzling.
15. Bird on Your Head in Minnesota
In Minnesota, it’s illegal to cross state lines with a bird on your head. While this might sound like a bizarre rule, perhaps it was put in place to protect local wildlife—or maybe it’s just part of the state’s quirky charm. Either way, if you plan on wearing a bird as a fashion accessory, make sure you’re within the borders of Minnesota.
From unusual fashion laws to quirky regulations about wildlife, the U.S. is home to some of the most outlandish laws in the world. Whether you’re planning to travel or just curious, these strange rules remind us that sometimes reality is stranger than fiction.
