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Maine is known for its stunning landscapes, lobster rolls, and picturesque coastal towns. But buried in the state’s legal books are some strange, quirky laws that might leave you scratching your head.
While many of these laws likely come from a bygone era, they’re still technically in place today.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or just passing through, here are 14 weird Maine laws that’ll make you do a double-take.
1. It’s Illegal to Keep Christmas Decorations Up After January 14th
Maine takes its holiday traditions seriously—so seriously that it’s illegal to keep Christmas decorations up after January 14th. If you forget to take down those twinkling lights and festive wreaths after the new year, you might be breaking the law. This rule likely comes from the desire to return to the quieter, more peaceful winter months.
2. You Can’t Keep an Uncapped Bottle of Alcohol in a Moving Vehicle
In Maine, it’s illegal to have an uncapped bottle of alcohol in a moving vehicle, even if you’re not drinking it. This law is part of Maine’s strict open-container laws, aimed at preventing any alcohol consumption in cars, whether or not the driver is under the influence.
3. You Can’t Step Out of a Taxi Without Paying the Driver
This may sound like common sense, but in Maine, it’s actually against the law to exit a taxi without paying your fare. While it’s easy to forget when you’re in a rush, the state wants to ensure drivers are properly compensated for their services.
4. It’s Illegal to Make “Dirty” Faces at the Courthouse
Maine has a law on the books that prohibits making “ugly” or “dirty” faces at a courthouse. While the law’s purpose is to maintain respect in a place of legal proceedings, it also reflects a time when public conduct in courtrooms was taken very seriously.
5. You Can’t Smack a Minor in the Face
In Maine, it’s illegal to slap a minor in the face, but the law goes a step further—apparently, it’s specifically illegal to slap them with a “palm of the hand.” While this law may seem straightforward as a way to protect children, it’s written in a rather peculiar manner.
6. No Gambling with Your Dog in the State’s Race Tracks
It’s illegal to gamble on dog races in Maine, but the strange part is that this law specifically prohibits “gaming” involving dogs at the state’s racetracks. This law reflects the past popularity of dog racing, which has since been phased out.
7. You Must Warn People Before You Throw Snowballs
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While Maine residents are used to their fair share of winter snow, there’s an unusual rule that requires you to warn others before you throw a snowball. If you’re planning a snowball fight, be sure to give a shout-out first, or risk breaking the law.
8. You Can’t Park in Front of a Dunkin’ Donuts
Dunkin’ Donuts is a beloved institution in Maine, but parking in front of one might just land you in trouble. There’s an old law stating it’s illegal to park in front of a Dunkin’ location. It’s unclear how strictly this is enforced, but it’s certainly a head-scratcher.
9. It’s Illegal to Have More than 3 People in a Car
Maine has a strange law that technically limits the number of people who can ride together in a car. According to the law, no more than three people are allowed to be in a vehicle at once without violating the rule. This law is most likely outdated and tied to restrictions in the early 20th century when car sizes were much smaller.
10. It’s Illegal to Use a Dog Sled for Racing
Maine, home to a rich history of dog sledding, once had a law banning dog sled racing. The law was enacted to regulate the practice in a time when racing and competitions were seen as dangerous for the dogs. Though dog sledding is still popular as a recreational activity, racing is technically prohibited.
11. No “Silly” Dances at Public Events
It might seem hard to believe, but it’s illegal in Maine to perform “silly” dances at public gatherings. This law likely stemmed from a time when more formal dance etiquette was expected, especially in public places like town halls and civic events.
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12. You Must Have a Permit to Sell or Dispose of Lobster Shells
Maine is famous for its lobster, but did you know you need a permit to sell or dispose of lobster shells? This law is part of the state’s effort to regulate and preserve its valuable lobster industry and prevent pollution caused by discarded shells.
13. You Can’t Sell a Vehicle Without a Title
In Maine, it’s illegal to sell a vehicle without providing a title, regardless of the type of vehicle. This law is designed to protect buyers from fraud and ensure that the vehicle is legally transferred from one owner to another. While it’s a practical law, it can be a bit surprising to some who don’t know the importance of having a title in hand.
14. You Can’t Build a “Snowman” Taller than 6 Feet
It’s not just a friendly snowball fight that’s regulated in Maine—there’s also a law that limits how tall your snowman can be. To avoid public safety issues and prevent towering snow figures from becoming hazards, the law states that snowmen must not exceed 6 feet in height.
While many of these laws may seem a bit outdated or odd, they offer a fascinating glimpse into Maine’s history and unique culture. Whether they were passed for practical reasons or just as a way to maintain order, these strange laws are a reminder that even the most beautiful states have a few quirks in their legal codes.
Therefore, if you happen to be in Maine, it’s advisable to pay close attention to snowballs and lobster shells to ensure you don’t violate any of these unexpected guidelines!