Top 10 Most Bizarre Laws in the U.S. (That Still Exist Today)

Top 10 Most Bizarre Laws in the U.S. (That Still Exist Today)

The United States is known for its diverse culture — and its even more diverse legal system. Many laws were created in times with very different norms and concerns, but even though they may seem downright absurd today, they’re still officially on the books. Here are the 10 most bizarre American laws that — believe it or not — are still legally valid.

Alabama – No Fake Mustaches in Church

In Alabama, it is technically illegal to wear a fake mustache in church if it causes others to laugh. The law is a remnant from a time when church services were taken very seriously, and the intent was to prevent disruptions. While no one is getting arrested today for amusing the congregation with facial hair, the law has never been repealed.

Alaska – No Moose May Be Pushed Out of an Airplane

In Alaska, it is illegal to push a live moose out of a moving aircraft. It might sound like the beginning of a bad joke, but the law was actually designed to protect both the animal and people on the ground. Although the situation is incredibly unlikely, the law still exists in the state’s legal code.

Arkansas – Mispronouncing “Arkansas” Is Against the Law

In Arkansas, it’s technically illegal to pronounce the state’s name incorrectly. According to state law, “Arkansas” must be pronounced “Arkansaw.” This quirky regulation reflects the pride in local identity and linguistic heritage — and yes, it’s still on the books.

Arizona – Donkeys May Not Sleep in Bathtubs

One of the more bizarre laws in Arizona forbids donkeys from sleeping in bathtubs. The origin of this odd regulation dates back to the 1920s, when a donkey was swept away during a flash flood — while lounging in a bathtub. A massive rescue operation followed. To prevent similar situations in the future, the state decided to make bathtub-snoozing donkeys officially illegal.

California – No Driving in a Bathrobe

In California, there’s a law that prohibits women from driving a car while wearing a bathrobe. The idea was to maintain public decency and discourage “home attire” in public traffic. Although the law is now completely outdated, it has never been officially repealed and technically still exists on the books.

Florida – Unmarried Women May Not Skydive on Sundays

In Florida, it’s illegal for unmarried women to go skydiving on Sundays. This strange law likely stemmed from outdated moral and religious norms surrounding behavior on the Sabbath — especially for women. While it’s rarely, if ever, enforced today, the law remains part of the state’s legal history.

Georgia – No Tying Giraffes to Streetlamps

In Atlanta, Georgia, it is illegal to tie a giraffe to a streetlamp. While the law technically applies to all animals, it became famous for its oddly specific mention of giraffes — an animal not typically found in urban traffic. It’s a classic example of how peculiar wording can turn an otherwise ordinary regulation into something absurd.

Missouri – No Uncaged Bears in the Car

In Missouri, it is illegal to drive around with an uncaged bear in your car. This law probably originated during a time when traveling circuses and exotic pets were more common, but today it feels like something straight out of a cartoon. Still, it’s technically in force — and yes, having a “free-range bear” riding shotgun is against the law.

Ohio – No Whale Hunting on Sundays

Even though Ohio has no coastline, the state still has a law prohibiting whale hunting on Sundays. The funniest part isn’t the ban itself, but the idea that whale hunting is apparently allowed from Monday through Saturday — in a state without any ocean. One possible explanation is that the law may have been copied from coastal states without much thought, leading to this wonderfully misplaced regulation.

Washington – Bigfoot Is Protected by Law

Perhaps the most iconic bizarre law comes from Skamania County, Washington, where it is illegal to hunt or harm Bigfoot. The law was introduced as a tribute to the area’s legendary creature and today serves as both a humorous quirk and a tourist-friendly curiosity. If you happen to encounter Sasquatch, don’t even think about taking a shot — or a selfie. Doing so could land you with a fine or even jail time!

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.