Maryland, a state known for its charming landscapes, rich history, and distinct culture, also has its fair share of oddities, especially when it comes to the law.
From ancient laws that still technically exist to bizarre modern regulations, Maryland’s legal system has some quirky rules that will surely make you laugh. In this article, we dive into some of the weirdest Maryland laws that are still technically on the books and others that just might surprise you.
1. No Cursing While Driving in Rockville
Rockville, a city located in Montgomery County, has a rule that you might find surprising. According to an old law, it is illegal to curse or use profanity while driving through the city.
This law, though rarely enforced, stems from a time when civility on the roads was of utmost importance. So, the next time you’re driving through Rockville, keep the swearing to a minimum, or risk breaking this outdated but still standing law. Of course, this is more of a fun fact than an actual threat, but it’s amusing nonetheless!
2. Riding Your Horse Through an Intersection in Baltimore
In Baltimore, there’s an odd law that makes it illegal to ride your horse through an intersection. While this rule might have made sense when horses were the main mode of transportation, it seems a bit out of place in today’s car-dominated world. Still, if you’re a horseback rider in Baltimore, make sure you’re not taking a detour through an intersection, or you could technically violate this long-standing regulation.
3. No Playing Any “Indecent” Game in Public
According to Maryland state law, it is illegal to play any game in public that could be deemed indecent. While it’s unclear exactly what kind of games might fall under this category, one can imagine a few possibilities.
Whether it’s a risque version of poker or something more outlandish, playing it in public could potentially land you in hot water with the authorities. It’s safe to say that card games with questionable conduct are probably not the best idea in Maryland public spaces.
4. It’s Illegal to Take a Lion to the Movies
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! But in Maryland, you might just have to leave the lion at home when going out to catch a flick. Maryland law, specifically in the city of Baltimore, prohibits taking a lion (or any other wild animal) to the movies.
While this law is no doubt rooted in public safety concerns, it does create a humorous image of someone attempting to sneak a lion into their local theater. So if you’re planning a movie night with your exotic pet, be sure to leave the lion in the den.
5. No Hunting of Wild Geese from Your Car
In the state of Maryland, it’s illegal to hunt wild geese from the comfort of your car. While this may seem like a no-brainer today, it was once a common practice in certain areas, which led to the implementation of this law. While hunters today are more likely to go out on foot or use specialized vehicles for the task, this law remains a funny relic from a time when hunting was done in far more unconventional ways.
6. The “Unusual Marriages” Law
Maryland law also has a strange regulation about marriages, specifically concerning those who are “unusual.” The law states that it is illegal to marry someone who is “unusual” unless certain conditions are met.
While it’s unclear what “unusual” means exactly, many experts believe this law was created to prevent marriages that might be considered unconventional by society’s standards at the time. Nevertheless, it adds an odd layer to the state’s history of regulating relationships.
7. No Allowing Your Animals to Roam Free
While many places have leash laws, Maryland takes things a bit further, making it illegal for animals to roam freely at all. If your pet, whether it’s a dog, a goat, or even a more unusual animal, is caught wandering around without supervision, you could face fines.
While this law certainly encourages responsible pet ownership, it might make you think twice about letting your animals take a stroll through the neighborhood unattended.
8. Gambling in Public Areas is a No-Go
In Maryland, gambling in public places is not only discouraged—it’s outright illegal. Whether you’re at the park, on a beach, or anywhere else that might be considered a public space, setting up shop for a quick game of blackjack or poker could land you in trouble with the law. While casinos and licensed gambling venues are the place for such activities, public areas are off-limits for any form of gambling.
9. Cigarette Laws Get Comedic
Here’s one you might want to remember the next time you’re at the beach. In Maryland, it is illegal to smoke a cigarette in public spaces without the proper license.
While smoking laws typically regulate smoking in indoor spaces, this particular law adds an extra layer by making public cigarette smoking a bit more official. So, if you’re caught lighting up on the streets without the proper permits, you might get more than just a disappointed look from passersby.
10. Fake Mustaches are Banned at Church
In a strange and specific law that surely makes people chuckle, Maryland once passed a law stating that fake mustaches could not be worn in church. While this particular law is largely seen as a historical curiosity, it reflects the unique ways in which communities once tried to preserve decorum and order in religious settings. Thankfully, most modern-day churches are much more accepting of quirky fashion choices.
Final Thoughts
While some of Maryland’s odd laws seem outdated and far from practical, they offer a window into the state’s colorful past. From prohibitions on lions at movie theaters to the enforcement of courteous language in Rockville, these quirky rules are fun to learn about and provide a lighthearted view of Maryland’s legal landscape. Whether these laws are still enforced is up for debate, but one thing is for sure—Maryland’s legal system is full of surprises that will make you laugh!