We’ve taken a look at weird Tennessee laws before (check it out!), but Tennessee still has a couple of crazy laws that keep us guessing. Keep in mind that most of these laws simply haven’t been amended, whether due to federal intervention or the simple fact that society has changed – in some ways drastically. Take a look at some of these weird, kind of silly, or downright insane Tennessee laws that we unearthed just to give you dinner table conversation fodder.

10. Stealing a horse is still punishable by hanging
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
You aren't going to be hanged if you steal a horse nowadays, but back when this law was written, a horse was someone's livelihood, and theft was taken VERY seriously.
9. Ever wonder how the state of Tennessee defines "dumb animal"?
Lee Coursey / Flickr
As every living creature. Look it up - we're not kidding.
8. This one is a bit rough - some laws should be amended, hey?
Arpingstone/Wikimedia Commons
Tennessee never updated their state law that ruled interracial marriage illegal. This may have been a simple oversight, since Loving v. Virginia in 1967 overruled state prohibitions. One of those really important oversights that got tucked away in the vault, we suppose.
7. Pawn shops and fingerprinting - it's a thing
New York Lawyers / Flickr
Every person doing business with a pawn shop in Memphis or Knoxville needs to be fingerprinted. This is done to help protect pawn shops from seedy acts.
6. Wearing a seatbelt has a loophole - one we don't recommend you take
Jordan Green / Flickr
You can't get pulled over simply because you aren't wearing a seatbelt. We'd recommend buckling up every time you hit the road, though.

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5. We have some strange laws regarding motor vehicles and alcohol
formulanone/ Flickr
As long as you aren't driving, you can consume alcoholic beverages in the car. Yep - open alcohol bottles are A-okay as long as you're partaking in the back seat - and you don't share with the driver. Brings a whole new meaning to "designated driver," huh?
4. No duelists in office, folks
Miss Shari / Flickr
Article IX of the Tennessee Constitution forbids duelists from running for office. Gotta keep those hotheads out of leadership, ya know?
3. Panhandlers need a license in Memphis
weird laws in Tennessee
Justin Ford / Flickr
You have to buy a $10 permit before begging on the streets of Memphis. Supposedly, this is actually a question Memphis police will ask the homeless if they are found asking for money on the streets.
2. You can't advertise fortune telling in Knoxville
Kate Farquason / Flickr
Section 19-186 of the city of Knoxville ordinances states that it is illegal to advertise fortune telling within the city limits. It's for real - you can get slammed with a $144.50 fine.
1. Motorized vehicles are a bit taboo in Huntingdon
NathanReed/Wikimedia Commons
It is still technically illegal to drive a motorized vehicle around the city square in Huntingdon - another law that was forgotten over time.

Gives you something to think about, huh? We know that these weird laws in Tennessee are strange but they at least offer some great conversation starters. Leave us some of YOUR thoughts in the comments below!

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More to Explore

Weird Laws In Tennessee

Chris Dodge | July 19, 2022

What are some other weird laws in Tennessee?

Some other weird laws in Tennessee include:

  • It is illegal to shoot a whale out of your car window
  • Sell hollowed-out logs
  • and other weird laws in Tennessee

Sometimes things just get left in the books too long, then others just seem to have no origin that seems to make any sense. Either way, we have some more wacky laws for you right here in our state. Did you know that you are allowed to shoot a whale out of your car window? Well, that's an interesting law for a landlocked state. They are fun to laugh at and even more, fun to talk about with your friends. Check out this other list of weird laws in Tennessee.

What are some strange things about Tennessee?

Some strange things about Tennessee are:

  • We have a dead body farm
  • We have a giant pink elephant
  • A highly sought after men's bathroom

Sure everywhere you go you are sure to find strange tales of the past right? Well, it is no different in our beloved state. This list of strange things in Tennessee ranges from a dead body farm to a strange dead zone in the middle of the wilderness. These tales are strange and eerie. We have some pretty weird places you can visit too. Everything from a giant pink elephant to the best men’s bathroom you have ever seen can be found in this list of weird places to visit. For a more commercial look at some strange things that have happened here check out this article. Move over Flordia Man we have stories too. 

Fun and fast facts about Tennessee. 

Here are a few fun facts about Tennessee:

  • We have the most visited national park
  • We have a plethora of famous musicians
  • we were the first to have minigolf

We have some boastworthy facts here in our state. We were the first to have mini golf, we have 10,000 caves, and we have the largest freshwater aquarium. Read about these cool facts and more in our 20 Facts About Tennessee article. Our state is known for musicians that have gone all over the world. We also have the most visited national park in the country, by far. Learn more about The Great Smoky Mountains. This is a gorgeous park and highly recommend planning a visit.

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