Over the years Arizonans have shaken their head over some of the crazy stuff our politicians have done, including some of the legislation they’ve passed. While some may have a hint of a reason to them, others just seem too far out there to possibly be true. Here’s a collection of weird laws in Arizona bound to make you think, "Wait...what?" Turns out, there are some pretty weird illegal things in Arizona, but some of the things you've heard might not have been accurate:
1. You cannot legally refuse someone a cup of water.
Sounds legitimate enough, but a 2014 Arizona Republic article noted that this is nothing more than an urban legend. Or is it?
2. Shining a large beacon into the sky in Tolleson is unlawful.
Emergency searchlights are exempt, though, and if you do want to operate one, the city council must approve the request. Hopefully, this means Batman would be exempt...right?
4. It is illegal to wear suspenders in the state of Arizona.
To be specific, this tends to be associated with Nogales specifically. However, based on our research, this law doesn’t actually exist. Feel free to wear all the suspenders and flair you want!
3. It is illegal to sell tobacco in a vending machine in Buckeye.
But, really, when was the last time you saw one of these?
5. No more than six women may live in a house together in Maricopa County.
The history behind this seems to stem from the wild west days of brothels and madames with a heart of gold. However, college roommates and families with lots of girls have no reason to worry. This law is false.
6. Clotheslines in El Mirage are unlawful.
Some people may consider them unsightly, but wouldn’t you rather save some money on your electric bill every month to line-dry your clothes rather than tumble dry? Unfortunately, unless residents in El Mirage make every attempt to hide the clothesline from sight, they can face a fine of at least $350.
7. You can face up to 25 years in prison for cutting down a saguaro cactus.
The native plants in our beautiful state are protected from destruction and removal, and for good reason. The saguaro cactus, for example, doesn’t grow its first arms until it is at least 75-years-old and they play a key role in bird nesting. You may not face a long prison term, but expect to pay a hefty fine and face a class 4 felony if you get caught.
8. You cannot spit in Goodyear without facing the consequences.
Spitting is gross and it seems the folks in Goodyear agree. However, they take the law a bit far by instituting a fine of up to $2500 under article 1-8 of their city code. Oof.
9. It is illegal to hunt camels in Arizona.
When was the last time you saw a camel that didn’t live in a zoo or on private property? While the law has origins in the days when entrepreneurs attempted to introduce camels as a form of transportation before cars, this law is actually not true.
10. You can go to prison for selling fake drugs.
Arizona takes its war on drugs seriously, even so far as to penalize you for selling fake drugs. Expect to face a class 6 felony and even prison time for trying to pass off a bag of oregano as marijuana.
What other weird laws in Arizona have you heard of? Tell us about them in the comments below! Need a little more weird Arizona? Check this article out for a good laugh.
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