All around the United States, strange and outlandish laws that have been around for extended periods (even more than 100 years in some cases) are still on the books in various towns, counties and states.
Here’s another list of examples to be mindful of, which might help you avoid violating one or more out of simple lack of knowledge.
•In Alabama, it’s illegal to drive the wrong way down a one-way street if you have a lantern attached to the front of your automobile.
Question: If there’s no lantern on the front of my vehicle, can I pick the direction I travel on a one-way street without worrying about the legality?
•In California, it’s illegal to cry on the witness stand in a courtroom.
Woman: “But judge, I really didn’t do it.”
Judge: “Ma’am, one more sniffle and I’ll hold you in contempt!”
•In Sarasota, Fla., it’s illegal to sing in a public place while wearing in a swimsuit.
So even if the temperature is in the high 90s, you might consider donning jeans and a t-shirt on karaoke night at Salty Jim’s.
•It’s illegal to paint a horse in Vermont.
So if you want to paint your horse to look like a Paint Horse, you should probably just get a Paint Horse rather than trying to paint your horse to look like a Paint Horse.
•In Cripple Creek, Colo., it’s illegal to bring your horse or pack mule above the ground floor of any building.
“Seabiscuit, get out of that elevator right now! You know what will happen if you press 5 again!”
•All residents of Hawaii may be fined for not owning a boat.
Man: “But officer, that toy schooner on that bookshelf over there belongs to me.”
Officer: “Carry on.”
•In Arkansas, atheists are disqualified from holding any office in a civil department of the state or to testify as a witness in court.
That sure sounds like the work of God to me.
•In Kenilworth, Ill., a rooster is not allowed to crow within 300 feet from any residence and hens can’t cackle within 200 feet.
“OK Mr. Pecky Peckerton, just a few more feet back, a little further, perfect! Go ahead and let ’er rip!”
•In Indiana, no one is allowed catch a fish with their bare hands.
Meanwhile, people gather each June in Pauls Valley, Okla., for the Okie Noodling Tournament, a major hand-fishing competition.
•In Kentucky, every citizen is required to take a shower once a year.
Man: “But officer, I swear took one in July – and I have witnesses!”
Officer: “Carry on.”
•In Wisconsin, it’s lawful to marry your house.
Pastor: “I now pronounce you man and rambler. You may kiss the dwelling.”
•An ordinance in Atwoodville, Conn., prohibits people from playing Scrabble while waiting for a politician to speak.
That’s why you usually see people playing Yahtzee while waiting for the mayor to deliver a speech.
•Hunting whales is prohibited in Kansas.
But giant squid? Have at it.
•In Oregon, it’s illegal to whistle underwater.
I believe that even where that’s legal, it’s not happening very often at all.
•In Fountain Inn, S.C., horses are required to wear pants at all times.
“Seabiscuit, you heard me tell you we’re going to town; now get back into that paddock and put on your slacks!”
•In Morrisville, Penn., women are required to have a permit to wear cosmetics.
Officer: “Ma’am, is that mascara on your eyelashes? I’ll need to see your papers.”
Woman: “Oh, no, I left them at home!”
Officer: “You’re under arrest.”
•Even though it’s legal to hunt a bear in Alaska, it’s illegal to wake a bear and take a picture for photo opportunities.
Man: “C’mon Yogi, just wake up for a second; nobody will ever know!”
Bear: “OK, OK, but it’s going to cost you a fish.”
•In Devon, Conn., it’s unlawful to walk backward after sunset.
Man: “But officer, you could still barely see the sun above that ridge.”
Officer: “Carry on.”
Doug Davison is a writer, photographer and newsroom assistant for the Houston Herald. Email: ddavison@houstonherald.com.
PIERCE COUNTY WASHINGTON : Up until 1968 A individual had to notify the SHERIFF if they left the county . In case of an INDIAN attack . Reason was to make sure that if you came up missing it was not because of an Indian attack