10 Dumb Laws In The United States

The United States is filled with all sorts of laws, both on federal and state levels. With there being 50 states, that means there are all sorts of laws that might catch people off guard. Some are rarely implemented, meaning even people in living in a state might be surprised to learn about some of its laws.

Many Surprising State Laws Have Been Around For Years

In the United States, each state is in essence a sovereign entity. This means that each state can make its own laws, especially ones that concern things exclusive to the state.

Quite a few of these laws, however, can sound shocking and outlandish. Some are even so commonplace people can break them without realizing. Some surprising laws include:

No Harassing Bigfoot (Washington): The famous cryptid is under legal protection in Washington. This law also extends to protecting any other undiscovered species. According to Boohoff Law, individuals found guilty of harassing or slaying a Sasquatch risk “up to $100,000 and potentially face a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.”

No Catching Fish By Hand (Kansas): As previously reported, it is illegal to catch fish barehanded in Kansas, at least without a license. The state also prohibits individuals from shooting rabbits from a motorboat.

Eating Fried Chicken Barehanded (Georgia): People wanting to eat fried chicken in Georgia are recommended to do so with their hands. A tourist from Louisiana actually got into trouble for using a fork to eat fried chicken back in 2009. The law, which has been in place since 1965, treats eating fried chicken by the hand as “a culinary delicacy sacred to this municipality.”

No Getting Drunk At A Bar (Alaska): While enjoying a drink at a bar, Alaskans should be careful not to drink too much. Laws prohibit them from knowingly entering a bar while intoxicated or remaining in one after getting drunk. Reportedly, according to ABC News, police have been known to use plainclothes officers to enforce the law.

Some Laws Are For The States, Others Are For Specific Areas

No Mispronouncing The State’s Name (Arkansas): Some people jokingly pronounce “Arkansas” to rhyme with Kansas, among other ways. However, it’s best not to do that in the state itself. The Code defines the proper pronunciation as ““in three (3) syllables, with the final ‘s’ silent, the ‘a’ in each syllable with the Italian sound, and the accent on the first and last syllables.”

No Growing Dandelions In Pueblo (Colorado): Weeds annoy every gardener, but they even break the law in parts of Colorado. As previously reported, it is illegal to grow or have dandelions within Pueblo, Colorado city limits.

No Non-bouncing Pickles (Connecticut): A lot of work goes into making a cucumber a pickle. However, selling pickles comes with a slight restriction in Connecticut. Pickles must bounce after a one-foot drop. This 1948 law is meant to ensure authentic pickles.

No Bingo For Felons (Pennsylvania): Bingo is a popular game for the young and old, especially at schools and church groups. However, convicted felons can run a Bingo game in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.

Black Cats Not Wearing Bells On Friday The 13th (Indiana): On Friday the 13th, people believe bad luck is right around the corner. Some even fear a black cat crossing their path. Most today see this as a mere superstition. However, in an attempt to calm people’s fears, French Lick Springs put it into law that black cats should wear bells on the holiday in 1939.

Sales Tax On Sliced Bagels (New York): New York’s pride and joy has long been their famous bagels. Thanks to this, sliced bagels come at a price: an eight cent sales tax. Uncut bagels are usually exempt, however.

All in all, there are all sorts of laws amid the United States. What are some surprising laws you’re familiar with?