As we discovered once before in our first list of strange laws in Ohio, our state can be downright strange. (But you probably already knew that.) What you might not know are the following 13 laws that are still on the books in certain cities in Ohio. Yes — in addition to the aforementioned list of weird laws in Ohio, there are lots more dumb Ohio laws! Here are 13 weird laws in Ohio that we are willing to bet you didn’t know about. Make sure you don’t ride a taxi in this one weird way or you will spend some time in the clink.

1. In Cleveland, it is illegal to catch mice without a hunting license.
Cleveland, OH, USA
Steven Depolo/Flickr
(Be honest: Have you ever caught a mouse without a hunting license?)
2. In Columbus, it is illegal for stores to sell Corn Flakes on Sunday.
Columbus, OH, USA
Unstable Concoction/Flickr
(But, you know, Frosted Flakes are OK.)
3. In North Canton, It's illegal to roller skate without notifying the police.
North Canton, OH, USA
be OH be/Flickr
(Sooo, what about skateboarding?)
4. In Fairview Park, it is illegal to honk your horn "excessively."
Fairview Park, OH, USA
Raymond Wambsgans/Flickr
(Define "excessively.")
5. In Toledo, It's illegal to throw a snake at anybody.
Toledo, OH, USA
Benny Mazur/Flickr
(Well, good. Can we make this statewide?)
6. In the state of Ohio, it is illegal to kill a housefly within 160 feet of a church without a license.
Duncan Hall/Flickr
(So, where/how does one acquire this sort of license?)
7. In Canton, electric fences are banned.
Canton, OH, USA
Steven Usher/Flickr
(OK, now that one I sort of get...)
8. In Canton, it is a misdemeanor to play any game in a public park without the Superintendent’s permission.
be OH be/Flickr
(ALL THIS TIME YOU'VE BEEN PLAYING ILLEGAL FRISBEE, GUYS.)
9. In Lima, any map that does not have Lima clearly stated on the map cannot be sold.
Lima, OH, USA
soozums/Flickr
(Narcissistic much, Lima?)
10. In Oxford, it is illegal to drive around the town square more than 100 times in a single session.
Oxford, OH 45056, USA
Brandon C./Flickr
(But 99 times is perfectly fine.)
11. It is also illegal to spit on the sidewalks of the square in Oxford.
Brandon C./Flickr
(What exactly happened to make Oxford so protective of its town square?)
12. In Youngstown, riding on the roof of a taxi cab is not allowed.
Youngstown, OH, USA
Jack Pearce/Flickr
(Does this mean someone attempted to do this?!)
13. In McDonald, your duck may not parade down Ohio Avenue.
McDonald, OH 44437, USA
Susanne Nilsson/Flickr
(I mean, I'm glad someone told me this. Now I know better.)

Did you know these things were illegal? Did you know about the above crazy laws in Ohio? How many of these laws have you violated? Fess up! Don’t worry we’ve all probably broken a few strange Ohio laws.

For more bizarre things about the Buckeye State, check out this list of things people from Ohio do — we bet you’re guilty of a few of them!

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weird laws in Ohio

Sarah | November 21, 2021

Why are there so many weird laws in Ohio?

  • These weird laws in Ohio aren't just limited to the Buckeye State. All across the county, there are numerous odd and bizarre laws still on the books. Why? Because they're from a different time and place and are simply too much trouble to repeal. You won't find these laws being enforced, generally, but anyone with any experience with our legal system knows how long and complicated it can be. So the weird laws stand, and we enjoy reading about them!

What are some weird places to visit in Ohio?

The Buckeye State has some downright bizarre attractions and sites. Here in Ohio, we’ve got some pretty odd roadside attractions. In fact, when embarking on a road trip through Ohio, it’s easy to come across these weird places in Ohio that offer the perfect opportunity to get out and stretch your legs. For example:

  • There's the World's Largest Rocking Chair. Along State Route 45 outside of Country Cousins, a log-furniture company in Austinburg, you'll find the world's largest rocking chair. While it's unknown who built the chair, the big seat has been sitting in Austinburg since the '60s.
  • The Longaberger Company's former headquarters features the world's largest basket. This seven-story basket building along State Route 16 in Newark is a novelty piece of architecture you have to see to believe. After the company shut down, the future of the basket remained in question. But it has since been purchased and there are plans to reuse the structure in a unique way. A
  • Over in Frazeysburg, you'll find the world's largest basket of apples. How cool! 

What are some weird things people from Ohio do?

Buckeyes are a funny bunch, full of weird mannerisms and an Ohioan language all our own:

  • We often randomly yell out “O-H” and fully anticipate an “I-O” reply. It doesn't matter where we are. We want to know where our Ohioans at!
  • Our Ohio pride doesn't stop there -- we often spell our state’s name with our arms and take a photo... no matter where we are.
  • We also have a major aversion to all things Michigan football. You won't find any self-respecting Ohioans wearing yellow and blue... especially during college football season!

How many of these other weird things can you relate to?

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