Laws are designed to bring order to society, but some become outdated. Many are repealed or forgotten, but others remain enforceable. These forgotten laws offer a glimpse into the past.
Here are 10 bizarre laws that are technically still on the books today.
No Ice Cream Cones in Your Back Pocket (Alabama)
In Alabama, it’s illegal to carry an ice cream cone in your back pocket. This law comes from the 19th century when people used it to steal horses. Someone would put an ice cream cone in their pocket to lure a horse away. This made it hard to prove theft.
Today, this law seems strange, but it shows how laws addressed specific issues. Horses were important for transportation, and theft caused problems for owners. Even though horses aren’t as important now, the law remains. It’s nearly impossible to enforce today.
It’s Illegal to Die in Parliament (United Kingdom)
A British law supposedly forbids dying in Parliament. This law is rumored to have originated because Parliament buildings are royal property. Dying on royal grounds could mean a state funeral, causing logistical and financial issues.
Legal experts debate if this law exists in writing or if it’s a myth. Some tour guides joke about it, telling visitors to “hold on” until they leave. The idea remains a famous example of odd governance in British legal history.
Don’t Use Confetti in Mobile, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama, known for Mardi Gras, bans confetti. This rule started in the early 20th century to deal with litter after parades. Confetti was hard to clean up.
Mobile encourages using beads, streamers, and masks instead. The confetti ban isn’t enforced much, but violators could face fines. It’s a quirky part of the city’s festive culture.
It’s Illegal to Sell Your Eye (Texas)
In Texas, you can’t sell your eyeballs. This law is part of a wider ban on selling human organs. The law aims to stop organ trafficking and ensure ethical medical practices.
The inclusion of “eyeballs” is specific but highlights efforts to cover all scenarios. It underscores medical ethics and is seen as humorous today. The thought of selling eyeballs is strange, yet the law is enforceable.
No Hunting Camels (Arizona)
Arizona bans hunting camels due to a military experiment in the 1850s. The U.S. Army used camels for transportation in the desert. Camels were imported from the Middle East and North Africa.
The Civil War ended the project, and camels were released. Wild camels roamed Arizona, leading to the “Red Ghost” legend. Hunting them was banned to protect their population. No wild camels exist in Arizona today, but the law reminds us of this forgotten history.
Don’t Wear High Heels in Carmel, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, requires a permit for high heels over 2 inches. This law, from the 1920s, aimed to protect the city from lawsuits caused by uneven streets. The rule was a safeguard against injury claims.
Permits are still issued but are more of a formality. Locals and tourists see it as a funny souvenir. Residents, like Clint Eastwood, embrace it as part of the city’s unique charm.
It’s Illegal to Send Surprise Pizzas (Louisiana)
Louisiana bans sending unsolicited pizzas. This law addressed pranks before digital ordering. In the 1980s and 1990s, people ordered pizzas under false names, leaving delivery people with unpaid orders.
Technology has made these pranks rare, but the law remains. It shows how minor issues led to legal action and reflects the relationship between consumers and businesses in the past.
Don’t Whistle Underwater (Vermont)
Vermont prohibits whistling underwater. It’s unclear how this law started, but it might have been a joke or placeholder text. It was never repealed.
Whistling underwater is nearly impossible. The rule highlights how humorous or unintended texts can persist. It remains a memorable example of state governance quirks.
No Dueling Allowed (Kentucky)
Kentucky requires officials to swear they haven’t dueled. This rule dates back to the 19th century when dueling was common. Lawmakers discouraged it by barring duel participants from holding office.
Dueling is gone, but the law remains part of Kentucky’s oath. Politicians affirm their non-participation, a reminder of how ingrained dueling was in American culture.
No Using Nuclear Weapons Within City Limits (California)
In Chico, California, it’s illegal to detonate a nuclear weapon. Enacted during the Cold War, this law was a symbolic gesture against nuclear war. The fine is $500, but enforcement would be irrelevant after a nuclear event.
The law reflects Cold War anxiety. Small towns made statements against the arms race. It remains a reminder of when nuclear annihilation felt possible.
These forgotten laws provide a glimpse into past concerns and societal norms. They highlight how laws evolve (or don’t) over time.
What do you think about these forgotten laws? Leave your comment below!
