Every state has them: old, outdated laws that, to today’s modern society, seem downright strange, bizarre, and weird. As time passes, many forget about these archaic laws, which most often are not enforced, or even well-known. So, if you find yourself reading the following list of weird laws in Kentucky, and worrying that you might have broken one or two, rest assured that you’re fine — and your secret’s safe with us! Today we’re having a little fun and checking out 14 weird laws in Kentucky that are just plain silly. The real question is, why were they even enacted in the first place? What transpired to create such a specific, bizarre law? Let’s take a look…

1. In London, Kentucky, it is illegal to engage in sexual activities on a parked motorcycle.
KTrowbridge
2. In Kentucky, it is illegal to go fishing with a bow and arrow.
Jeff Hitchcock/Flickr
We know there are some big fish floating around the rivers and lakes of the Bluegrass State, but, really?
3. Women living in Owensboro may be fashion experts, but if they find a hat they particularly like, they need to obtain their husband’s permission before making the purchase.
Wendi Hammond/Flickr
Now this one just ruffles our feathers!
4. No bullying store clerks, or fellow shoppers, in Kentucky!
michal adamczyk/Flickr
It is illegal to force a person into a store in order to make a sale.
5. No dying chicks, ducklings, or baby bunnies the color blue in Kentucky.
Mike Mozart/Flickr
No one shall dye blue *and* sell baby ducks, chicks or rabbits, unless doing so in groups of six or more. Otherwise they will face a fine of $500. This is an incredibly specific rule that probably has a very good story behind it... we're just not sure what!
6. Each citizen of Kentucky is required to shower once each year.
Micah Sittig/Flickr
Do baths count?
7. Anyone who has been drinking is deemed "sober" until they cannot hold onto the ground.
Ivan/Flickr
So, we're guessing this cute little kitty cat might have had a few too many...

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8. In Kentucky, it is against the law release a feral hog back into the wild.
Wikimedia Commons
In terms of weird laws in Kentucky, this is surely at the top of the list!
9. In Kentucky, a woman can only marry the same man three times.
MigR/Flickr
This really is for the best. The poor guy would probably be quite confused after three different times down the aisle to the same bride!
10. In Franklin County, you are not allowed to trade horses after dark.
Karsun Designs/Flickr
Keep your horse trading for daylight hours, Franklin County!
11. In Kentucky, it used to be illegal work on a Sunday!
Shari's Berries/Flickr
While this law has since been repealed, in the past you could be fined $50 if you were found to be working on Sunday. Clergy members, athletic game officials, and certain businesses were excluded from the law.
12. In Kentucky, women in bikinis used to require police protection.
Joe Haupt/Flickr
Until this law was recently repealed, bikini-wearing women weighing between 90-199 pounds could not walk down a Kentucky highway without an officer or other professional guarding them. The weight restrictions seem a bit odd, but we’re sure lawmakers’ intentions were in the right place and focused on the women’s protection??
13. In Kentucky, you can't walk around with an ice cream cone in your pocket.
Ruth Hartnup/Flickr
We have so many questions. Does sorbet count? Gelato? Rainbow sherbet? We need to know!
14. It is illegal to throw flowers at a public speaker in Kentucky.
Michael Schönborn/Flickr
The same applies to eggs! Don't throw things at public speakers, Kentuckians!

So.. what do you think? Which of these weird laws in Kentucky did you know about? Which have you broken? Are there any other weird laws in Kentucky you’d add to the list?

Looking for more weird facts and tidbits about the Bluegrass State? Here are 16 fun facts about Kentucky you probably didn’t know!

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Weird laws in Kentucky

Sarah | July 24, 2021

What are some weird things people from Kentucky do?

Well, weird really is in the eye of the beholder, but even Kentuckians know we do some truly weird things. For starters, we say "ma'am" and "sir" and "y'all" because we are a polite bunch, full of Southern manners and hospitality, of course. We often refer to every bubbly, carbonated drink as a "Coke." Even lemon lime or ginger ale... it doesn't have to be a cola. Derby Day is a national holiday around here, and school and work get cancelled, parties happen... it's a major celebration! And Louisville? It's called Lou-a-vul or Luh-vul. If you want to give yourself away as an out-of-towner, that's the quickest way to do it!

What are some unique things that were invented in Kentucky?

Kentucky is home to many a marvelous invention -- and yes, some of which are quite weird! Let's start with the known Kentucky inventions: Kentucky Fried Chicken, everyone's favorite crispy-crunchy way to enjoy poultry; traffic lights, yes -- these ubiquitous street lights were invented in the Bluegrass State; and the cheeseburger, contrary to our love for the Colonel, the Bluegrass State invented the iconic, cheese-topped burger everyone knows and loves. Now for some more random, weird ones: Post-It Notes, Jif Peanut Butter, Chevrolet Corvettes, and Duncan Hines, everyone's favorite boxed cake confections. Mr. Hines was actually a Bluegrass state resident, and you can visit a museum devoted to him in Bowling Green, Kentucky!

What's one fun fact about Kentucky?

We have a good one, sure to please guests at your next party. Are you ready for this? The "Happy Birthday" song was created right here in the Bluegrass State. Yes -- the song everyone sings, every day, all across the world in different languages and time zones! The song "Happy Birthday" was created in 1893 by two Louisville sisters. Now, isn't that cool?

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