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.
Alabama Extension/Flickr
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.
Carlo Magnaye/Flickr
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.
Korey Andrus/Flickr
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.
Mitternacht/Flickr
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.
Teresa Alexander-Arab/Flickr
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.

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6. Clotheslines in El Mirage are unlawful.
Ram Joshi/Flickr
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.
Chris/Flickr
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.
cmiper/Flickr
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.
wEnDy/Flickr
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.
ninachildish/Flickr
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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Weird Laws in Arizona

Tori Jane | July 05, 2021

What are some strange things about Arizona? 

Other than the ridiculous heat, you mean? Well... maybe the heat isn’t strange to those of us who were born here, but to someone who’s used to a much milder summer, Arizona might seem just plumb foolish. We are kind of a weird state if you really think about it. For instance, we’re the center point of the wild, wild west, and as such, we’ve got tons of spooky and interesting ghost towns to check out. Arizona is also (allegedly) one of the most haunted states in the country thanks to its long and bloody history, and it’s said that the Native legend of the Skinwalker resides here (and in neighboring Utah), too. We were also the home of the famous Phoenix Lights: one of the most famous mass UFO sightings in history. Oh, and our summers regularly get above 110 degrees; compared to everywhere else, that’s pretty weird.  

What are some fun facts about Arizona?  

If there’s anything we totally love, it’s weird fun facts about the Copper State. It’s hard to even know where to start! For example, did you know that some folks refer to us as “The Valentine State”, because we officially entered statehood on February 14, 1912? It’s true! We’re also home to one of the seven wonders of the world – the Grand Canyon. Arizona used to be the lightning capital of the world, up until Florida snuck in and stole the title from us. We’re called the Copper State for our long history of successful copper mines, though natural copper is green – and much of this desert state is not. Arizona is also one of the only places on earth where the mighty saguaro cactus grows. Oh, and we’ve got wine country, too. Need some cool, uniquely Arizonan things to do? Maybe you ought to try this epic road trip! 

What are some funny illegal things in Arizona? 

Every state seems to have some weird laws on the books, and Arizona is no exception. Did you know, for instance, that it’s illegal to spit in public? Yeah. It’s also SUPER illegal to destroy or remove saguaro cacti – they're protected for a reason. It’s illegal to hunt camels here (and there are no camels here). It’s illegal to own more than four dogs (but that’s not going to stop us). And what weird laws of Arizona section would be complete without this gem: it’s illegal to let your donkey sleep in the bathtub, so don’t even think about it, buster.

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