9 Things That Are Surprisingly Legal In Mississippi

As we discovered with "Not Many People Realize That These 11 Things Are Actually Illegal In Mississippi," the state has a lot of strange laws, and that got us thinking. We’ve covered things that are surprisingly illegal in Mississippi but what about strange things that are actually legal? Well, as it turns out, the state has those too; here are nine perfect examples.

1. Dreamed of owning your own flamethrower? Go for it because it’s not illegal in Mississippi.

Purchasing a flamethrower is completely legal under federal law, and a majority of the states have no laws against owning one.

2. Contrary to what you may think, drinking while driving is perfectly legal in the Magnolia State.

Mississippi is actually the only state where it’s legal to consume alcohol while driving a vehicle – the only stipulation is that drivers must stay under the .08% blood alcohol content limit to avoid a DUI.

3. Turns out, Hannibal Lecter would have felt right at home in Mississippi since the state has no law against cannibalism.

Mississippi, along with every other state, has no outright law banning the consumption of human flesh.

4. Forget a Hummer; in Mississippi, you can drive a tank.

Sure, it’s got to have rubber tracks and can’t exceed normal rules of size, mirrors, lights, etc., but whose tank doesn’t?

5. And just in case you’re wondering, you don’t have to wear shoes while driving that tank.

The fact that it is illegal to drive barefoot is a common misconception, and it’s actually legal in a majority of states.

6. Mississippians often count their blessings but turns out, they are legally allowed to count cards too.

Obviously it’s frowned upon, but there is no law against releasing your inner Rain Man.

7. Someone disrupting your church service? Exercise your right to arrest them.

That’s right; here in Mississippi, if someone disturbs a church service, private citizens may legally arrest that person.

8. Think your pet options are limited to standard house pets? Not in Mississippi; where it’s legal for residents to own exotic animals.

Although permits may be required, Mississippians can legally own tigers, monkeys, and bears.

9. Forget leaving that alcoholic beverage behind because you can now take it with you.

The recently passed "Go Cup" bill allows Mississippi patrons to take alcoholic beverages "to go," so long as it’s within a "leisure and recreation district."

Know of any other things that are surprisingly legal in Mississippi?

Looking for more of the state's unusual laws? Check out "13 Silly Mississippi State Laws That You Probably Didn’t Know About."