The 14 most bizarre laws in America

Traveling can be stressful. Especially when you get called out by the local police. And especially when the local police throw you in jail for violating an obscure law against being in possession of Silly String.

OK, that probably wouldn’t happen. But every state and many counties still have odd and little-known laws governing everything from animal interactions to attire to singing in public.

It’s better to know than to argue with the cops, we say. Thus, here’s a beginner’s list of obscure and strange laws that you should nonetheless follow while you’re exploring the U.S. of A.

No Pets on the Strip (Las Vegas)

There is a strict ban against all pets except service animals on the Las Vegas Strip. The only hours when the ordinance does not apply are between 5 a.m. and noon.

According to a Las Vegas spokesperson, this ordinance came about because panhandlers were using pets as sympathy props. It was much debated before eventually passing in 2012. Pet-friendly Strip hotels work around this by having designated pet-friendly areas on the property for dogs to do their business.

Unmarried Couples and Hotel Rooms (North Carolina)

In North Carolina, it’s a Class 2 misdemeanor to pretend to be married when checking into a hotel room.

Planning that first romantic mini-break with a new sweetheart? Imagine having a super-awkward conversation about your relationship status upon check-in.

Breast Feeding (Puerto Rico)

Puerto Rico requires shopping malls, airports, public service government centers, and other select locations to have accessible areas that are not bathrooms designed for breastfeeding and diaper changing.

Your Spurs Can’t Jingle Jangle Jingle (Tucson, AZ)

It is against the law in Tucson to wear spurs inside a hotel lobby.

We could see this one actually being relevant, considering how many cowboys come through Arizona and how little they like to change into “civilian clothing.” Hey, cowboys: You may be sexy in your boots and hats, but take those sharp, gouging things off before you meet us in the lobby lounge for drinks, k? Thanks.

Pull Your Pants Up! (Flint, MI)

Teenage boys and plumbers alike come under the eagle eye of the law in this Michigan city, where in 2008 a law was passed against low-riding pants that show underwear or butt crack…. And women everywhere sighed, “Thank you, Fashion Police.”

Patent Leather Women’s Shoes (Cleveland, OH)

In Cleveland, Ohio, a city ordinance prohibits women from wearing patent leather shoes in public.

The reasoning back in the day was that reflection from the shiny surface could provide accidental up-skirt glimpses. We’re thinking Ohio lawmakers of yore had seriously overactive imaginations.

Don’t Run Afowl of the Law (Rhode Island)

In Rhode Island, one may not dye a duckling, a chick, or other live poultry.

Just in case you were thinking, “Those little baby ducks would be so much cuter if they were blue.”

Note: In Louisiana, laws are a bit more lenient. No official rule against dyeing ducklings, goslings, chicks, or rabbits as long as you don’t sell them.

Bear Wrestling (Alabama)

No bear wrestling in Alabama. No training a bear to wrestle in Alabama. No promoting bear wrestling matches in Alabama. If caught, authorities will take custody of your bear.

Especially don’t be a jerk to animals that could kill you, dummy. We’re guessing there have been more infractions since Animal Planet genre reality TV became a thing.

Buffalo Rules (Wyoming)

In Wyoming, taking unlawful control of a buffalo could get you up to 10 years in prison, plus a fine of up to $10,000. Livestock rustling is a felony.

As the song says, the buffalo roam. Just not to your home (unless you’re Ted Turner, in which case you’d be in New Mexico anyway).

Leave the Cacti Alone (Arizona)

You can get up to 25 years in prison in Arizona for cutting down a cactus.

Most of Arizona’s best-known “stupid laws” have been debunked by Arizona historian Marshall Trimble. He verifies this one, however. And it’s not really stupid — it applies only to certain types of “safeguarded native plants.” However, considering how inhospitable the Arizona climate is to any plant life, why would you want to cut down a cactus?

Connecticut Is Bizarrely Strict: Part I

In Rocky Hill, Connecticut, no arcade shall have in any place more than a total of four mechanical amusement devices.

And by “mechanical amusement device,” they mean any coin-slot-operated game, including Ping-Pong tables, pinball machines, and pool. No word on video games or, like, Google Glass. Rocky Hill gaming law is stuck in the ’70s.

Connecticut Is Bizarrely Strict: Part II

Cheating at cards could be a Class D felony in Connecticut.

And don’t count on your friends to bail you out of that one. If you’re a cheater, they probably definitely hate you.

Connecticut Is Bizarrely Strict: Part III

Since 1996, a ban on Silly String has been in place in the town of Southington, Connecticut.

A town council member said, “It may seem silly, but God forbid something happens.” And we answer, “Something like what kind of something?” Just really curious where this Silly String trajectory could go.

Connecticut Is Bizarrely Strict: Part IV

“It is illegal for any beautician in Waterbury, Connecticut to whistle, hum, or sing while working on a customer…”

Connecticut, seriously, get over yourself!