Okay, hear us out. As weird as it sounds, in Iowa, the "Ice Cream Man" and his truck are banned! This unusual law prohibits ice cream vendors from operating within the city limits. Yes, you read that right! No ice cream trucks allowed! While this might seem Odd, it’s just one of the many strange laws of the United States.

The United States is known for having some of the world's strangest and most bizarre state laws. These laws often date back to a time when certain behaviours or practices were considered unacceptable, and while many of them have been repealed or deemed unenforceable, they remain on the books in some states. They often provide an interesting glimpse into the history and culture of different states and regions in the US. So, buckle up and get ready to learn about some of the most unusual and weird laws in the US that you won't believe are still in effect today!

Georgia: No Wearing Masks!

Well, we’re starting with the least peculiar one of them all (yes, the upcoming ones are completely insane!)

The state of Georgia has one of the weirdest laws around the world that prohibits its residents from wearing face masks or hoods that conceal their identity; it’s called the “Anti-Mask Act.” It was passed in 1951, and its only exception was during the time of COVID-19, when wearing medical masks was mandatory to prevent the infection from spreading.

New York: No Releasing Helium Balloons!

Okay, we know this one is also weird, as is the case with every single one on the list—but it was passed for all the right reasons. Do you want to know why releasing helium balloons is banned in New York? Alright, let us explain to you.

While releasing balloons may seem harmless, it can have serious environmental and wildlife consequences. Balloons can end up in bodies of water or on land, where they can be mistaken for food by animals or entangle with them, causing injury or death.

So, this law aims to reduce the amount of litter and pollution in the state and protect the well-being of animals. Some people may find this law to be overly strict, but it highlights the importance of environmental protection and the impact that small actions can have on our planet.

New Jersey: No Pumping Your Own Gas

This one may seem like one of the strangest and weirdest laws in the US. Mainly for safety reasons, New Jersey doesn’t have self-service gas stations. A gas station worker should be the one fueling your car, or you could get into some serious legal trouble! This law was passed in 1949 and is known as the “Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act.” It’s worth mentioning that, as of recent developments, New Jersey is now the only state enforcing this law after Oregon lifted its self-service gas ban in 2023!

Delaware: No Halloween on Sundays

We know how lame this sounds, but rules are rules. So, get ready to know more about one of the funniest and weirdest laws around the world. In Rehoboth Beach, you can’t go trick-or-treating on Sundays in Delaware if October 31st falls on a Sunday. Instead, you ought to do it on October 30th. This law was passed in 1971 because it was deemed inappropriate to celebrate goblins and ghosts on the “Sabbath,” a day of religious observance for Christians and Jews that is usually a Sunday.

Alaska: No Getting Drunk in Bars!

Okay, hear us out. The following is one of the weirdest laws around the world. In Alaska, it is illegal to be drunk inside a bar! Yes, you read that right! If someone is already drunk or gets too tipsy while inside, the authorities have the right to show them the door. 

Rhode Island: No Racing Horses on the Highway

Now, this one is a bit of a throwback! Rhode Island law forbids racing or testing the speed of horses on highways. Believe it or not, there was a time when horse racing on public roads was enough of an issue to warrant its own law.

Arizona: No Letting Your Donkey Sleep in a Bathtub

Yes, this is no joke. If you have a donkey in Arizona, you’re not allowed to let it sleep in your bathtub. The story of the 1924 enacted law goes like this: Near Kingman, Arizona, a town was flooded by a local dam while a merchant let his donkey sleep in an old bathtub. Although the donkey survived, it was carried about a mile down the valley by the floodwaters before finally landing in a basin. So, yeah, no donkeys in bathtubs in this state!

It is worth mentioning that North Carolina and New York have similar laws.

California: No Whistling for a Lost Canary Before 7 a.m.

Again, you read that right. Apparently, the state legislators believe that the wee hours of the morning are not meant for finding wayward birds. So, if you happen to misplace your feathered friend and it's still dark outside, resist the urge to whistle and wait until the sun comes up. You don't want to end up behind bars for breaking this odd law.

Alaska: No Waking up A Sleeping Bear to Take a Photo

In Alaska, it’s illegal to wake a bear up for the purpose of taking a photo! It might sound funny at first, but when you think about it, it makes sense. Alaska is home to some wild animals, including bears. As tempting as it might be to snap a once-in-a-lifetime picture, waking a bear for the sake of a photo could put both you and the bear in danger.

So, if you're travelling through Alaska and come across a napping bear, it's best to let it catch its z’s in peace, no matter how Instagram-worthy it might seem!

Indiana: No Catching Fish with Your Bare Hands

If you ever thought about wrestling a fish out of the water with your own two hands, think again! In Indiana, it's illegal to catch fish using only your hands. This law exists to protect fish populations and prevent people from using unfair hunting methods.

Georgia: No tying a Giraffe to a Telephone Pole or Street Lamp

We don’t know why someone would tie a giraffe to a telephone pole or a street lamp, and we also don’t know why someone would walk down the street with a giraffe in the first place. The story behind this is a bit unclear, but some speculate that it was passed in response to a circus that visited the state many years ago, while others suggest that it was simply a way to prevent people from causing traffic accidents. 

Whatever the reason, it's safe to say that if you happen to be travelling through Georgia with a giraffe in tow, you'll need to find another way to secure it while you stop for a break!

Louisiana: No Sending a Surprise Pizza

Again, we were honestly clueless as to why it’s illegal to send a surprise pizza to a loved one; it’s harmless and delicious! However, we did a little digging, and we learned the story behind this weird law. The law was passed in 2016 and states that it is illegal to order and send any food or beverage to a person without their consent, with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass them. 

The law came about after a series of prank calls in which pizza deliveries were made to unsuspecting victims, often in the middle of the night. The victims would be forced to pay for the pizzas or face legal action from the delivery companies. So, never send a surprise pizza to a friend, or else you’re up against a $500 fine!

Florida: No Feeding the Alligators!

The last stop on our odd list is Florida. While you may be asking yourself, “Why would someone want to feed an alligator?” we’re here to explain as much as we’re here to arouse your curiosity. Yes, it might seem harmless to toss a snack to a hungry gator, but there’s a serious reason behind this law.

In Florida, it is illegal to feed alligators because doing so makes them associate humans with food. This can lead to dangerous situations where alligators venture into residential areas waiting for a meal, which, of course, puts both people and animals at risk.

The law still stands today. So, if you ever find yourself face-to-face with an alligator, it’s best to keep your snacks to yourself!

While these laws may seem strange, they often have historical or cultural significance. Some were created to address specific issues at the time, while others were meant to be humorous or tongue-in-cheek. Regardless, they serve as a reminder of the diverse and quirky nature of the United States. Also, these weird laws in the US make for interesting and entertaining trivia!

If you’re intrigued and want to know more weird laws from around the world, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! You can check our blogs about the Weirdest Laws and Regulations in the UK or  the Weirdest Laws and Regulations in Canada.