20 Alabama Laws That Are So Strange You’ll Be Shaking Your Head
It’s no secret that laws are made to protect us. However, it seems like legislators are trying to control people’s lives a little too much and some of the laws they make are flat out insane! Check out these weird laws in Alabama to understand what I mean. They’ve all been in the law books at one time or another, and some still are. Granted, most of these weird laws in Alabama would not actually ever be enforced, but they’re completely real. There are some strange things in Alabama, and these top the list!
Just in case you ever wondered why the streets aren't littered with orange peels, this may be the reason. But we think we'd rather step on an orange peel than a banana peel any day, if cartoons have taught us anything!
3.) Putting salt on a railroad track can be punishable by death.
This one sounds like one of the most weird laws in Alabama, but there's actually a reason behind it. Salt can attract cattle onto the tracks, and obviously that is not a good thing. So leave the salt at home!
Come on! It's silly string for crying out loud! What's so wrong with having a little fun? Confetti is also illegal in Mobile, even if you plan to sweep it up after.
8.) In Montgomery, it's illegal to open an umbrella on a street.
This is another of the illegal things in Alabama that seem strange but did make sense at one point in time. The opening of an umbrella is very likely to spook horses, so in a society without cars, it could have truly resulted in a disaster.
Alabama was the first state in the Deep South to enact an anti-masking law, way back in 1949. The law was designed to curb Ku Klux Klan activity. Who knew that we'd still be debating masks 80 years later!
10.) It's illegal to put an ice cream cone in your back pocket.
We're not really sure why you'd want to do this, as it sounds quite messy. Apparently, it was once common to steal horses away from carriages by luring them away with a strategically-placed ice cream cone.
11.) In Lee County, it's illegal to sell peanuts after sundown on Wednesdays.
This one is apparently not a law any more, but it really has us scratching our heads. Why just on Wednesdays? Who angered Lee County so much that they had to enact this?
12.) It's legal to drive down a one-way street the wrong way as long as you have a lantern attached to the front of your vehicle.
We're not really sure why someone would attempt to do this, but now that we think about it, it does explain the driving skills of quite a few Alabamans...
16.) In Mobile, bathing in city fountains is not allowed.
Did you know about these strange things in Alabama? These are some pretty crazy laws. They may not be enforced, but it’s still ridiculous that some of these laws still exist! Do you know of any other weird laws in Alabama?
The OIYS Visitor Center
Fun Facts About Alabama
September 09, 2021
Lisa Sammons
What are some fun facts about Alabama?
Did you know we are the only state with an official state beverage that is alcoholic? The tasty Conecuh Ridge Whiskey is our official beverage! Magnolia Springs is the only state in the country with an all-water mail route. Check out this list for some more Alabama trivia!
We’ve got plenty of natural wonders to enjoy! There are tons of great museums, 21 state parks, and countless fantastic restaurants. Whether you’re in one of our bigger cities like Birmingham or our more rural areas, there’s plenty to see and do in the Cotton State.
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Jennifer is the Alabama staff writer for Only In Your State and has nearly 15 years of professional writing experience. She enjoys discovering new places and currently calls North Alabama home.
