11 Strange Laws in Texas That Will Leave You Scratching Your Head
Texas is known for going big! Even where the law is concerned. There are laws that would have you clutching your sides in laughter today but were very serious matters when they were first declared. Some laws still govern the people of Texas today.
These laws will give us a sneak peek into the lives of Texans many years ago and examine what has changed and what hasn’t. Let’s explore!
You Can’t Milk Someone Else’s Cow
Texas law says if you’ve ever had the wild urge to milk a cow that doesn’t belong to you, think again. Texas law considers milking someone else’s cow as theft, and you can get into trouble for that. This law probably stems from a time when dairy farming was critical to survival, and stealing milk was no laughing matter.
In Galveston’s Elevators, Shoes Are Not Optional
There’s an old law in Galveston that says you can’t ride an elevator without shoes. This may sound oddly specific, but it was probably intended to keep people clean and protect them from injury in public buildings. So if you plan to visit this coastal town, make sure you pack your sandals.
No Sitting on the Sidewalk in Richardson
Looking to take a load off on the sidewalk in Richardson? Not so fast! This quirky rule is still on the books but rarely enforced. This odd law is thought to have been designed to clear public spaces and make pathways accessible.
You Can’t Sell Your Eyeballs
In Texas, you can’t sell your eyeballs. Though bizarre-sounding, this peculiar law opposes the illegal sale of human organs and body parts, puts a stop to exploitation, and enforces ethical medical practices. It’s weird, but it’s hard to argue with its noble intent.
No Feather Duster Tickling in Clarendon
Clarendon has a bizarre restriction: You can’t tickle people in public with feather dusters. Yes, you read that right. Indeed, while this rule may be a bit of a joke, it is rightly based on trying to prevent unruly or ill-mannered jokes in public places.
Remember the Dictionary in Abilene
Here’s a head-scratcher: You could be in hot water if you were carrying around a certain dictionary in Abilene. Others say it stems from worries about inappropriate language in older editions. This one is quirky, but it’s not clear if anyone’s actually enforcing it.
Don’t Eat Your Neighbor’s Garbage
Yes, even Texas laws have something to say about trash etiquette. Eating your neighbor’s garbage without their permission could get you in trouble. It may seem bizarre, but the law prevails by respecting property, even if it is on the curb. Next time you’re tempted by their leftovers, think twice!
Specific Marriage Restrictions
Texas law prohibits you from marrying someone you’ve divorced. It legally questions why you may want to marry someone you already divorced. The caveat? You must wait at least 30 days. The general consensus is that this law was probably put in place to discourage hasty decisions. This eccentric law perfectly epitomizes Texas’s approach to love and second chances.
Beer Is Banned in Some Weather Conditions in Houston
You can’t buy beer in bad weather. In Houston, there’s a legal stipulation that prohibits the sale of beer during severe weather conditions. While this rule may be considered odd or intrusive, it was probably made to address possible public safety hazards during emergencies like storms and hurricanes.
Flipping off a Bull Has Consequences
Daring bull riders in the dusty fighting arenas of Texas have to be brave, but they also have to be polite with their hands. There’s a Texas rodeo law that says that you can’t show disrespect to a bull. It may seem a bit silly, but it’s an apt tribute to how Texans value their tradition (bulls and bullfighting included).
Stealing a Neighbor’s Fence Is a No-Go
Fences are sacred in rural Texas. They mark boundaries, keep cattle safe, and sometimes even spark age-old feuds. That’s why it’s a crime to take down or mess with a neighbor’s fence without permission. This law makes sure that property disputes don’t get completely out of hand.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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