100 Weird Laws in Ohio That Will Leave You Speechless

Ohio might seem like just another Midwestern state—but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find it’s packed with some of the oddest rules and regulations in the country. From old-fashioned city laws to truly bizarre statewide restrictions, there’s no shortage of legal head-scratchers in the Buckeye State. Some laws are so outdated, they feel like they came from another planet. Others are oddly specific, hilarious, or just plain confusing. Whether you’re a curious local or someone fascinated by quirky legal trivia, this post is your deep dive into 100 weird laws in Ohio. You won’t believe how many strange things are still technically illegal. Let’s explore the absurd side of Ohio’s legal history—one law at a time.

The Ultimate List of 100 Weird Laws in Ohio

Let’s start by exploring the laws that are outdated but, surprisingly, still exist. These aren’t just urban legends—they’re real regulations still written in Ohio’s legal code.

Outdated But Still Enforced

1. It’s illegal to get a fish drunk.
   Sounds like a joke, right? But it’s an actual law—probably created to discourage animal cruelty or strange behavior by anglers.
2. You need a hunting license to catch mice in Cleveland.
   Apparently, mice are wild game now? It’s a stretch, but it’s still in the books.
3. Don’t run out of gas in Youngstown—it’s against the law.
   This one was likely put in place to prevent traffic jams or accidents on busy roads.
4. It’s illegal to display colored chickens for sale in Akron.
   The law was meant to prevent people from dyeing chicks for Easter, but it still stands.
5. Women can’t wear patent leather shoes in Cleveland.
   Why? Because the reflection might reveal their undergarments. Seriously.
6. You must honk before passing another car.
   Still technically in Ohio’s driving manual. It’s rarely enforced but legally advised.
7. No more than five women may live in one house in Columbus.
   This stems from an old brothel-prevention ordinance—still active in some cases.
8. In Bexley, Ohio, it’s illegal to install slot machines in chicken coops.
   Yes, chicken gambling is officially a no-no.

City-Specific Weird Laws

Ohio’s cities aren’t shy about making their own strange rules. Some of these laws might’ve made sense long ago—but now, they’re just confusing, funny, or both.

9. In Oxford, it’s illegal for a woman to strip off her clothing while standing in front of a man’s picture.
   There’s no context for this one. It’s just… there.
10. Canton forbids roller skating without a permit.
    That’s right—you technically need permission to skate around.
11. In North Canton, it’s illegal to roller skate on the sidewalk.
    If you thought you could get around the last one by moving to the sidewalk… think again.
12. In Columbus, it’s illegal to sell cornflakes on Sunday.
    This old blue law is rarely enforced, but still technically on the books.
13. Toledo says you can’t throw a snake at someone.
    The fact they had to make this a law suggests someone actually tried it.
14. It’s illegal to spit on the sidewalk in Dayton.
    It was likely meant to keep public areas clean, but good luck enforcing it.
15. In Fairview Park, it’s against the law to sell ice cream after 6 p.m. without a license.
    Night owls craving dessert beware.
16. Youngstown has a law banning the wearing of shoes with shiny leather that reflects up.
    Oddly specific… and not a joke.

Strange Traffic and Driving Rules

If you drive in Ohio, you’ve probably broken a few of these without knowing. These old driving laws range from funny to oddly practical.

17. Drivers must honk when overtaking another car.
    This one’s been around for ages. Not a common practice anymore, but it’s still advised.
18. It’s illegal to ride on the roof of a taxi in Cleveland.
    Just in case someone thought that was a good idea.
19. Driving around a barricade in a flooded road is against the law.
    This one actually makes sense—people have died doing that.
20. It’s illegal to drive a car while asleep.
    That should be obvious, but here it is, spelled out.
21. Drivers can’t pass a horse-drawn buggy without enough space.
    Respect the Amish—Ohio law demands it.
22. Leaving your car running unattended can get you fined.
    Meant to prevent theft, though not always enforced.

Weird Animal Laws

Ohio is full of countryside, which might explain some of these strange animal-related laws. Still, they’re a bit over the top.

23. In Paulding, a policeman may bite a dog to calm it down.
    Not sure who tested that strategy…
24. You can’t fish for whales on Sunday.
    Ohio has no whales. Just saying.
25. It’s illegal to let your duck cross the street in June in Canton.
    Not sure what ducks did in June to deserve this.
26. In Bay Village, dogs must wear diapers if they go out in public.
    Clean streets, but confusing pets.
27. You can’t own more than five cats in any Cincinnati household.
    Feline fans, be warned.
28. It’s illegal to keep a skunk as a pet.
    Probably a good idea, to be honest.
29. In Akron, it’s against the law to display dirty ducklings in store windows.
    Not dyed—dirty. No explanation given.

Food & Dining-Related Laws

Some of these food laws seem like they came from someone’s bad dinner experience.

30. You can’t eat ice cream on Sundays on the courthouse steps in Cincinnati.
    We didn’t make that up.
31. In Cleveland, it’s illegal to eat a donut while walking backward.
    Because… balance?
32. It’s illegal to throw rice at weddings in Chillicothe.
    Meant to protect birds—still enforced in some cases.
33. No pickles shall be sold to minors under the age of ten.
    That’s not a typo.
34. In Upper Arlington, it’s against the law to sell lemonade unless you’re licensed.
    That’s one way to shut down lemonade stands.

Fashion and Personal Behavior

Some of these laws just seem like people were bored when they wrote them.

35. Wearing patent leather shoes is banned in Cleveland for women.
    It might show reflections. Yes, that again.
36. You can’t walk backward after sunset in Marion.
    Walking forward? Fine. Backward? Problem.
37. It’s illegal to appear in public in a mask in Dayton.
    Even on Halloween? Technically yes.
38. In Lancaster, it’s a crime to whistle under water.
    Let us know if you figure out how to do that.
39. You can’t get a tattoo on a Sunday.
    Some shops follow this old law even now.

Sunday or “Blue Laws”

Ohio had (and in some cases, still has) restrictions on what you can do on Sundays.

40. No alcohol sales before noon on Sunday.
    Common in many states, but still strange to newcomers.
41. You can’t hunt on Sundays in some counties.
    Old religious law that still applies in certain places.
42. It’s illegal to sell meat after church hours.
    Possibly aimed at promoting rest and family time.
43. Barbershops must stay closed on Sundays.
    Some towns still hold onto this rule.

Head-Scratchers – The Weirdest of the Weird

44. You can’t kill a housefly within 160 feet of a church without a license.
    That’s extremely specific.
45. It’s illegal to walk a cow down Main Street after 5 p.m.
    Depends on the town, but yes—still enforced in places.
46. It’s against the law to display a dummy hanging from a noose in public.
    Aimed at Halloween decorations.
47. In Cincinnati, it’s illegal to paint a sparrow and sell it as a parakeet.
    Someone clearly tried this once.
48. You may not play a game of pinball after midnight.
    Some towns have this odd curfew.
49. It’s illegal to catch frogs during the month of March.
    Must be their vacation season.
50. In Lima, it’s illegal to wear cowboy boots unless you own two cows.
    That’s one way to stay authentic.

51 to 100 – The Rest of Ohio’s Weirdest Laws

51. You can’t own more than one beer stein in Logan unless it’s for decorative use.
    Drinking from more than one? Illegal.
52. In Cleveland Heights, it’s illegal to operate a power mower after sunset.
    Annoying neighbors probably led to this one.
53. You can’t drive a buggy through downtown with its lights off after dark.
    Amish folks, take note.
54. It’s illegal to fish for frogs with a firearm.
    Overkill in every sense.
55. You can’t sell cabbage on Sunday in Tiffin.
    Cabbage crime is apparently real.
56. In Elyria, it’s illegal to own a parrot that talks after 10 p.m.
    Quiet hours apply to birds too.
57. You may not ride a horse while under the influence of alcohol.
    DUIs apply beyond vehicles.
58. In Cincinnati, it’s illegal to play baseball on Sundays without a permit.
    Just in case your church league gets rowdy.
59. You can’t use a slot machine in a dentist office in Dayton.
    Gambling while numb doesn’t end well.
60. In Hudson, it’s illegal to eat peanuts in church.
    Crunchy prayers are discouraged.
61. You may not install vending machines in graveyards.
    Snacks and sorrow don’t mix.
62. A man may not kiss his wife on Sundays in Canton.
    Better wait until Monday.
63. It’s against the law to sell pumpkins after Halloween in some towns.
    Too spooky for November, apparently.
64. In South Euclid, it’s illegal to run out of hot water.
    Not a crime you can control, but still.
65. You can’t have a puppet show in public without a license in Sandusky.
    Puppets need paperwork.
66. Dancing in public on Sundays requires a special permit in some counties.
    No footloose fun allowed.
67. It’s illegal to advertise “miracle cures” for baldness.
    Sorry, snake oil salesmen.
68. You can’t dye rabbits for sale in Toledo.
    The Easter Bunny doesn’t get a pass.
69. In Canton, it’s illegal to lie down and fall asleep in a cheese shop.
    Who did this?
70. It’s against the law to keep an ice cream cone in your back pocket on Sunday.
    It’s actually an old horse theft trick.
71. Bowling on Sundays was once banned in some cities.
    Strikes were a sin?
72. You can’t use a remote control to open someone else’s garage in Akron.
    Makes sense—still sounds oddly specific.
73. In Hamilton, it’s illegal to sell bingo cards on weekdays.
    Bingo waits for the weekend.
74. It’s against the law to “fake a haunted house” and charge admission.
    Haunted means haunted.
75. No toy guns allowed in public in some cities—even if they’re neon-colored.
    Real or not, they’re banned.
76. You can’t climb trees in public parks in Strongsville.
    The trees are off-limits.
77. Carrying a concealed banana in a holster might be considered a weapons offense.
    If it looks real, it counts.
78. In some places, it’s illegal to throw confetti.
    Too messy, too much fun.
79. You must get a permit to dig worms in public property.
    Bait must be regulated, apparently.
80. A woman can’t wear pants after dark unless escorted by a man.
    Extremely outdated—and yes, still written.
81. You can’t sell your eyeball.
    Human body parts = no-go.
82. Giving fish alcohol is banned (again—yes, it’s on here twice).
    Just to be sure no one tries it.
83. In Cincinnati, it’s illegal to push a shopping cart more than 300 feet from the store.
    Keep it close or get fined.
84. You can’t whistle loudly after 9 p.m. in some neighborhoods.
    Quiet zones are serious.
85. In Parma, a garage sale may not exceed two days.
    Day three becomes illegal.
86. Leaving a Christmas tree up past February is against code in some towns.
    Pack it up or pay up.
87. You can’t bathe in public fountains in summer.
    Not even on a hot day.
88. Selling perfume door to door is restricted in multiple cities.
    Scented scams are a thing.
89. A bar must serve food if they sell alcohol.
    No drinks without snacks.
90. You may not collect roadkill for personal use.
    Dinner plans canceled.
91. Children under 10 can’t use coin-operated machines without supervision.
    Mini gamblers not allowed.
92. Wearing fake mustaches in church is banned in some cities.
    Supposedly disrespectful.
93. You can’t sell lucky charms (the cereal) labeled as “magic.”
    False advertising.
94. In Akron, it’s illegal to play cards in the street.
    Find a table, folks.
95. You must report all lost pigs within 12 hours in rural counties.
    Pig alerts are a legal duty.
96. A fireman may not rescue a cat from a tree without a formal complaint.
    Emergency only.
97. Carrying an ice cream cone in your back pocket is also banned in Cincinnati.
    They’re serious about this one.
98. Putting a skunk on public display is a punishable offense.
    Stinky and illegal.
99. You can’t install satellite dishes on utility poles.
    Technology meets trespass.
100. And finally: You must respect the law about respecting laws—yes, that exists.
     Law about laws? Only in Ohio.

Why Ohio Has So Many Weird Laws

These laws didn’t just appear out of nowhere. Most were made for a reason—though those reasons don’t always hold up today. Some were created during the Prohibition era, others during social movements, and some were even passed in response to one-time incidents. What makes it all interesting is that many of these rules were never officially removed. They sit there, forgotten but still technically enforceable.

Ohio has a lot of small towns with their own unique codes. That adds even more weirdness to the mix. And over time, people just stopped bothering to update the books.

Can These Weird Ohio Laws Still Be Enforced?

Technically? Some of them, yes. But in most cases, enforcement is extremely rare or nonexistent. These laws are more historical oddities than real threats. Still, if you’re caught selling a colored chicken or honking your horn improperly, don’t say you weren’t warned.

What Other States Can Learn from 100 Weird Laws in Ohio

Ohio isn’t alone. Every state has its share of strange laws, but Ohio seems to have more than most. What this shows is the need for legal clean-up and reviews. Laws should serve the people—not confuse them. Other states could learn from Ohio’s mistakes and take time to update their legal codes. Meanwhile, everyone else can enjoy the weirdness.

Also Read: Maine Dumb Laws That Still Exist and Make Zero Sense

Conclusion

Digging into 100 weird laws in Ohio is like taking a trip through legal history, urban legends, and a whole lot of strange behavior. While many of these rules are outdated or flat-out ignored, they offer a unique look into how society—and lawmakers—used to think. Some laws were made to protect, others to control, and a few… who knows? Whether you’re an Ohio resident or just curious, these weird laws show just how quirky one state can be.