Surprising Laws in Different States You Probably Didn’t Know Exist

America is a vast and diverse nation, and so are its laws. While many state laws serve essential purposes, others are downright bizarre, outdated, or just plain unexpected. From quirky marriage restrictions to strange business regulations, let’s take a deep dive into some of the most surprising laws still on the books across the United States.

Strange and Outdated Laws That Still Exist

Some laws were enacted for reasons that made sense at the time but now feel completely out of place in modern society. Here are some of the most peculiar old laws still technically enforceable today.

Alabama: No Ice Cream in Your Back Pocket on Sundays

It might sound ridiculous, but in Alabama, putting an ice cream cone in your back pocket on a Sunday is illegal. The origin of this law dates back to horse theft prevention. Thieves used to lure horses away by placing ice cream in their pockets, tricking the animals into following them.

California: No Eating Frogs That Died in Frog-Jumping Contests

California hosts an annual frog-jumping contest, but if your amphibian competitor croaks (literally), you cannot eat it. This law protects competitors in the state’s famous Calaveras County Jumping Frog Jubilee.

Georgia: No Carrying an Ice Cream Cone in Your Back Pocket on Any Day

Similar to Alabama’s odd ice cream law, Georgia decided to take it a step further. No matter what day it is, in order to prevent stealing, keep your frozen treats out of your pants if you’re in the Peach State.

Marriage Laws That Will Make You Do a Double-Take

Love and marriage have long been governed by a variety of laws, but some of them seem especially strange today.

Kentucky: You Can’t Marry the Same Person More Than Three Times

If you’ve already divorced your spouse twice and are considering round three, Kentucky says no. The state prevents couples from getting married more than three times to the same person, possibly as a deterrent for impulsive marriages.

Delaware: Annulment for Marriage on a Dare

In Delaware, if you get married on a dare or as a joke, you can legally have the marriage annulled. The state considers impulsive unions made under such circumstances as lacking genuine consent, giving couples an easy way out if they realize their mistake.

North Carolina: It’s Illegal to Pretend to Be Married

North Carolina prohibits couples from falsely claiming they are married. If you and your significant other joke about being husband and wife while checking into a hotel, you could technically be breaking the law.

Voting Laws That Might Surprise You

Voting is a fundamental right, but some states have unusual laws governing the process.

Indiana: You Can’t Take Selfies in the Voting Booth

While sharing a photo of your ballot on social media might seem like a fun way to engage in democracy, Indiana bans selfies in the voting booth. The law aims to prevent voter coercion and ballot tampering.

Georgia: No Food or Water for Voters Waiting in Line

In Georgia, it is illegal to distribute food or water to voters waiting in line within 150 feet of a polling place. This law, passed in 2021, was introduced as a measure to prevent electioneering, but critics argue it disproportionately affects voters in areas where long wait times are common.

New Jersey: No Voting While You're in Jail…Except for Some People

In New Jersey, most people serving time for a felony lose their right to vote. However, if you’re in jail for a misdemeanor—or even just awaiting trial—you can still cast a ballot. This creates a strange loophole where two inmates in the same facility could have completely different voting rights, depending on their charges.

Business and Work-Related Laws That Defy Logic

Running a business comes with rules and regulations, but some states enforce laws that seem completely unnecessary.

Florida: Selling Oranges in the Wrong Container Is a Crime

If you sell oranges in Florida, be careful how you package them. State law requires oranges to be sold only in approved containers. The rule was designed to protect the citrus industry, but in practice, it’s an odd regulation.

New Jersey: The Last State Where You Can’t Pump Your Own Gas

New Jersey now stands alone as the only state in America where drivers can't pump their own gas. While Oregon recently lifted its ban, New Jersey still requires gas station attendants to handle the fueling—a law originally intended to create jobs and enhance safety.

Oklahoma: No Making Faces at Dogs

If you like to tease animals, be careful in Oklahoma. Making faces at dogs is against the law, presumably to prevent people from agitating aggressive animals. While enforcement is rare, this law still exists.

Dumb Laws That Leave You Scratching Your Head

Some laws defy explanation, leaving residents and visitors confused about their purpose.

Arizona: No Donkeys Sleeping in Bathtubs

In Arizona, it’s illegal for donkeys to sleep in bathtubs. This law dates back to the 1920s when a donkey took up residence in a tub, and a flash flood carried it downstream, causing chaos for local authorities.

Minnesota: No Greased Pig Contests or Turkey Scrambles

Minnesota law strictly prohibits "greased pig contests" and "turkey scrambles." According to state statutes, no person may operate or participate in any event where a pig is greased, oiled, or otherwise altered and then released for capture. Similarly, it is illegal to throw or release chickens or turkeys into the air for the purpose of chasing and capturing them. This law aims to prevent unnecessary animal stress and cruelty, ensuring that entertainment doesn't come at the expense of animal welfare.

Tennessee: No Teddy Bears or Yo-Yos on Sundays

Tennessee has a surprising restriction when it comes to weekend toy sales. State law prohibits the sale of teddy bears and yo-yos on Sundays. While the exact reasoning behind this unusual rule remains unclear, it likely stems from old blue laws meant to restrict certain activities on the Sabbath. So if you're in Tennessee and looking to buy a cuddly companion or a classic toy, make sure to do it on any day but Sunday.

The Weird and Wacky World of State Laws

Every state has its share of odd, outdated, and downright bizarre laws. While many of these laws remain unenforced, they offer a fascinating glimpse into America’s legal history. Whether they were created to solve real issues of the past or simply exist as quirky remnants of a bygone era, these laws serve as reminders that the legal landscape is often as strange as it is serious.

So next time you visit a different state, be sure to check the local laws—you never know when carrying an ice cream cone in your back pocket might land you in trouble.