A discussion in another thread gave me the idea for this:

In the US, we frequently pass laws then either forget about them or just stop enforcing them when they become outdated without repealing the law.

For instance:

In Mt. Clemens, MI, it is unlawful to sound your car horn within city limits because it might scare the horses and you can get a ticket for doing so.

In the state of Michigan you may not use foul language within earshot of women and children, a crime that is punishable by fines and jail time.

In Oregon, if you are caught walking down the street without at least $3.00 in your pocket, you can be arrested for vagrancy.

Are there oddball or outdated laws in your area? What are they?

This is my favorite from Tennessee

You can’t shoot any game other than whales from a moving automobile.

from:
http://www.dumblaws.com/

But really, how many whales does one see in Tn????

This one takes the cake..
Texas dumb law;
A recently passed anticrime law requires criminals to give their victims 24 hours notice, either orally or in writing, and to explain the nature of the crime to be committed.
I like it if I am ever to be a victim…

In my state it's illegal to drive blindfolded or carry an ice cream cone in your back pocket. And you can't wear a fake mustache that causes laughter in church.

California:
Animals are banned from mating publicly within 1,500 feet of a tavern, school, or place of worship.
No vehicle without a driver may exceed 60 miles per hour.
Women may not drive in a house coat.
It is a misdemeanor to shoot at any kind of game from a moving vehicle, unless the target is a whale.

Hood River, Oregon: Juggling is strictly prohibited without a permit.

Oregon at large: A dead person may not be made to serve on a jury.

(I'm NOT kidding!)

In North Carolina:
It’s against the law to sing off key.

Elephants may not be used to plow cotton fields.

If a man and a woman who aren’t married go to a hotel/motel and register themselves as married then, according to state law, they are legally married.

All couples staying overnight in a hotel must have a room with double beds that are at least two feet apart.

Organizations may not hold their meetings while the members present are in costume.

Don't know if its true, but I remember hearing, many years ago that it was illegal to hitch a horse in front of a liquor establishment….aka ...saloon in Dayton, Ohio. Now, were they thinking of protecting the horses (brawl coming out on the street) or the riders (riding while drunk)????:)

Love this thread, its so funny You can hardly believe some of the laws, whoever makes them up (oh yes its our governments ) so that says it all
In the UK Hackney cab drivers are allowed to relieve themselves (urinate) on their rear inside wheel. It is an old law dating from the days of Hackney carriages.
I love the law about criminals having to inform their victims of their intended crime, and have to admit to driving in my housecoat
When my son worked early shifts i used to crawl out of bed and drive himwhilst wearing my housecoat. Mind you if you saw my housecoat it should be illegal to wear it in public

Us Europeans are sooooooo right…

You Americans are crazy!!!!!

:p

Stupid Illinois Laws….(These are just a few)

Chicago:
Law forbids eating in a place that is on fire.
It is forbidden to fish while sitting on a giraffe's neck.
In the Pullman area, it is illegal to drink beer out of a bucket while sitting on the curb.

Champaign:
One may not pee in his neighbor's mouth. (HUH??, they had to pass a law??)

Normal:
It is against the law to make faces at dogs.

@crystalncody:

In North Carolina:

Organizations may not hold their meetings while the members present are in costume.

This sounds like an anti-KKK law, so maybe not so silly. We can hope it's outdated.

In Oklahoma dogs must have a permit from the mayor to congregate in groups of 3 or more on private property. Guess they have to meet in secret to elect somebody to go to city hall and request the permit.

@agilebasenji:

This sounds like an anti-KKK law, so maybe not so silly. We can hope it's outdated.

I wasn't even thinking about that; I was thinking about Halloween costumes. It makes sense now.

In Florida, it is against the law to jump out of an airplane without a parachute.

@MacPack:

In Florida, it is against the law to jump out of an airplane without a parachute.

There's been no convictions on this one. The suspect always comes up dead.

Washington State:

It is illegal to pretend that one’s parents are rich.

When two trains come to a crossing, neither shall go until the other has passed.

It is illegal to paint polka dots on the American flag.

It's not legal to sleep in an outhouse without the owner's permission.

Seattle:

You may not carry a concealed weapon that is over six feet in length.

Just found this one:

Florida:

Having intimate relations with a porcupine is illegal.

My word!

Since I am in Virginia, I thought I'd see what laws are on the books here…I don't want to get in trouble while I'm in the state:

State Laws:

There is a state law prohibiting “corrupt practices of bribery by any person other than candidates."

Driving while not wearing shoes is prohibited.

It is illegal to tickle women.

Cities:

Culpeper
No one may wash a mule on the sidewalk.

Waynesboro
It is illegal for a woman to drive a car up Main Street unless her husband is walking in front of the car waving a red flag.

Richmond
It is illegal to flip a coin in a restaurant to see who pays for the coffee.

Norfolk
You may not spit on a seagull.