Bizarre U.S. Laws & Trivia Quiz On People And Places

In Yamhill, Oregon, any form of the "occult arts," including fortune-telling, astrology, phrenology, palmistry, clairvoyance, mesmerism, and spiritualism, is illegal to practice. The law, enacted in 1867, categorically prohibits activities considered unsound and unscientific, reflecting a historical stance against practices associated with the "occult."

Mississippi enacted a law in 2013, making it illegal to have more than one illegitimate child, and the second one constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by fines or jail time. Despite its controversial nature, Mississippi lawmakers justified it as an issue of morality.

In Billings, Montana, a law prohibits buying or selling a rat for any purpose other than feeding a reptile or bird of prey. This law, perceived as hypocritical, singles out rats while not imposing similar restrictions on other pets like hamsters or guinea pigs. The law was reportedly a response to a hoarding situation, emphasizing the specific conditions under which rats can be acquired or sold in Billings.

Washington State enacted a law in 1909, prohibiting the purchase of mattresses on Sundays. Although repealed in 1966, the law reflected old-fashioned values that discouraged certain activities, including mattress shopping, on a day traditionally reserved for attending church.

In Yamhill, Oregon, a law dating back to 1867 makes it illegal to practice any form of the "occult arts," including fortune-telling, astrology, and other practices considered unsound and unscientific. The law categorically prohibits activities such as clairvoyance, mesmerism, and spiritualism, reflecting a historical perspective on these practices.

Blythe, California, takes cowboy boots seriously, making it illegal to wear them unless you own at least two cows. This law reflects the historical association of cowboy boots with cattle wrangling, enforcing a practical rather than a fashion-oriented use in Blythe.

San Diego has a law, enacted in 2012, requiring residents to take down Christmas lights by February 2nd to avoid fines of up to $250. This law emphasizes timely holiday cleanup, although it doesn't specify regulations for lights related to other holidays like Valentine's Day or Easter.

Michigan enacted a law in 1953 prohibiting the sale of cars on Sundays, aligning with religious beliefs that designate Sunday for rest, family time, and church activities. This law reflects the influence of the Christian population in Michigan and their observance of Sunday as a day of religious significance and rest.

In Hermosa Beach, California, a law enacted in 2012 makes it illegal to pour salt on the highway. The rationale is to avoid environmental risks and potential damage to pavement, even though the town rarely experiences snowfall, making the law seem unnecessary.

Reno, Nevada, enacted a law in 1995 making it illegal to sit down on public sidewalks, emphasizing that sidewalks are for walking. The law considers sitting or lying down on sidewalks a threat to public safety. Exceptions are made for individuals in wheelchairs, participating in parades, or experiencing a medical emergency, providing limited circumstances where sitting on sidewalks is permissible.