Goodbye to fishing in pajamas: the 50 most absurd laws still in force in the United States

The United States has millions of laws spread across the federal government, state legislatures, and local municipalities. Among them are some so old and unusual that they now sound as if they belong in a low-budget comedy. One of the most famous examples is the supposed ban on fishing while wearing pajamas, a rule that often appears in compilations of America’s strangest laws alongside other regulations involving animals, clothing, and highly specific behavior.

Many of these laws were originally passed decades ago to address real issues of their time. As society changed, however, they lost much of their practical purpose while remaining embedded in legal codes. Because repealing outdated laws requires legislative effort and administrative procedures, some technically remain in force even though they are rarely, if ever, enforced.

The strangest law in every US state

Alabama: Selling or using plastic confetti and string spray is prohibited in the city of Mobile.

Alaska: Occupying a trailer home while it is being transported on a public road is prohibited.

Arizona: Removing or damaging certain protected native plants without permission is illegal.

Arkansas: Honking a car horn near businesses serving drinks or sandwiches after 9 p.m. is prohibited.

California: You cannot eat a dead frog during a frog-jumping competition.

Colorado: Allowing a dandelion to grow taller than 10 inches in the city of Pueblo is prohibited.

Connecticut: Hunting is banned on Sundays except under limited circumstances.

Delaware: Trick-or-treat hours are regulated by law in Rehoboth Beach.

Florida: “Dwarf tossing” is prohibited in establishments licensed to serve alcohol.

Georgia: Heads of household in Kennesaw are required to own a firearm.

Hawaii: Billboards are effectively banned throughout most of the state.

Idaho: Sharing passwords for digital services remains illegal in certain circumstances.

Illinois: Fishing while wearing pajamas is illegal.

Indiana: Strict restrictions exist on Happy Hour promotions.

Iowa: Margarine cannot be labeled as butter.

Kansas: Hunting rabbits from a motorboat is prohibited.

Kentucky: A law reportedly requires people to bathe at least once a year.

Louisiana: Bringing snakes near a Mardi Gras parade is prohibited.

Maine: Blowing your nose in certain public spaces is restricted.

Maryland: Fortune tellers must register and obtain certification to practice.

Massachusetts: Frightening pigeons is prohibited.

Michigan: Being intoxicated on a train is illegal.

Mississippi: Certain dogs must wear diapers under specific circumstances.

Missouri: Honking another person’s car horn is prohibited.

Montana: Playing nighttime disc golf is restricted in certain areas.

Nebraska: Barbers are not allowed to eat onions between serving customers.

Nevada: Riding a camel on a public highway is prohibited.

New Hampshire: Certain machinery cannot be operated on Sundays.

New Jersey: Drivers are not allowed to pump their own gas.

New Mexico: Improper use of the US national anthem is regulated.

New York: If asked, sellers must disclose whether a property is believed to be haunted.

North Carolina: Driving through cemeteries is prohibited.

North Dakota: A law exists concerning the serving of beer and pretzels together.

Ohio: Women may not wear patent leather shoes under certain circumstances.

Oklahoma: Spitting on the roadway is prohibited.

Oregon: Juggling in certain public spaces requires a special license.

Pennsylvania: Marrying an intoxicated person is prohibited.

Rhode Island: Horse racing on highways is banned.

South Carolina: Minors may not play pinball under certain conditions.

South Dakota: Sleeping in a hotel while wearing shoes is prohibited.

Tennessee: Sharing streaming service passwords is restricted.

Texas: Milking someone else’s cow is prohibited.

Utah: Hunting elephants is illegal.

Vermont: Painting horses for a race is prohibited.

Virginia: Some localities impose age restrictions on trick-or-treating.

Washington: Bigfoot is protected in certain parts of the state.

West Virginia: Participating in a duel can disqualify someone from holding public office.

Wisconsin: Cheese must meet highly specific legal quality standards.

Wyoming: A historic law restricts women from being near certain bars.

Why do these laws still exist?

The survival of many of these rules has less to do with modern enforcement than with legislative inertia. In most cases, lawmakers simply have more pressing priorities than removing obscure statutes that no longer affect daily life. As a result, legal codes across the country continue to contain relics from another era, offering a fascinating glimpse into the concerns, customs, and occasional eccentricities of America’s past.

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