Posted in Idaho February 19, 2016 by

These 14 Crazy Laws in Idaho Will Leave You Scratching Your Head

Idaho is no stranger to the weird and wonderful world of silly legislation, and like many states, we harbor a number of outdated statutes written too long ago to be relevant, and too nonsensical to make removing them from the rule books worth the effort. So we dug a little deeper into Idaho’s hidden vault of crazy laws to see what sort of ridiculous ordinances we could find that you haven’t heard of yet.

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1. It is against the law to live in a dog kennel (or house) unless you're a dog.
Alan Ellis/Flickr
But if you do, it gives new meaning to being "in the doghouse."
2. In Idaho Falls, it illegal to ride a motorcycle if you're over 88.
Hendel Thistletop/Flickr
But I made the rules, sonny. So I can break 'em.
3. And don't you dare think about riding a merry-go-round on a Sunday, you rebel.
ronald meriales/Flickr
There must be a story behind this one, somewhere.
4. In Tamarack, it is illegal to buy onions after dark without a permit.
Bryan Mills/Flickr
But when the sun is up, onion rings all around!
5. You also can't sell chickens after sundown without permission from the Sheriff.
Ian Southwell/Flickr
I'm assuming that this doesn't include fast-food chicken?
6. Hunting with a remote using the Internet is punishable by law.
Emran Kassim/Flickr
The law says nothing about hunting with a remote without the Internet, however.
7. But it's also forbidden to hunt from a helicopter, whether it's in the air or not.
Dave_S./Flickr
I guess this one seems logical...
8. Selling an "Idaho Deluxe" potato with rot, blemishes, or sun damage can get you sent to jail for up to six months.
Lance and Erin/Flickr
We take our potatoes very seriously here.
9. In Pocatello, you are required by law to smile.
LaVladina/Flickr
And I quote, "It is prohibited for pedestrians and motorists to display frowns, grimaces, scowls, threatening and glowering looks, gloomy and depressed facial appearances, generally all of which reflect unfavorably upon the city’s reputation." So turn that frown upside-down!
10. Public displays of affection in Idaho are limited to under 18 minutes.
Kate
i think we've all been in situations where this law could have come in handy. That, or a hose.
11. In Eagle, it is illegal to sweep dirt from one's house into the street.
Daniel R. Blume/Flickr
Just keepin' the streets clean.
12. The state of Idaho forbids you from fishing off the back of a camel.
Johnathan Nightingale/Flickr
Which is a darn shame, because camels tell the best fishing stories.
13. But before you search for a different mammal to fish from the back of, know that giraffes are off-limits too.
sea turtle/Flickr
I don't know about you, but my weekend plans are simply ruined, now.
14. According to the "Mayhem" section of Idaho Code, cannibalism is also illegal unless it is necessary to survive.
Mark Lobo/Flickr
Well, duh. But if you're a zombie? Do what you gotta do.

Do you know of any other crazy laws hidden in Idaho’s rule books? Let us know in the comments!