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11+ Weird Laws in Alabama: Exploring the Dumb, Strange and the Quirky

Laws in Alabama are meant to maintain order and ensure that society functions in a peaceful and harmonious manner. However, some laws are so strange and quirky that they leave people scratching their heads in confusion. Alabama is no exception, with a variety of weird laws that are still on the books despite their irrelevance in today’s society. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most bizarre and outdated laws in Alabama.

So what are some of the weird laws in Alabama?

 

No ice cream in your back pocket

Yes, you read that right. According to Alabama law, it is illegal to put an ice cream cone in your back pocket. This law dates back to the early 20th century, when stealing horses was a common occurrence. Horse thieves would lure horses away from their owners by placing food, such as ice cream, in their back pockets. The law was meant to deter horse theft by making it illegal to carry ice cream in a back pocket.

No stink bombs at school.

In Alabama, it is illegal to use, possess, or sell a stink bomb on school property. This law was likely created to prevent students from disrupting the learning environment with foul odors. However, it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which a student would actually use a stink bomb on school property, especially given the potential legal consequences.

No bear wrestling matches

While it might seem like common sense that bear wrestling matches should be illegal, it’s interesting to note that this activity was once legal in Alabama. However, in 1996, the state legislature passed a law making it illegal to engage in bear wrestling matches. This law was likely enacted to protect both the bears and the people who were foolish enough to participate in such a dangerous activity.

No singing while walking

In Alabama, it is illegal to sing while walking along a public street. While this law may seem ridiculous, it was actually created to prevent people from disturbing the peace. It’s unclear how often this law is enforced, but it’s probably safe to say that most people are unaware of its existence.

No Putting Salt on Railroad Tracks

According to Alabama law, it is illegal to put salt on a railroad track. This law was likely created to prevent people from sabotaging trains by causing them to derail. However, given the fact that this law dates back to the early 20th century, it’s unclear whether it still serves a practical purpose today.

You must have windshield wipers on your car

This law seems reasonable enough until you realize that it doesn’t say anything about having a windshield. So technically, you could drive around with no windshield, as long as you had windshield wipers. Maybe this law was made to protect drivers from flying bugs or debris.

In Mobile, Alabama, it’s illegal to spray silly string

This law is a bummer for anyone who likes to have fun with silly string. Apparently, confetti is also banned in Mobile, even if you plan to clean it up afterwards. Maybe they don’t like anything that makes a mess or looks festive.

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It’s illegal to wear a mask in public.

This law was originally enacted in 1949 to curb Ku Klux Klan activity, which makes sense. However, it also means that you can’t wear any kind of mask in public, even for Halloween or cosplay. So be careful if you want to dress up as your favorite superhero or villain!

More dumb laws in Alabama

If you thought these laws were weird, wait until you hear the rest of them. Here are a few more weird laws in Alabama that will make you shake your head:

  • It’s illegal to play dominoes on Sundays, huh?
  • It’s illegal to sell peanuts in Lee County after sundown on Wednesdays.
  • It’s illegal to work on Sundays.
  • It’s illegal to lewdly dress.

Conclusion

While some of these laws may seem funny or even absurd, it’s important to remember that they were created for a reason. Whether it was to prevent horse theft or protect bears from harm, each of these laws was enacted with a specific purpose in mind. While some of these laws may no longer be relevant in today’s society, they still serve as a reminder of our state’s unique history and traditions.