Stupid Laws http://www.stupidlaws.com Browse and discuss the largest collection of dumb, crazy, and stupid laws covering the United States, England, Australia, Europe, Florida, California, Texas and many other countries and states. Stupid state laws, local law, and national laws. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:25:44 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 It is illegal not to smile in public http://www.stupidlaws.com/it-is-illegal-not-to-smile-in-public/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=it-is-illegal-not-to-smile-in-public http://www.stupidlaws.com/it-is-illegal-not-to-smile-in-public/#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:25:44 +0000 admin http://www.stupidlaws.com/?p=5271
  • Every head of household must possess a firearm of some kind.
  • Women may go topless in public, providing it is not being used as a business.
  • All citizens must own a rake.
    • ]]>     In 1948, the Mayor of the City of Pocatello, George Phillips, passed an ordinance making it illegal not to smile in Pocatello. The “Smile Ordinance” was passed tongue in cheek as a result of an exceptionally severe winter, which had dampened the spirit of city employees and citizens alike.

    The ordinance unintentionally remained on the books and was discovered by staff and later by a local reporter who wrote an article appearing in 1987 in the Idaho State Journal. The American Bankers Association chose our outdated ordinance to use in their national advertising campaign, emphasizing the theme of outdated laws to convince the United States Congress to modernize banking laws.

    Related laws:

    1. Every head of household must possess a firearm of some kind.
    2. Women may go topless in public, providing it is not being used as a business.
    3. All citizens must own a rake.

    ]]>     http://www.stupidlaws.com/it-is-illegal-not-to-smile-in-public/feed/ 0     It is illegal to teach the English language without a permit and that permit says where you have to teach English http://www.stupidlaws.com/it-is-illegal-to-teach-the-english-language-without-a-permit-and-that-permit-says-where-you-have-to-teach-english/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=it-is-illegal-to-teach-the-english-language-without-a-permit-and-that-permit-says-where-you-have-to-teach-english http://www.stupidlaws.com/it-is-illegal-to-teach-the-english-language-without-a-permit-and-that-permit-says-where-you-have-to-teach-english/#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:03:44 +0000 admin http://www.stupidlaws.com/?p=5269
  • The English language is not to be spoken.
  • All business signs in the province of Quebec must be in French. If the business operator wishes to have English on the sign, the French must be at least twice as large as the English is. There are no laws governing the usage of other languages on signs. -Bill 101 (Passed 1976)
  • It is illegal to curse in any language other than French.
    • ]]>
  • The English language is not to be spoken.
  • All business signs in the province of Quebec must be in French. If the business operator wishes to have English on the sign, the French must be at least twice as large as the English is. There are no laws governing the usage of other languages on signs. -Bill 101 (Passed 1976)
  • It is illegal to curse in any language other than French.
    • ]]>     http://www.stupidlaws.com/it-is-illegal-to-teach-the-english-language-without-a-permit-and-that-permit-says-where-you-have-to-teach-english/feed/ 0     Massage Therapy is considered an adult, erotic service, and is banned in all zoning districts http://www.stupidlaws.com/massage-therapy-is-considered-an-adult-erotic-service-and-is-banned-in-all-zoning-districts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=massage-therapy-is-considered-an-adult-erotic-service-and-is-banned-in-all-zoning-districts http://www.stupidlaws.com/massage-therapy-is-considered-an-adult-erotic-service-and-is-banned-in-all-zoning-districts/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:48:40 +0000 admin http://www.stupidlaws.com/?p=5266
  • Massage parlors have been banned.
  • Erotic dancing is prohibited on Sundays.
  • It is illegal for two adult men to have sex in the spresence of a third person.
    • ]]>
  • Massage parlors have been banned.
  • Erotic dancing is prohibited on Sundays.
  • It is illegal for two adult men to have sex in the spresence of a third person.
    • ]]>     http://www.stupidlaws.com/massage-therapy-is-considered-an-adult-erotic-service-and-is-banned-in-all-zoning-districts/feed/ 0     You must pay a television tax whether or not you own a television http://www.stupidlaws.com/you-must-pay-a-television-tax-whether-or-not-you-own-a-television/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=you-must-pay-a-television-tax-whether-or-not-you-own-a-television http://www.stupidlaws.com/you-must-pay-a-television-tax-whether-or-not-you-own-a-television/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:14:01 +0000 admin http://www.stupidlaws.com/?p=5263
  • Minors may not enter a room where a “social game” is being played.
  • Keeping a house where unmarried persons are allowed to have sex is prohibited.
  • No person may have a “yard sale” in their front yard.
    • ]]>     Finland’s television tax has been between €244.90 and €253.80 per annum with a household with a television.

    However, in 2013 the tax will be applied on every adult, not just every household, and will be graduated according to your income. The tax will be between €50 and €140 per person.

    The government assumes that even if you don’t have a television, you might watch one at a friend’s house.

    Related laws:

    1. Minors may not enter a room where a “social game” is being played.
    2. Keeping a house where unmarried persons are allowed to have sex is prohibited.
    3. No person may have a “yard sale” in their front yard.

    ]]>     http://www.stupidlaws.com/you-must-pay-a-television-tax-whether-or-not-you-own-a-television/feed/ 2     Women cannot be employed to dance with men http://www.stupidlaws.com/women-cannot-be-employed-to-dance-with-men/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=women-cannot-be-employed-to-dance-with-men http://www.stupidlaws.com/women-cannot-be-employed-to-dance-with-men/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:09:31 +0000 admin http://www.stupidlaws.com/?p=5260
  • Dance halls may not operate on Sundays.
  • Dances are not allowed between 2:45 and 7am.
  • If you want to read your favorite book in public to your friends, do it before 2:45 AM.
    • ]]>     No female shall be permitted to be employed in any dance hall for the purpose of dancing with male patrons of the dance hall.

    Related laws:

    1. Dance halls may not operate on Sundays.
    2. Dances are not allowed between 2:45 and 7am.
    3. If you want to read your favorite book in public to your friends, do it before 2:45 AM.

    ]]>     http://www.stupidlaws.com/women-cannot-be-employed-to-dance-with-men/feed/ 0     No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride from the driver of any vehicle http://www.stupidlaws.com/no-person-shall-stand-in-a-roadway-for-the-purpose-of-soliciting-a-ride-from-the-driver-of-any-vehicle/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=no-person-shall-stand-in-a-roadway-for-the-purpose-of-soliciting-a-ride-from-the-driver-of-any-vehicle http://www.stupidlaws.com/no-person-shall-stand-in-a-roadway-for-the-purpose-of-soliciting-a-ride-from-the-driver-of-any-vehicle/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:08:48 +0000 admin http://www.stupidlaws.com/?p=5258
  • It is unlawful for a person to consume an alcoholic beverage while operating a motor vehicle upon a public roadway, if the person is observed doing so by a peace officer.
  • No person may drive a vehicle when there are more than three people in the front seat, which number shall include the driver.
  • It is illegal to stand outside the police station for any purpose after dark.
    • ]]>
  • It is unlawful for a person to consume an alcoholic beverage while operating a motor vehicle upon a public roadway, if the person is observed doing so by a peace officer.
  • No person may drive a vehicle when there are more than three people in the front seat, which number shall include the driver.
  • It is illegal to stand outside the police station for any purpose after dark.
    • ]]>     http://www.stupidlaws.com/no-person-shall-stand-in-a-roadway-for-the-purpose-of-soliciting-a-ride-from-the-driver-of-any-vehicle/feed/ 1     One may not whistle in the bathroom http://www.stupidlaws.com/one-may-not-whistle-in-the-bathroom/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=one-may-not-whistle-in-the-bathroom http://www.stupidlaws.com/one-may-not-whistle-in-the-bathroom/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:08:23 +0000 admin http://www.stupidlaws.com/?p=5256
  • On Mondays, it is illegal for one to whistle very loud after 11:00 PM.
  • Dances are not allowed between 2:45 and 7am.
  • If you want to read your favorite book in public to your friends, do it before 2:45 AM.
    • ]]>     No person shall stand or climb on any closet, closet seat, basin, partition, or other furniture or fitting; or loiter about, or push, crowd, or otherwise act in disorderly manner; or interfere with any attendant in the discharge of his or her duties; or whistle, dance, sing, skate, or swear, or use obscene, loud, and boisterous language within any public convenience station, or at or near the entrances of a public convenience station.

    Related laws:

    1. On Mondays, it is illegal for one to whistle very loud after 11:00 PM.
    2. Dances are not allowed between 2:45 and 7am.
    3. If you want to read your favorite book in public to your friends, do it before 2:45 AM.

    ]]>     http://www.stupidlaws.com/one-may-not-whistle-in-the-bathroom/feed/ 0     An establishment may not allow more than one accordion to be played for entertainment http://www.stupidlaws.com/an-establishment-may-not-allow-more-than-one-accordion-to-be-played-for-entertainment/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=an-establishment-may-not-allow-more-than-one-accordion-to-be-played-for-entertainment http://www.stupidlaws.com/an-establishment-may-not-allow-more-than-one-accordion-to-be-played-for-entertainment/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:07:29 +0000 admin http://www.stupidlaws.com/?p=5254
  • Dancing and drinking may not occur at the same establishment.
  • No pool tables are allowed in a public establishment, because it supports gambling.
  • An owner or employee of an establishment in Iowa that sells alcohol can’t legally consume a drink there after closing for business.
    • ]]>     No entertainment or music shall be provided or permitted for the enjoyment of the patrons of the establishment operated on public space by a permittee other than music as may be furnished by no more than three (3) musicians playing stringed instruments such as the violin, the viola, the cello, the double-base, and the guitar, and no more than one (1) accordion or concertina.

    Related laws:

    1. Dancing and drinking may not occur at the same establishment.
    2. No pool tables are allowed in a public establishment, because it supports gambling.
    3. An owner or employee of an establishment in Iowa that sells alcohol can’t legally consume a drink there after closing for business.

    ]]>     http://www.stupidlaws.com/an-establishment-may-not-allow-more-than-one-accordion-to-be-played-for-entertainment/feed/ 0     One may not operate a surf board while on a hallucinogen http://www.stupidlaws.com/one-may-not-operate-a-surf-board-while-on-a-hallucinogen/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=one-may-not-operate-a-surf-board-while-on-a-hallucinogen http://www.stupidlaws.com/one-may-not-operate-a-surf-board-while-on-a-hallucinogen/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:06:34 +0000 admin http://www.stupidlaws.com/?p=5252 No person shall operate or use any vessel, or use any water skis, aquaplane, surfboard, or similar device, while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or any narcotic drug, barbiturate, or hallucinogen.

    No related posts.

    ]]>     http://www.stupidlaws.com/one-may-not-operate-a-surf-board-while-on-a-hallucinogen/feed/ 2     One may not take photographs for more than 5 minutes in a public location http://www.stupidlaws.com/one-may-not-take-photographs-for-more-than-5-minutes-in-a-public-location/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=one-may-not-take-photographs-for-more-than-5-minutes-in-a-public-location http://www.stupidlaws.com/one-may-not-take-photographs-for-more-than-5-minutes-in-a-public-location/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:05:48 +0000 admin http://www.stupidlaws.com/?p=5250
  • A door on a car may not be left open longer than is necessary.
  • It is illegal to throw rocks at a city street.
  • It is illegal to throw ashes on the sidewalk.
    • ]]>     While engaged in taking photographs, no person licensed under §521 or §522 of this chapter shall impede traffic as defined in the District of Columbia Traffic Acts; nor shall any photographer remain longer than five (5) minutes at any one (1) location on the streets, sidewalks, or other public spaces.

    Related laws:

    1. A door on a car may not be left open longer than is necessary.
    2. It is illegal to throw rocks at a city street.
    3. It is illegal to throw ashes on the sidewalk.

    ]]>     http://www.stupidlaws.com/one-may-not-take-photographs-for-more-than-5-minutes-in-a-public-location/feed/ 0