CNS –
Kentucky is known for its rolling hills, horse racing, and bourbon distilleries, but the state also has some truly bizarre laws still on the books.
Some of these laws might leave you scratching your head, while others will make you wonder how they came to be. Here are 14 unbelievable (but true) laws you didn’t know existed in Kentucky.
1. No Ice Cream Cones on Sundays
In some parts of Kentucky, it’s illegal to serve ice cream in a cone on Sundays. While this may sound like a strange blue law leftover from years past, it was likely meant to encourage people to observe Sunday as a day of rest. Thankfully, modern enforcement of this law is rare, but it remains on the books in certain counties.
2. You Can’t Drive a Car with a Broken Windshield
It’s illegal to operate a vehicle with a broken windshield in Kentucky, but the law is more strict than many other states. This is because, under Kentucky law, it’s considered a safety hazard and an automatic violation. If you’re driving around with a cracked windshield, you could be pulled over for this seemingly minor offense.
3. It’s Illegal to Fish Without a Permit (Even if You’re on Private Property)
In Kentucky, you can’t fish in any body of water, even private property, without a state-issued permit. This law is part of the state’s effort to regulate fishing and protect natural resources, but it can come as a surprise to anyone who thought they could fish freely on their own land.
4. No “Silly” or “Annoying” Noises on the Road
In Kentucky, it’s against the law to make “silly” or “annoying” noises on the road. This could mean anything from honking your horn unnecessarily to blasting loud music. The law is intended to maintain public peace and safety, but it’s one that many drivers might find hard to navigate without accidentally breaking it!
5. No Handling of Fish While Dressed in “Drag”
Yes, this one’s real. In Kentucky, it’s illegal to handle fish in public if you’re wearing women’s clothing, also known as “drag.” This is another quirky relic of outdated social norms, but it’s still listed in the legal code. While it may not have been enforced for decades, it remains one of the more bizarre laws in Kentucky.
6. You Can’t Walk Backwards While Hunting
In Kentucky, it is illegal to walk backward while hunting. This law is often cited as an attempt to prevent accidents in hunting areas, although the reasoning behind it remains unclear. Hunters are urged to walk forward to maintain situational awareness and avoid disturbing wildlife.
7. No Riding a Bike Without Hands
In the city of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, it is illegal to ride a bicycle without keeping both hands on the handlebars. This law is intended to prevent accidents and promote safety among cyclists.
8. No Skipping School for More Than Two Days
In Kentucky, students can’t skip school for more than two days in a row. This law encourages students to attend school regularly and ensures that they receive their education without frequent absences.
9. No Reptiles as Pets in Some Areas
In some parts of Kentucky, owning certain reptiles, such as alligators, is illegal without a special permit. This law is designed to prevent dangerous encounters and control the spread of invasive species.
10. No Unmarried Women Can Drink in Public
14 Weird (But Real) Laws You Didn’t Know Existed in Louisiana
A bizarre law from the past once made it illegal for unmarried women to drink alcohol in public places in Kentucky. Though it’s no longer enforced, the remnants of this outdated regulation still exist on the books.
11. A Woman Cannot Marry the Same Man More Than Three Times
In Kentucky, it’s technically illegal for a woman to marry the same man more than three times. While this law isn’t commonly enforced, it’s an interesting relic from the state’s legal history.
12. No Selling of Your Eyes
In Kentucky, it’s illegal to sell your eyes. While this may sound strange, it’s part of a larger set of laws related to organ trafficking and preservation of human dignity.
13. No Fishing from the Back of a Horse
Fishing from the back of a horse is prohibited in Kentucky. While this law may sound strange, it’s thought to stem from an earlier time when people tried to fish while riding horses along the state’s many streams and rivers.
14. No Moving a Dead Body Without Permission
It is illegal to move a dead body in Kentucky without proper permission. This law is designed to ensure that authorities are notified and that the body is treated with respect. It reflects the state’s commitment to proper legal procedures in handling death and related investigations.
Kentucky’s laws may seem odd and outdated, but many of them reflect the state’s colorful history and efforts to maintain public safety and order.
While some of these regulations are rarely enforced today, they offer a glimpse into a bygone era and the sometimes surprising way legal systems evolve. So next time you visit Kentucky, keep these bizarre rules in mind—you never know when you might accidentally break one!