Don Hite at myITforum.com

Unusual State Laws

Alabama:

It is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle.

California:

Community leaders passed an ordinance that makes it illegal for anyone to try and stop a child from playfully jumping over puddles of water.

Connecticut:

You can be stopped by the police for biking over 65 miles per hour.

You are not allowed to walk across a street on your hands.

Florida:

Women may be fined for falling asleep under a hair dryer, as can the salon owner.

A special law prohibits unmarried women from parachuting on Sunday or she shall risk arrest, fine, and/or jailing.   

If an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle.

(Sarasota) It is illegal to sing in a public place while attired in a swimsuit.

Men may not be seen publicly in any kind of strap-less gown.

Illinois:

It is illegal for anyone to give lighted cigars to dogs, cats, and other domesticated animal kept as pets.

Indiana:

Bathing is prohibited during the winter.

Citizens are not allowed to attend a movie house or theater nor ride in a public streetcar within at least four hours after eating garlic.

Iowa:

Kisses may last for as much as, but no more than, five minutes.

Kentucky:

By law, anyone who has been drinking is "sober" until he or she "cannot hold onto the ground."

It is illegal to transport an ice cream cone in your pocket.

Louisiana:

It is illegal to rob a bank and then shoot at the bank teller with a water pistol.

Biting someone with your natural teeth is "simple assault," while biting someone with your false teeth is "aggravated assault."

Massachusetts:

Mourners at a wake may not eat more than three sandwiches.

Snoring is prohibited unless all bedroom windows are closed and securely locked.

An old ordinance declares goatees illegal unless you first pay a special license fee for the privilege of wearing one in public.

Nebraska:

A parent can be arrested if his child cannot hold back a burp during a church service.

New Mexico:

Females are strictly forbidden to appear unshaven in public.

New York:

A fine of $25 can be levied for flirting.  This old law specifically prohibits men from turning around on any city street and looking "at  a woman in that way."  A second conviction for a crime of this magnitude calls for the violating male to be forced to wear a "pair of horse-blinders" wherever and whenever he goes outside for a stroll.

North Dakota:

Beer & pretzels can't be served at the same time in any bar or restaurant.

Ohio:

Women are prohibited from wearing patent leather shoes in public.

Oklahoma:

Violators can be fined, arrested or jailed for making ugly faces at a dog.

Females are forbidden from doing their own hair without being licensed by the state.

Dogs must have a permit signed by the mayor in order to congregate in groups of three or more on private property.

Pennsylvania:

A special cleaning ordinance bans housewives from hiding dirt and dust under a rug in a dwelling.

No man may purchase alcohol without written consent from his wife.

Texas:

A city ordinance states that a person cannot go barefoot without first obtaining a special five-dollar permit.

It is illegal to take more than three sips of beer at a time while standing.

Vermont:

Lawmakers made it obligatory for everybody to take at least one bath each week -- on Saturday night.

Washington:

All lollipops are banned.

A law to reduce crime states: "It is mandatory for a motorist with criminal intentions to stop at the city limits and telephone the chief of police as he is entering the town.

West Virginia:

No children may attend school with their breath smelling of "wild onions."