Posted in Utah December 16, 2016 by

Not Many People Realize That These 10 Things Are Actually Illegal In Utah

Utah is known for some of its goofy laws. Our liquor laws, for instance, are definitely confusing for tourists, and often even leave locals scratching their heads. Quite awhile ago, we wrote about these 10 crazy Utah laws. But, wait! There’s more. So much more…here are another 10 for your entertainment. Most probably aren’t enforced, but all are on the books.

1. Whatever you do, don't cause a catastrophe - you could face a second-degree felony charge.
Lisa Skorpion/flickr
While the language in this law is pretty funny (Utah State Code literally says that it's illegal to "cause a catastrophe"), this one kind of makes sense. The law deals with people who cause fires, floods, explosions and other kinds of issues that hurt people and damage property. If you do it on purpose, you're in big trouble.
2. Listen up, men. Before you say "I do," you should know that in Utah, you're responsible for any criminal act your wife commits while in your presence.
Rona Proudfoot/flickr
If you're marrying a sassy one, you'd better keep her in check. Or send her off to Vegas with her girlfriends if she's planning on law-breaking.
3. It's unlawful in Utah to sell or supply alcohol during an emergency.
Yelp Inc./flickr
You might think, "But...running out of alcohol IS an emergency!" If it's your own personal emergency (and it's not a holiday or a Sunday or after hours at the Utah State Liquor Store), then you'll be just fine. But if the Governor declares a state of emergency, you'd better be stocked up in advance.
4. In Utah, you can't engage in a boxing match where biting is allowed.
Eric Langley/flickr
This statute basically outlaws "ultimate fighting," and biting is specifically mentioned. So if you're wife is planning to participate in a paid ultimate fighting event and she's a biter...you definitely don't want to be there to cheer her on (or you'll be breaking #2 on our list!)
5. It's illegal in Utah to detonate a nuclear weapon.
CTBTO/flickr
I feel like it's probably tough for Utah law enforcement to arrest a person after he's broken this law...
6. If you're planning on catching fish with that crossbow, just put it down and walk away.
Dwight Stone/flickr
It's illegal in Utah to fish using a crossbow. Because what are we - Rambo?
7. Did you create that rain storm? If so, we need to talk.
Rose Davis/flickr
Utah state law specifically says that it's illegal to "act or perform services as a weather modifier." This includes such things as cloud seeding and rain dances, we assume.
8. Hosting a public dance party in St. George might be illegal.
Patrick Q./flickr
Does this sound like the movie "Footloose," or what? While dancing itself isn't illegal, hosting a public dancing event is...unless you obtain permission from the City Council first. We saw how well that worked for Kevin Bacon.
9. It's illegal to interfere with the flow of water in Utah.
Big Dubya/flickr
OK, so the legislature probably meant to address the issue of diverting Utah's streams, reservoirs and canals. But still...you might want to be careful who you pick a water fight with - the consequences could be ugly.
10. If you're buying liquor in Utah, you have to do it the Goldilocks way - not too big, and not too small.
Iwan Gabovitch/flickr
Utah outlawed the sale of kegs to private citizens back in the 1980s, and that's not a huge surprise. But did you know that mini bottles are also illegal? It turns out that the Utah State Legislature doesn't want you to buy tiny bottles of liquor. Better buy that fifth of vodka, instead!

What’s your favorite crazy Utah law? Which ones do you think are worth keeping?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.