Kathrine Frich
The United States is known for its diverse culture, and its even more diverse legislation.
The United States is known for its diverse culture, and its even more diverse legislation.
Many laws were created during times with vastly different social norms and concerns.
And although they may seem downright absurd today, they remain on the books.
Here are the 10 strangest American laws that, believe it or not, are still legally valid.
Alabama – No Fake Mustaches in Church
In Alabama, it’s illegal to wear a fake mustache in church if it causes laughter.
The law dates back to an era when church services were deadly serious affairs, and any disruption, even from humorous facial hair, was deemed unacceptable.
The rule has never been repealed, even if no one’s been jailed over it in recent decades.
Alaska – Don’t Push a Moose Out of a Plane
Yes, this is a real law. Alaska prohibits the act of shoving a live moose out of an airplane.
It was introduced to prevent cruelty and protect public safety, though the chances of a moose-boarding incident today are slim to none.
Arkansas – Mispronounce the State Name and You’re Breaking the Law
In Arkansas, saying “Ar-KAN-sas” instead of the correct “AR-kan-saw” is technically against the law.
This 1881 statute was passed to preserve the state’s identity. It’s rarely enforced, but it’s a strong reminder of how seriously some states take pronunciation.
Arizona – Donkeys Can’t Sleep in Bathtubs
Arizona law forbids donkeys from sleeping in bathtubs.
This strange statute was born from a 1920s incident in which a donkey was swept away in a flood while napping in a tub.
The rescue was so difficult and expensive that the state made the act illegal to avoid a repeat.
California – No Driving in a Bathrobe
In California, it’s technically illegal for women to drive while wearing a bathrobe.
The law was intended to uphold decency in public and keep “house clothes” out of traffic. Though the rule is wildly outdated, it remains part of state code.
Florida – Unmarried Women Can’t Skydive on Sundays
A leftover from the state’s “blue laws,” Florida once banned unmarried women from parachuting on Sundays.
The intent was to maintain Sunday decorum, though the law is more likely to raise eyebrows today than be enforced.
Georgia – Keep Your Giraffe Off the Streetlight
In Atlanta, it’s illegal to tie a giraffe to a lamppost. While the law technically applies to any animal, the odd specificity has made it legendary.
It highlights how oddly worded laws can turn mundane rules into comedy gold.
Missouri – Bears Must Buckle Up
Missouri law prohibits driving with an unrestrained bear in your vehicle.
This rule likely stems from a time when exotic pets and traveling circuses were more common.
Still, it’s not every day you worry about a bear on your back seat.
Ohio – No Whaling on Sundays
Ohio, a landlocked state, prohibits whaling on Sundays.
No, really. While it’s likely a copy-and-paste error from coastal law templates, the absurdity of whale hunting restrictions in a state with no coastline continues to amuse.
Washington – Bigfoot Is a Protected Species
In Skamania County, Washington, it’s illegal to harm or hunt Bigfoot. Originally passed in 1969, this law was designed to preserve local legend and promote tourism.
So if you spot Sasquatch, don’t shoot, respect the myth, or risk a fine.