20 Weird Alabama Laws That Are Stranger Than Fiction

It's no secret that laws are made to protect us. However, it seems like some legislators have tried to control people's lives a little too much over the years, and some of the laws that have passed through legislation are just downright weird Alabama laws. The following have all been in the law books at one time or another, some reflecting a time in the state's history while others reflect local customs, changes in transportation, etc. Some are still enforceable, while others have all been long forgotten. So, if you've found yourself wondering if windshield wipers are required in the state (spoiler alert, they are!) or if you can put an ice cream cone in your back pocket, these are among the strangest laws in Alabama.

1. You must have windshield wipers on your car.

With Alabama weather being as unpredictable as it is, would anyone want to drive without them? That being said, you must also ensure they are in good working order and are controlled only by the driver.

2. In Mobile, it's illegal to spit orange peels onto the sidewalk.

Just in case you ever wondered why the streets aren't littered with orange peels, this may be the reason. We think we'd rather step on an orange peel than a banana peel any day if cartoons have taught us anything. However, it was passed to keep the city clean and for public safety measures. If someone is found violating this law, they can be fined up to $500!

3. Putting salt on a railroad track can be punishable by death.

This law, on the books since the 19th century, sounds like one of the weirdest laws in Alabama, but there's actually a reason behind it. Salt can attract cattle onto the tracks, and, in the past, farmers could try to collect money from railroad companies. However, it could also cause a train derailment, and obviously, that is not a good thing. So, be sure to leave the salt at home.

4. Boogers must not be flicked into the wind.

As disgusting as that is, it does help prevent a public health issue. However, while many think this is a law, there's nothing about it on the books, and it is now touted as an urban legend.

5. It's illegal to impersonate a priest.

Well, there's a Halloween costume idea you can mark off your list. But if someone is caught impersonating a priest or other member of the clergy, they can be charged with a misdemeanor, fined up to $500, and jailed for up to a year. This law has been on the books since 1965.

6. It's illegal to wear a fake mustache in church because it could cause laughter.

We're not really sure we wouldn't be some of the ones laughing. It is certainly one of the funny state laws in Alabama!

7. In Mobile, it's illegal to spray silly string.

What's so wrong with having a little fun with some silly string? Confetti was also illegal in Mobile, even if you planned to sweep it up afterward. Good news is that an amendment lifting the ban was passed in 2018.

8. In Montgomery, it's illegal to open an umbrella on a street.

This is another illegal thing in Alabama that seems strange, but made sense at one point in time. The opening of an umbrella is very likely to spook horses, so in a society without cars, it could have truly resulted in a disaster. So, the next time it rains, consider wearing a rain jacket.

9. It's illegal to wear a mask in public.

Alabama was the first state in the Deep South to enact an anti-masking law in 1949. The law was designed to curb Ku Klux Klan activity.

10. It's illegal to put an ice cream cone in your back pocket.

This is one of the oddest among the many unusual Alabama laws. We're not really sure why you'd want to do this because it sounds quite messy, doesn't it? Apparently, it was once common to steal horses away from carriages by luring them away with a strategically placed ice cream cone. After all, theft is illegal in the state of Alabama.

11. In Lee County, it's illegal to sell peanuts after sundown on Wednesdays.

This one is apparently no longer a law, but it really has us scratching our heads. Why just on Wednesdays? Who angered Lee County so much that they had to enact this? The good thing is that there's no record of anyone being arrested for violating this one of the most Alabama local ordinances.

12. It's legal to drive down a one-way street the wrong way as long as you have a lantern attached to the front of your vehicle.

At that point, you are probably better off just turning your headlights on. However, this law dates back to the 19th century when horse-drawn buggies were the main mode of transportation. It made sense for the time, but now it's just one of those outdated Alabama laws!

13. Bear wrestling matches are illegal.

A 2006 Alabama law states that bear exploitation, including bear wrestling, is illegal and considered a Class B felony. If convicted, the owner of the bear will lose possession, and the animal will go to a shelter or a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

14. Dominoes must not be played on Sundays.

No bear wrestling and no dominoes? What are we supposed to do for fun on a Sunday? What would happen if the state actually enforced some of its weirdest laws? Well, the explanation for this one was for religious observance on the day of the Sabbath, and when it was on the books, there was a fine for up to $100. The law was eventually repealed in 2015.

15. It's illegal for someone to drive while blindfolded.

While driving, someone's front and side view in the car should not be obstructed—it would be considered reckless driving.

16. In Mobile, bathing in city fountains is not allowed.

Watching someone bathe in the local city fountain is not on the top of our to-do lists, so we're kind of glad for this one. However, the Mobile, Alabama law was passed to protect the decorative nature of the fountains and as a public health safety measure.

17. In Huntsville, if an animal control officer is in uniform, it indicates to the public that he's a control officer.

Who would have thought? The officer will also have a badge showing that they do, in fact, have legal jurisdiction.

18. In Anniston, it's illegal to wear blue jeans while walking down Noble Street.

This law, however, is considered outdated and is no longer enforced. So, go ahead and wear those blue jeans of yours!

19. Incestuous marriages are legitimate here in Alabama.

This was not only one of the weirdest laws in Alabama, but also the source of quite a few negative stereotypes. Today, it is considered illegal.

20. In case of divorce, women are entitled to keep all of the property they owned before the marriage.

However, this law doesn't apply to men. This law is pretty common among other states. Any wealth and assets acquired during the marriage are split between the spouses.

Why Does Alabama Have So Many Strange Laws?

Many of these strange Alabama laws stem from what was going on during the time; perhaps solving a specific situation that posed a problem, they were created and passed through legislation. Knowing the Alabama legal history behind some of these can put things into perspective, while others are merely there for public safety.

Did you know about these weird laws in Alabama? While not all of them may be enforced today, it's ridiculous that some of them still exist at all. Do you know of any other bizarre Alabama laws?

If you want to learn more about Alabama's strange quirks, take a look at our list of urban legends. Or, if you want to see more of the state's good side — and there's a lot to see — discover the 12 best day trips in Alabama.