Before you travel to any state in the US, you may want to research the laws there – especially the strange ones. Each state in the Union seems to have at least one or two laws that might leave you shaking your head in wonderment. Some of these laws are simply amusing, and others are downright bizarre.
The following are a few of the strangest laws associated with individual states – should you find yourself in trouble for violating a strange US law in any particular state, your best course of action would probably be to consult an attorney.
Watch Your Car Door in Oregon
In Oregon, you can actually be prosecuted for failing to close your car door in a timely manner. The law specifically states that you must not leave your car door (on the side facing traffic) open any longer than needed to allow your passengers to enter or leave the car. The strangest aspect of this law is that legislators felt that it was necessary to mandate that people in Oregon only open their car doors when doing it is reasonably safe.
Keep Your Car Until Monday in Colorado
If you’re planning on selling a car in Colorado, be sure that you don’t try to do it on a Sunday. That would be illegal in this state. In fact, dealerships and salespeople may face some serious penalties if they choose to violate this law.
Don’t Eat Your Neighbor in Idaho
Cannibalism is not legally acceptable in Idaho—so don’t even try it! You could spend nearly a decade and half in prison if you do. The exception to this law exists when consuming human flesh becomes a necessity in order to survive under life or death circumstances.
Stop Worrying About Those Illegal Drugs in California
You may be safe from prosecution for having illegal drugs in your possession if you’re in California. This law was specifically intended to protect those who are overdosing or who are witnessing such an occurrence. The purpose of the law is to encourage people to seek medical attention in cases of overdose—instead of avoiding treatment in order to avoid prosecution.
No Artificial Color for Baby Critters in Kentucky
If you live in Kentucky, you will need to restrain yourself from dyeing a baby animal such as a duckling or chick. If you ignore this law, you could be charged up to $500. However, this law only covers live animals.
Don’t Go Skateboarding Without a License in Florida
Skate boarding without a special license is technically illegal in Florida. This may have something to do with the fact that skateboarding is a high-risk activity in terms of personal injury. You will not likely be apprehended or ticketed for ignoring this law—but if you are, you may need a qualified attorney to assist you.
The best way to avoid prosecution of any crime is to adhere to the law. If you don’t know the laws that pertain to your state, you might wish to explore all of them. Even violating the weirdest laws in your state could cause you to require solid legal advice.