Posted in Idaho State Pride October 15, 2021 by

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

The Gem State is no stranger to the weird and wonderful world of silly legislation, and like many states, we harbor a number of outdated statutes written too long ago to be relevant, and too nonsensical to make removing them from the rule books worth the effort.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. Here are just 14 of the weird laws in Idaho.

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 is illegal to ride a motorcycle if you're over 88.
Hendel Thistletop/Flickr
This is one of the illegal things in Idaho that just doesn't make a lot of sense.
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 crazy law in Idaho ... 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.
Pixabay
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
I guess it is very important that the roads remain clean!
12. The state of Idaho forbids you from fishing off the back of a camel.
Johnathan Nightingale/Flickr
This is another one of those illegal things in Idaho that doesn't quite make sense ...
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.
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 weird laws in Idaho? If so, we’d love to hear about them. Let us know in the comments!

Not only are there some illegal things in Idaho that are just plain weird, but there are also some weird things that people from the Gem State do. Check out this article and let us know if you’d add anything to this list!

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Weird Laws in Idaho

October 20, 2021
Courtnie Erickson

What are some strange things about Idaho?

The Gem State is a wonderful place to call home. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t have our fair share of “strange” and “weird” things around the state. For example, head to Idaho City and step inside The Sluice Box. This unique shop is filled with rooms of trinkets, antiques, and more. You never know what treasure you’ll find as you explore inside.

Whether you consider yourself a clean freak or cleaning is low on your priority list, how about a visit to a museum dedicated to all things clean? The Museum of Clean in Pocatello is filled with all types of clean things — cleaning supplies, vacuums, brooms, etc. However, it also focuses on things such as clean eating, clean language, clean thinking, and so much more.

What are some fun facts about Idaho?

How well do you know the Gem State? Are you familiar with many fun facts about Idaho that will help you dominate your next trivia night? For example, did you know that Craters of the Moon National Monument, located in central Idaho, was once used to train astronauts?

Another fun fact about Idaho is that Shoshone Falls, located near Twin Falls in Southwestern Idaho, is actually taller than Niagara Falls. Pretty cool, huh?

Do you know why Idaho is known as the Gem State? It is because Idaho produces more than 70 types of precious and semi-precious stones. Some of these stones are found only in the great state of Idaho.