Any person who sits on a sidewalk may be fined up to $500 in Texas. Who knows what political squabble set this one off? If you havent, keep your sneakers on at all times. To hold a seat in public office, you must acknowledge the existence of a supreme being, 2. All these stereotypes havent even begun to scratch the surface of what a gem Texas is. Read More: The Best Places to Order BBQ in Austin, TX. Instead of addressing who was right, the law prevented ranchers from cutting each others fences by making it illegal to carry wire cutters. Thankfully, many of those laws arent enforced or have been overwritten by recent ones. In other words, if you have a legitimate reason for absence - like military service - you can send someone to get married in your place, as long as you have all the right documentation. However, if you pay a doctor, the physician can remove your eyes legally. (perhaps they could benefit from one of these strange gadgets) 10. In Rockville, it's illegal to "profanely curse and swear or use obscene language upon or near any street, sidewalk or highway within the hearing of persons passing by, upon or along such street, sidewalk or highway.". This website contains general information and is not intended to serve as a source of legal advice for any purpose. Selling your eye. And also what about that is illegal, other than it is just a strange activity with a great visual image. The problem is, however outdated and bizarre they might seem on paper, theyre still enforceable. mheim3011/iStock via Getty Images. In some cities, the laws do not allow you to be barefoot. Here is a list of the weirdest Texas laws that are still on the books, according to WFAA and KHOU: In Texas, if you want to be married then all you have to do is say so. If two trains meet at a railroad crossing, both must stop and neither can go until the other one is gone. 3 256 votes Horse in the saloon You can ride your horse in the saloon. The average cost of living in Texas is 7% lower than the national average. All it takes is an overzealous peace officer and one cranky judge, and before you know it, you're paying a fine for flirting in a public place. This weird law exists because one of the volumes contains a recipe for making beer at home. 50 Weirdest Laws in the USA - One From Every State - YouTube 16 Strange Enforceable Laws Still on the Books in Texas Weird Laws In Texas Make These 12 Things Illegal To Do - OnlyInYourState Texas has had a total of eight changes of government with the first being the French: 1519-1685, French 1685-1690, Spanish 1690-1821, Mexican 1821-1836, Republic of Texas 1836-1845, United States 1845-1861, Confederate States 1861-1865, United States 1865 present day. The Big Bend national park experiences tourist activity with about 400,000 people visiting the park every year. As far as weird city laws go, Galveston seems to have the lion's share of them. While we can point to some silly (or downright harmful) laws on the books, theres no question that our lives are deeply affected by the law. For instance, you are supposedly not legally allowed to tuck your jeans into your boots unless you own more than 10 cattle (via Stupid Laws ). It is illegal for kids to have unusual haircuts in Mesquite, Texas. Don't bother trying to keep your fingers clean if you're devouring fried chicken in Georgia. The Texas Legislative Reference Library has even gone so far as to scroll through every piece of Texas legislation to see if they could find any reference to it. Don't be so sure. No wonder we love our barbeque! California takes frog rights seriously. Why? The Texans rallied to the cry of Remember the Alamo! during the battle. Texas has ten of the 21 counties in the United States in which more than a fifth of residents are inmates, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. Alabama Putting salt on a railroad track could be punishable [] This city also criminalized making obscene gestures. This is another law where the actual legal code couldnt be confirmed, but it is allegedly illegal for children to have unusual haircuts in Mesquite, TX. First declaration of independence was signed in Goliad where the first flag of Texas Independence was proudly hoisted. Perhaps these guides on how to start an LLC in Texas and how to find a great registered agent in Texas can help you avoid any legal issues when opening or doing business in the state. She leads our Editorial Team with Ronald and Lawrence to curate content and resources that help us navigate the system. We dont know why exactly many of them were created, but we do know everyone could use a good laugh. City ordinances here prohibit landing aircraft on the beach. Milking someone else's cow. And, a garage sale can't last longer than three days, and must be held within certain hours. We dont know what might have necessitated this, but the town of Borger, TX forbids the throwing of confetti, rubber balls, and firecrackers in city limits. In the Lone Star State, you can marry your beloved simply by publicly announcing your other half as your wife or husband three times. There is a law against two pigs having sex on the citys airport property. We hope you wont need to take a rest as youre walking around Galveston. Passengers on trains would lean out their windows and shoot at herds as they rode by. In Goodyear, it's illegal to spit on a public sidewalk, crosswalk or highway or in a park or public building. You're also not allowed to drive a motor vehicle down Broadway Street before noon on Sundays. Its only polite, after all. Can Texas Really Put the Ten Commandments in Public Schools? It is illegal to ride a skateboard, roller skates or in-line roller blades while attached to any vehicle in a public place. Most At Risk of a Climate Change Disaster, Why You Should Consider Investing in Brookings, OR Real Estate, The 20 Worst Places to Live in New Jersey, The 10 Best Places to Live in the Tennessee Mountains, The 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado, According to houston-criminalattorney.com, 20 Bizarre But Real Laws that Exist in New York, 20 Weird Utah Laws that are Actually Real, The 20 Weirdest Laws to Come from Tennessee, 20 Weird Laws in Alabama You Wont Believe are True, 20 Countries With the Least Amount of Debt, The 10 Most Expensive Skateboards in the World, The 10 Best Ducati Motorcycles of All-Time. Texas has something called a proxy marriage, which allows one or both parties to be absent from the ceremony. Weird Laws: Dumb, Stupid & Funny Laws in the US - Reader's Digest As of this moment, owning over five sex toys in Texas is technically illegal, though no one will enforce it. Texas is the sole state that became part of the United States through a signed treaty and not an annexation. Thankfully for math students across the state, a mathematician intervened and the bill stalled in the Senate and never passed. Maybe that's why the Indiana House of Representatives passed a bill in 1897 redefining the value of Pi at 3.2. It does, however, apply in Houston, where even a nibble of a slice of Limburger cheese on a Sunday could be enough to get you in bother with the law. The 8 Weirdest Strangest and Stupidest Laws in Texas (2023) - Liner Law According to the latest census data, 56 percent of people in Texas believe in a religion, a whole 8 points higher than the national average. ), dont try and do it in Texas. According to Texas Penal Code 38.12, a person commits an offense if, with intent to obtain an economic benefit, the person solicits employment, either in person or by telephone, for himself or for another.. It's illegal in Vermont to prohibit clotheslines. We create and review content independently to help US citizens to take control of their political lives. There are plenty of urban legends and fake state laws circulating around the internet. 7 Weird Laws That Can Get You in Trouble in Texas - Law and Liberty Blog Colorful lawmen and hard-line justice are part of Texas DNA. It used to be unlawful to take more than three sips of beer while on your feet. Blasphemy is still illegal in Michigan. This could explain why there is a law stating you have to acknowledge a supreme being . Again, its highly doubtful that a police officer is going to pull you over, but stick to socks if youre in any doubt. It is illegal to milk another persons cow. According to a Gainesville proclamation passed in 1961 designed to promote Gainesville as a poultry center, it's illegal to eat fried chicken with a fork. 6 273 votes Obnoxious odors Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Texas Law #1: Selling Your Organs is Illegal. Read More: How to Get the Coronavirus Vaccine in Austin, TX. The law requires that the "the owner or keeper of any member of a species of the animal kingdom that escapes from the owner's or keeper's custody or control and that is not indigenous to this State or presents a risk of serious physical harm to persons or property" must report the escape to the authorities within one hour. If you're planning to commit a serious crime in New Jersey, leave your bulletproof vest at home. But only if you are on the second floor or higher (per Stupid Laws). In LeFors, Texas, its also considered most improper to take more than three sips of beer while standing up. The Alamo plays a significant part in Texas history; it is at this site in 1836 that a small contingent of Texan soldiers stood their ground against an invading Mexican army led by General Santa Anna. But sometimes, in their dedication to legislation, Texas lawmakers have gotten a little, well, goofy. You've probably read about some strange laws that certain states or municipalities have enacted in the past. We dont know that it has, but its nice to be prepared. If you dont, you could end up being slapped with a jail sentence for trespassing and property theft. Not to worry though, you can get a permit for about $5, and then youre free to live your best no-shoes life. Weirdest Laws in Texas Dumb Laws in Texas - countryliving.com 6. If you sit on a sidewalk there, you could get fined $500. Some of these laws were created in the early 1800s and 1900s (when they made more sense) and were just never changed, while others have been revised to fit with the times. Full screen. It is obviously illegal in some Texas towns to be drunk in public spaces, at least to the degree that youre a nuisance or a danger to others. In the city of Harker Heights in Bell County, drivers of all vehicles owned or operated by the United States, the state of Texas, or any county, town, district, or any other political subdivision of the state should observe all city road laws. So, if you plan on getting up to no good, be sure to let your planned victim know in advance, and dont forget to spell out exactly what you intend to do to them. An old law in Temple calls for cattle thieves to be hung on the spot. On June 16, the deadline for Gov. The population of cattle in Texas is estimated to be in excess of 16 million, which is more than any other state in the United States. Time to warm that soul up with a nice bowl of Texas chili. ", Thought silly string was all fun and games? As long as both parties are consenting, over 18, not already married, and of course not related; you can skip having to bother with getting a marriage license. From venues, restaurants, and bars to events, festivals, and music weve got you covered. Weird Texas Laws You Should Avoid Breaking and One You Can Use your eye or hands to flirt, and you could end up attracting as much attention from the law as from your love interest. Which, Read More The 20 Worst Places to Live in New JerseyContinue, For many people, living against a backdrop of mountains is a dream come true. Statewide, Texas legislatures from generations past have enacted some real weirdness that was supposed to be enforced throughout the state. Next time you're in Grand Rapids, Ohio, be careful with your foreign animal. Always check local laws before you travel. She also enjoys creative writing, content writing on nearly any topic (particularly business and lifestyle), because as a lifelong learner, she loves to do research and possess a high skill level in this area. In addition to . We stumble home from the bar, desperate for something to soak up some of the alcohol, and spot something tasty poking out of our neighbors garbage. P: 630.864.5270, Built, Powered, & Developed By: Youtech Web Design Agency. As states will occasionally do a revision of their laws, some of these legal oddities have been written away over time. The verdicts and settlements listed on this site are intended to be representative of cases handled by Arnold & Itkin LLP. Being born and raised in Austin will do that to you - theres always something new and exciting going on. There is a statue of the Goddess of Liberty holding forth a five-point star at the top of the Texas State Capitol. 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Read More: Austin Releases a COVID-19 Plan to Restore Events This Year. It is illegal in Alabama to open an umbrella on the streets of Montgomery. For more than 50 years, the country's leading training, research, and flight control programs have been conducted here. Jefferson, Missouri, has a strict attitude towards garage sales. The government of Texas operates under the Texas constitution and its made up of a unitary democratic state government that is under a presidential system that favors the Dillon Rule. It's illegal there to practice "occult arts" - defined as "fortune telling, astrology, phrenology, palmistry, clairvoyance, mesmerism, spiritualism, or any other practice or practices generally recognized to be unsound and unscientific whereby an attempt or pretense is made. It was the 28th state to join the Union. Pigeons can be annoying - but in North Dakota, you need permission to exterminate one. But in Idaho, it's clarified in the law - though the law also says it's a legitimate defense to have committed cannibalism "under extreme life-threatening conditions as the only apparent means of survival.". There is a reputation in Texas for strict law and order sentencing. Let's take a look at weird laws in all 50 of the US states. According to HG Legal Resources, you can find yourself the recipient of a steep fine if you are caught flirting in the city of San Antonio. Did You Know? 15 Real Texas Laws You Won't Believe - Arnold & Itkin LLP This can be seen in the sheer range of the countrys landscapes, which include everything from deserts in the north and rainforests in the south to a mix of mountains, Read More The 10 Richest States in MexicoContinue, Colorado is an incredible state to stay in if you are looking for a place with amazing weather, plenty of food, sports, cultural, and outdoor activities. Texas will also legally recognize your marriage if you announce your marriage in a public place three or more times. Romance is in the air with this strange law. According to stupidlaws.com, the law stipulates that when two trains meet each other at a railroad crossing, each shall come to a full stop, and neither shall proceed until the other has gone. State law requires that cheese labeled as Wisconsin certified premium Grade AA meet a certain standard: it must be "fine, highly pleasing and free from undesirable flavors and odors.". So concerned is the city about the threat of civilians taking up valuable sidewalk space, theyre prepared to fine anyone caught doing it a stonking $500. 20 Bizarre But Real Laws that Exist in New York - Money Inc According to houston-criminalattorney.com, theres still an active Texas law that prohibits shooting a buffalo from the second floor of a hotel. Three common misconceptions concerning Texas are oil dependency, guns, and the western lifestyle. Prior to World War II, the Texan economy thrived on cattle, cotton, timber, and oil. ", If you live in Pennsylvania, don't try selling your child. This law is actually about what is permitted under the law, rather than whats not allowed. Resorting to the Encyclopedia Britannica might get you in trouble. 9. The Texas State capitol building is similar to the United States Capitol. Under Texas statutes, a person may not leave a vehicle unattended without stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the ignition, setting the parking brake effectively and, if standing on a slope, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway. Read theCraziest Laws in the United States, if you want more. State law holds that "no person shall move uphill on any passenger tramway or use any ski slope or trail while such person's ability to do so is impaired by the consumption of alcohol or by the use of any illicit controlled substance or other drug. It might seem ridiculous that theres a law against milking another persons cow. If youre wondering about the little things, give your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent a call to make sure you know the ins and outs of your policy so you never get surprised. These mountains run along the border of Tennessee. Its illegal to own a copy of the Encyclopedia Britannica. And its not a joke, either; offenders have been jailed for up to a year. And if you are planning on getting drunk in any city park, you can only legally do so if you have permission from the park director(per Stupid Laws). Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation. Getty Images. We will never ask you to provide any personal information to us. If you want to find an answer to a question, stick to Google. The bible might tell us not to covet our neighbors ass, but in Texas, its also frowned upon to desire their cow or at least, to milk them. Louisiana law states that individuals involved in "bear wrestling matches" - defined as "a match or contest between one or more persons and a bear for the purpose of fighting or engaging in a physical altercation" - are guilty of bear wrestling. Weird Laws in Texas - Ranker 5. The entire encyclopedia is banned in Texas because it contains a formula for making beer at home. There are lots of wonderfully weird things about the Lone Star State. If you want to fuss with your stockings in Bristol, prepare for some jail time. Texas has the largest urban bat colony in the whole of North America! Or maybe not in case it ever does happen to you, resist the urge to tuck in. Lots of states have laws that restrict various activity on Sundays, but in Iowa, it's illegal to sell automobiles or RVs on Sunday. Perhaps thats why it was necessary to write a law declaring, It is illegal for one to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel.. No matter how tired you are, resist the urge to take the load off your feet by plopping down on the sidewalk in Galveston. This being the days before CCTV, it was tricky to work out who the perp was. Sometimes, a strange law can still make sense. In some cities, the laws do not allow you to be barefootin public without a permit. The chance of getting into trouble for downing a pint while standing is pretty remote, but if you want to play it safe, grab a chair first. This is one of the many myths you will find among weird Texas laws. Because of the weird laws in Texas, it's illegal to do the following 12 things. A confusingly worded law designed to ban internet cafes involved in illegal gambling prompted a lawsuit, arguing that the ban could be interpreted to apply to any internet-connected device. Cynthia Cooper is the only player in the history of the United States to have won the WNBA Championship MVP. A study of the law will eventually lead the researcher to conclude that there are some really messed up legislation throughout all levels of government. No ones exactly sure why the law was introduced in the first place, and everyones even more confused about why it stipulates a feather duster. If it was your cow, you wouldnt want anyone stealing your milk. Be careful what you do in Chicago. Their winning streak stretched from 1966 to 1985. If you get your neighbors permission first, everything is A-Ok. From serving beer to elephants to eating peanuts in church, we've rounded up the weirdest, wackiest food laws from across the country. Here at UrbanMatter, we pride ourselves on leading the charge when it comes to Austin entertainment. Dont put wire-cutters in your pockets, 8. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. #1: Selling your organs According to the Texas Penal Code Section 48.02, it's against the law to sell human organs. Possibly one of the strangest laws in Texas. Shooting a buffalo It is illegal for one to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel. In Texas, marriages by proxy are perfectly legal. 28 Fun Facts About Texas That You Need to Know Thought you might make a few bucks off your relative's old wooden leg? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This was right after Mexico became independent and was given control over all the Spanish territories, Texas included. Its also illegal to make offensive gestures at public events, drive a motor car down Broadway before noon on Sunday, or imbibe alcohol in a city park without express permission from the director of parks and recreation. For the weirdest laws, you really have to take a long look at some of the ordinances passed by local governments throughout the state. Texas statistically has a higher percentage of religious or religion-practicing residents than the rest of the country. According to the Texas Penal Code Section 48.02, anyone who tries to steal their eyes is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor punishable by either jail or a $4000 fine. The Three Sips You're Out Myth. As plaintiff attorneys, we believe the law can do the most good when its used to help the injured rebuild their lives. How this works in practice is baffling, but if you want to stay on the right side of the law, be prepared to work it out. Texas law also says that it's illegal to carry wire cutters in your pocket, land an airplane on the beach, and ride horses at night without "tail" lights. Atheists are barred from holding public office in Texas. Today, that same law is used to rob maritime workers of their right to recovery after their employers sail them into hurricanes or leave them stranded in life-threatening conditions. The biggest statue that resembles a human in the United States is the statue of the first president of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston. Its a law that no longer applies, but still gets used by some of the largest maritime companies in existence. This angered the Texan community and the state authority enacted a law banning Osbourne from the Alamo and prohibited people from relieving themselves at the site. Colorful Cascarones and Other Easter Traditions, The Ultimate Guide to Texas Gardens & Orchards. In the city of El Paso, there is an edict that requires all churches, hotels, halls of assembly, stores, markets, banking rooms, railroad depots, and saloons are required to provide spittoons of a kind and number to efficiently contain expectorations into them. Allegedly, Texas has a law against drinking more than three sips of beer while standing. The Heisman trophy was named after John William Heisman who was the first full-time coach and athletic director at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Even though today there are many legal options for home beer making, if youre caught with the books you can be fined or do some jail time. Not so, according to our research. The law states that "no person shall sit or lie down upon a public sidewalk, or upon a blanket, chair, stool, or any other object placed upon a public sidewalk in the Downtown Reno Regional Center.". They may be sliding down your leg, but if youre caught pulling them up, you could wind up spending a year in the state penitentiary. There is no limit to the number of guns a Texan can own at one time, though there is a . Bush is from Massachusetts and W is from Connecticut. 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