Neither flirting on the street nor skydiving: these are the 10 strangest restrictions that are illegal in New York City

The history of quirky laws in the United States is long and varied. Some laws have been enacted decades, even centuries ago, and are still enforced today. For instance, in Alaska, you cannot push a live moose out of an airplane. This is a completely real law. So, if you’re caught breaking it, don’t say we didn’t warn you.

In NYC, there are several examples of things you might be doing without realizing they’re actually illegal. To help you avoid unnecessary fines, here are 10 restrictions in New York City that you might not know are against the law.

You are not allowed to wear slippers after 10 p.m. in public establishments

We know they’re comfortable, but it’s best to keep them at home. This isn’t just fashion advice; it’s a legal matter. In NY, you could be fined for going out in your house slippers after 10 p.m.

You can be fined for flirting or staring suggestively at someone in public

Perhaps this law is doing us all a favor; it’s debatable. But it’s true that in 1902, the New York State Legislature outlawed flirting in public. The specific language in the law is “looking at a woman in that way.” I’m not sure what “that way” refers to, but I’d rather not find out.

It’s illegal to sell cat or dog hair

Well… okay. For some reason, anti-cruelty provisions make it a crime to “import, sell, offer for sale (…) transport, or otherwise market” dog or cat fur. Sorry to be the one to tell you, but you won’t be able to make money off your cat’s hairballs. However, if you’re selling raccoon fur, you’re good to go!

Taking selfies with tigers is prohibited

Laws are made to protect citizens, and this one is a prime example. Something serious must have happened for this law to make it onto the books. So, next time you’re near big cats at zoos, circuses, or carnivals, you’re not allowed to play Joe Exotic.

It’s illegal to fly a parachute over NYC

This is the real reason people aren’t just falling from the sky in New York. It’s prohibited—though there are exceptions. The law states you can parachute “in the event of imminent danger or while under official orders of any branch of the military service.”

Using a puppet show to advertise or promote any business or sale is illegal

Looks like we’ll have to stick to using puppets just for entertainment. If you want to use your master of puppets skills to promote your business, you could be fined. Rumor has it this is the main reason Kermit’s vape shop on the Upper East Side went out of business.

Using an umbrella on a sidewalk unless it’s raining is against the law

Some of these laws still exist but aren’t necessarily enforced. We’re fairly certain you’re safe using an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun in New York City, but just in case, save it for a rainy day.

You cannot carry an ice cream cone in your pocket on Sundays

Whose mom wrote this law? How many pairs of pants have been ruined by a melting ice cream cone in the back pocket? And, more importantly, can I carry a strawberry cone in my pocket on a Thursday?

It’s illegal in NY to honk your car horn without a reason

Apparently, not everyone got the memo on this one. If I had to guess, “without a reason” is the main cause of honking. You can still honk if it’s an emergency, but please don’t use it as your primary mode of communication while driving.

A license is required for hanging clothes on a clothesline

There’s a knock at the door. Who could it be? Police! Do you have a permit to hang your laundry? It’s unlikely, but this situation could technically happen. Better to request a permit from the clothesline licensing department, just in case.

Now you know everything you need to avoid getting fined in New York. And even if it’s not about avoiding the fine, if you ever see a tiger coming toward you, don’t waste time pulling out your phone for a selfie. Every second counts.

*This article was written in Spanish and translated with the help of AI.