Crazy Indiana laws
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As part of my ongoing celebration of Indiana’s 200th birthday, I think it’s fitting to take a few minutes and discuss some of the crazy laws that help make the Hoosier State unique.
The fine people of Kokomo, Indiana, have recently discovered a law that has been on the books for decades. Apparently, pinball has been outlawed in Kokomo since at least the 1970s. There’s actually a good possibility that the law has been on the books since the 1950s.
It was an attempt to curb gambling efforts. But now it’s just a silly law. And and it isn’t even enforced anymore. Although many old, forgotten, unenforced laws just law because nobody bothers to repeal arcane laws like this. Amazingly enough, Kokomo is looking to repeal this law.
I think it’s safe to say that every state has crazy laws like this on the books. Indiana certainly has its fair share. And I’m not even talking about the ridiculous ‘blue’ laws that we still have in Indiana. Some lawmakers seem to think they are still relevant in the 21st century. I wholeheartedly, but politely, disagree. But that’s neither here nor there at this point (although it should probably be addressed in a separate post at some time in the near future). But stores cannot sell on Sunday. Drinks on the house are illegal. Liquor stores can’t sell cold soft drinks. Or milk. I know I said I wouldn’t dwell on it, but it’s kind of ridiculous.
As a public service, I’d like to share some of the crazy laws that are still on the books in Indiana. You never know when someone decides they should be enforced. So consider this a touch of good ol’ Hoosier Hospitality.
Here are just a few of the crazy Indiana laws that are still on the books:
No passing a horse on the street.
Baths may not be taken between October and March.
It’s illegal to catch a fish with your bare hands.
Men are not allowed to stand at a bar.
If any person has a puppet show, wire dancing or tumbling act in the state of Indiana and receives money for it, they will be fined $3 under the Act to Prevent Certain Immoral Practices.
The Act for the Prevention of Gaming calls for a three dollar fine per pack will be imposed on anyone playing cards.
Oral sex is illegal.
Thinking about crossing a highway? Make sure you don’t wear tail lights. It’s illegal for pedestrians to wear them while crossing a highway.
Backing your vehicle into a parking spot is illegal.
For guys who have a tendency to habitually kiss other people, mustaches are strictly forbidden.
If you’re going to visit a hypnotist for any reason other than quitting smoking or losing weight, a referral from a licensed physician is required.
“Spiteful gossip” and “talking behind one’s back” are also illegal. Man, I wish more people knew that.
All males 18-50 must work six days a year on public roads.
Crazy.
There they are. Some of these laws are pretty crazy. But they’re not as crazy as some laws. You know, like the one that bans carrying an ice cream cone in your back pocket in Alabama. Or the urban legend about throwing rocks in New Mexico.
I’ve broken a few of these. You probably have, too. But I’ve never crossed the highway while wearing tail lights. That’s a new one I might have to add to my bucket list.
Thanks to Weird Facts, Dumb Laws, Valpo Life, 106.1 fm in Evansville, and Real Police for sharing these laws with us.
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There are weird laws all over the world just not India.
You’re right. Many places all over the world have crazy laws. This post was specifically about Indiana (not India), in celebration of our state’s 200th birthday a few years ago.