Every state has rules, regulations, and laws that are set in stone. While some of them are societally necessary or basic common sense, many others aren't and have become forgotten - lost in the books of time, nestled between their brittle yellow pages and never to be thought of again. Fortunately (or unfortunately), the internet came to be and then nothing was ever lost again. I dug up a few buried oddities hiding in our state's lawbooks. These South Carolina laws are a speck weird, slightly nonsensical, and somewhat wonderfully hilarious. Listed below are 15 of these weird laws in South Carolina.
1. It is an offense to get a tattoo.
Pretty sure this one isn't enforced.
2. Horses may not be kept in bathtubs.
How on earth did this ever become a law?
3. Railroad companies may be held liable for scaring horses.
What I want to know is, how would they be able to stop scaring horses? Also, what were the consequences if they were found to be at fault?
4. A permit must be obtained to fire a missile.
This is understandable, but who fired a missile so that this became a law?
5. A railroad may not remove itself from a town of more than 500 people.
It's the wording of this one. Have you ever seen railroads with legs?
6. When approaching a four-way or blind intersection in a non-horse vehicle, you must stop 100 feet from said intersection and discharge a firearm into the air to warn horse traffic.
Please look both ways first.
7. Every adult must bring a rifle to church on Sundays in order to ward off Indian attacks.
Seems excessive.
8. Nothing must be sold on Sundays except light bulbs.
This just goes to show you that even when this law was made, many people were addicted to modern conveniences.
9. You must be at least 18 years old to play pinball.
See! Not all games are for children.
10. It is illegal to urinate in the waters of any South Carolina park.
I'm highly concerned as to why they had to make this a law in the first place. But would like to add that I'm FULLY in favor of its existence.
11. People may not change clothes in a gas station without permission.
I'm going to need some specifics here. Inside, in the restroom, or on gas station grounds in general? Talk about vague...
12. The fire department may blow up your house.
That's just great! Hopefully we get some advance warning though...
13. Horses are to wear pants at all times.
I can't stop laughing at this one. Have you ever seen a horse wear pants?
14. It is illegal to dance in public in Lancaster, South Carolina.
I'm sure there have been quite a few to break this weird law. Are you guilty?
15. Eating ripe and juicy watermelon in the Magnolia Street Cemetery is forbidden.
Apparently, if you can't share, you can't have it either. And, who chooses to eat watermelon in a cemetery?
South Carolina is not alone in that odd laws still inhabit the books. I'm wondering, however, if these weird South Carolina laws are still punishable. If some are still upheld, would they indeed be honored in the court of law? Only one way to find out...
These South Carolina laws may be a little "out there," but then again, SC is a state that's full of history - what else could we expect? Check out some of our favorite historical landmarks around the state the next time you're out and about. Or, how about perusing through these historic towns? Then, make your way to this delightful home in Harleston Village to cozy up before perusing the sights!
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