Ever heard that it’s illegal to flick a booger into an Alabama breeze or that you can’t wake a sleeping firefighter in Wisconsin? Turns out, a lot of the wackiest laws we’ve heard about might not be what they seem. In this episode, we dig into the origins of some of the strangest so-called 'laws' across the U.S.—some real, some exaggerated and some totally bogus. From outlawed mustaches in church to faux butter bans in Wisconsin, we separate fact from fiction and have a few laughs along the way.
10,000-Foot View of this Episode:
- California’s Mousetrap Myth: The infamous claim that you need a hunting license to set a mousetrap has a kernel of truth—California’s Fish and Game Code does regulate trapping mammals, but it’s intended for larger wildlife, not household pests. The law was meant to oversee hunting and conservation efforts rather than everyday pest control. The exaggeration likely comes from misinterpretations by legal blogs and online myth-spreaders looking for clickbait.
- Alabama’s Fake Mustache Law: It’s said to be illegal to wear a fake mustache that makes people laugh in church, but it actually stems from general disorderly conduct laws. While causing a disturbance in a place of worship can get you in trouble, there’s no official mustache-specific statute. This one is a prime example of how people take vague laws and spin them into something oddly specific—and hilarious.
- Ohio’s Drunken Fish Law: There’s no record of a law against getting fish drunk—this myth likely arose from agricultural regulations about water contamination. The closest real law relates to restrictions on dumping fermented grain or other alcohol-related byproducts into water sources, as they could harm fish populations. Interestingly, Ohio did once have a real (and bizarre) ban on women wearing patent leather shoes in public, supposedly to prevent men from seeing the reflection of what's under ladies dresses.
- New Jersey’s Full-Service Gas Stations: Unlike most of the fake laws we found, it’s 100% true that pumping your own gas in New Jersey is illegal due to the state’s Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act. The law was originally passed in 1949 due to concerns about fire hazards and gasoline fume exposure, but it has since been defended as a way to protect jobs. Today, New Jersey remains one of the last states to mandate full-service gas stations.
- Virginia’s Coin Toss Ban: Allegedly, it’s illegal to flip a coin to decide who pays for coffee in Virginia. While gambling was once banned on Sundays, no evidence exists of this specific law. This myth likely evolved from early blue laws that restricted commercial activities on Sundays, including various forms of gambling. However, there is no documented case of anyone being arrested for flipping a coin over a coffee bill.
- Galveston’s Sidewalk Sleeping Rule: In Galveston, Texas, it’s illegal to sit or lie down on the sidewalk—but only in specific areas and only between 7 AM and 2 AM. The law aims to prevent obstructions in the central business district, but between 2 AM and 7 AM, it’s totally fine to take a nap on the pavement. This odd rule suggests that Galveston may have a soft spot for late-night revelers who need a break before heading home.
- Weird Thoughts: What if some of these were real? We imagine what could have prompted these laws if they had been written in earnest. Could there have been a rogue mustachioed prankster in an Alabama church? A drunken fisherman in Ohio? We also reflect on the disappointment of finding out some of the funniest laws were just internet fabrications.
Memorable Quotes:
- "If you're drunk and you pass out on the sidewalk after the bar closes, totally fine. As long as you're out of there by 7 a.m." – Cole
- “Can you imagine your arrest record showing public nuisance for flicking boogers?” – Mecca
- “Public decorum versus private decorum, totally different things.” – Callie
- "I do not catcall women. I'd have to speak to women before I started catcalling them." – Cole
- “I'd never ask for a butter substitute.” – Mecca
- “So, we're keeping people from being pervs. That's good.” – Callie
Resources Mentioned:
Call to Action: Have you heard of a weird law in your state? Send it our way! We’d love to dig into it and see if it’s legit. Follow us on social media and let us know which myths you’ve fallen for!
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