We trust and encourage our lawmakers to pass laws that are important and relevant, but sometimes a few dumb ones sneak in to the mix. There is usually a very important and valid reason to pass these laws in the first place, but those stories have been lost to history. Instead, we are left scratching our heads, wondering why these laws were passed, and hoping no officer tries to uphold them. Here are a few of the funniest:
- It is illegal to sleep on top of a refrigerator outdoors. You have to wonder how frequently this occurred to make it an actual law. Last time I checked, beds were much more comfortable.
- A special ordinance bans housewives from hiding dirt and dust under a rug in a dwelling. My guess is that the story behind this one includes an angry husband in the 1950’s.
- You may not sing in the bathtub. Really, Pennsylvania? Who’s going to break down my door, set off my home security alarm, and arrest me while I sing into my loofah?
- All liquor stores must be run by the state. If you live in PA or have visited here, you know that this one is still strictly enforced with the “Wine and Spirits” stores everywhere. Most residents think it’s a scam that the Liquor Control Board can decide which types of alcohol can be sold in-state, and sets the prices. Everyone I know in the Philly area goes to NJ to buy alcohol, it’s a lot cheaper there.
- You may not catch a fish with your hands. That’s like passing a law that you can’t catch a fly with chopsticks. I can’t imagine what prompted lawmakers to pass this one.
- It is illegal to have over 16 women live in a house together because that constitutes a brothel. Clearly there was no such thing as a “women’s college dorm” when this law was passed. Or maybe it’s meant to promote co-ed campus housing…
- It is contrary to Pennsylvania law to discharge a gun, cannon, revolver or other explosive weapon at a wedding. I am so glad I didn’t buy the bride and groom that Civil War cannon they put on their wedding registry.
- Danville, PA - All fire hydrants must be checked one hour before all fires. Anyone have a crystal ball?
- Morrisville, PA - It is required that a woman have a permit to wear cosmetics. If I lived there, I’d break this law on a daily basis.
- Ridley Park, PA - You cannot walk backwards eating peanuts in front of the Barnstormers Auditorium during a performance. Possibly the stupidest law we have. And we wonder why Pennsylvania has the reputation it has…
We all try to be law-abiding citizens, but some of these are just ridiculous. I know that most laws, like the ones regarding Pennsylvania home security, safety and personal rights are important, but some of these are just too dumb to be made up. Thanks to www.dumblaws.com for posting these and other dumb PA laws.
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