15 Completely Bizarre Laws in South Carolina

Every state has established rules, regulations, and laws that are enforced. 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 since then, nothing has ever been lost again. I unearthed a few obscure oddities hidden in our state's law books. These South Carolina laws are a peculiar mix of weird, nonsensical, and wonderfully hilarious. Listed below are 15 of these odd laws in South Carolina.

1. South Carolina Law: Getting a Tattoo Can Be an Offense

It is an offense to get a tattoo. Even though technically on the books, this law is rarely, if ever, enforced in modern times. Check out the entire South Carolina legislature that outlaws tattooing minors, or if the tattoo is applied on the face or neck.

2. South Carolina Law: Keeping Horses in Bathtubs Is Illegal

Horses may not be kept in bathtubs. How on earth did this ever become a law? I am fairly certain that this may have been a public safety law dating back to the 19th century. Although not explicitly stated, this law is outlined in South Carolina regulations and was enacted to prevent animal cruelty.

3. South Carolina Law: Railroads Can Be 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? I am pretty sure this odd regulation likely dates back to the horse-and-buggy era – when startled horses could cause accidents.

4. South Carolina Law: A Permit Is Required to Fire a Missile

This is understandable, but who fired a missile to make this a law? Currently, this regulation serves as a symbol of strict weapons laws. You can check out this read about firearm regulation laws in South Carolina.

5. South Carolina Law: Railroads Can’t Abandon Towns Over 500 People

A railroad may not remove itself from a town of more than 500 people. It's the wording of this one that's the issue. Have you ever seen railroads with legs? Here is a detailed overview of this provision in the South Carolina Code of Laws.

6. South Carolina Law: Stop and Fire a Warning Shot for Horse Traffic

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 be sure to look both ways first.

7. South Carolina Law: Adults Must Bring Rifles to Church on Sundays

Every adult must bring a rifle to church on Sundays in order to ward off Indian attacks. Seems excessive. This one must have originated from the frontier or colonial era, but it still ranks among the unusual South Carolina laws, even though it is no longer enforced.

8. South Carolina Law: Only Light Bulbs May Be Sold on Sundays

This illustrates that even when this law was enacted, many people were already addicted to modern conveniences. You can read more about unusual blue laws in South Carolina and other states across the United States.

9. South Carolina Law: Players Must Be 18+ to Play Pinball

You must be at least 18 years old to play pinball, as it is associated with gambling. See! Not all games are for children. Although it is considered obsolete and no longer enforced, this law still appears in South Carolina's books.

10. South Carolina Law: No Urinating in Park Waters

I'm highly concerned as to why they had to make this a law in the first place. However, I would like to add that I'm fully in favor of its existence.

11. South Carolina Law: Changing Clothes in Gas Stations Requires Permission

I would appreciate some specifics here. Inside, in the restroom, or on gas station grounds in general? Talk about vague. Here is the South Carolina legislation regarding this particular regulation, which prohibits changing clothes in a gas station without the owner's permission.

12. South Carolina Law: Fire Departments May Demolish Homes

In South Carolina, fire marshals have the authority to demolish homes deemed unsafe and posing a danger to the public. Just to let you know, prior warning is typically issued to the owner to undertake renovation, and failure to do so may result in the building being demolished due to public safety.

13. South Carolina Law: Horses Must Wear Pants at All Times

I can't stop laughing at this one. Have you ever seen a horse wear pants? Although this regulation is considered a myth, the law was enacted to ensure that horses wear pants whenever they are around the Fountain Inn.

14. South Carolina Law: Public Dancing Is Illegal in Lancaster

It is illegal to dance in public in Lancaster, South Carolina. I'm sure there have been quite a few who have broken this weird law. Are you guilty? This is among the blue laws that are now considered obsolete and no longer enforced, but still exist in South Carolina regulations in some parts of the state.

15. South Carolina Law: No Eating Watermelon in Magnolia Street Cemetery

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 having odd laws still in its books. I'd like to know 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! If you think there's any unusual South Carolina law we should add to this listing, we'd like to hear from you.

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, you can make your way to this delightful home in Harleston Village to cozy up before looking through the sights.

Are you planning a trip to South Carolina? Here is our South Carolina Historic Towns and Landmarks Itinerary Planner, which you can use to explore the historic sites, unusual regulations, and must-see towns.