Posted in North Dakota June 11, 2022 by

Not Many People Realize That These 7 Things Are Illegal In North Dakota

When it comes to crazy laws, North Dakota certainly has its fair share. Even though these laws aren’t necessarily heavily enforced today, at some point they made it into the state law books. It makes you curious what exactly happened that they had to make laws about some of these things. We may never know that, and we’ll definitely never know why these weird laws in North Dakota still exist.

1. Charitable groups are allowed to hold stud poker games to raise money, but ONLY twice a year.
flickr/Viri G
Unfortunately, there can't be monthly stud poker games for charity.
2. It is illegal to keep an elk in a sandbox in your own backyard.
David DeHetre/Flickr
Well, shoot! Where else am I going to put my pet elk?
3. It is legal to shoot a Native American on horseback as long as you are in a covered wagon.
Marion Doss/Flickr
In a car you're breaking the law, but in a wagon you aren't. I'm going to hope this law is definitely considered defunct by now.
4. It is prohibited for bars or restaurants to serve both beer and pretzels at the same time.
piX dust/Flickr
I'm pretty sure there are a lot of places out there actively breaking this law, but I don't see anyone rushing to turn them in.
5. It is illegal to swim naked in the Red River from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Haydn Blackey/Flickr
Any other time you can feel free to take a dip!
6. No one is allowed to wear a hat while dancing or at any event where a dance is happening.
simpleinsomnia/Flickr
It doesn't matter how stylish it is, you can't bring the hat to the dance unless you want to get in some serious trouble.
7. It is illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on.
flickr/Chris Dodson
If you're not wearing shoes, snooze away! You have nothing to worry about.

North Dakota has a lot of weird and interesting history that makes it pretty unique. Check out these almost unbelievable facts about the Peace Garden State. You’d be amazed at some of the information out there about this place.

The OIYS Visitor Center

weird laws in north dakota

June 16, 2022
Jennifer Young

What are five of the weirdest laws in North Dakota?

Like every other state, North Dakota has several laws. While some of the state’s laws make complete sense, that are several others that are beyond weird. Listed below are five of the weirdest laws in North Dakota.

1. It’s highly illegal to keep an elk in your backyard sandbox.

2. If you clone yourself, you could face a maximum of five years in prison and have to pay a $10,000 fine.

3. According to the state legislature, all coal mines must have adequate toilet paper.

4. In order to kill a pigeon in Fargo, North Dakota, you must have a license. Even if you’re wanting to kill one in your own backyard, you’ll need a permit from the Fargo Health Department because the excreta of these birds have been known to carry strains of E.coli.

5. No hat wearing is allowed while dancing or at any event where dancing is taking place.

What are three crazy laws in North Dakota that are sure to leave you speechless?

In addition to the weird laws listed above, there are several other strange laws in North Dakota. In fact, some of them are pretty crazy, including the three laws listed below.

1. It’s illegal to serve beer and pretzels in North Dakota. This is pretty absurd! After all, there aren’t many things that go better together than beer and pretzels.

2. As long as you’re on a wagon, you’re allowed to shoot an Indian on horseback. During the days of the Westward Expansion, Indians were shooting European settlers. A law was eventually passed that allowed the settlers to shoot back at the Indians as long as they did it from their wagons.

3. It’s illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes still on. Now, who isn’t guilty of this?