Maine Dumb Laws That Still Exist and Make Zero Sense

Every state has its share of strange rules, but Maine dumb laws take things to a whole new level. From banning tickles to restricting how you play instruments, some of these laws sound more like punchlines than actual legal codes. But believe it or not, many of them were once enforced—and some are technically still on the books.

So, why were these laws created in the first place? And why do they still exist today? In this article, we’ll explore the odd, outdated, and downright hilarious side of Maine’s legal history. Whether you’re a curious local or a tourist planning a trip, these laws will leave you raising an eyebrow—or laughing out loud.

Let’s dive into the world of Maine dumb laws and see which ones make the list of the weirdest ever.

What Are Maine Dumb Laws?

Maine dumb laws are a mix of old rules, strange customs, and legal leftovers from decades ago. Some were made during a time when society was very different. Others were created to fix a problem that no longer exists—or never really did. Over time, these laws stayed in the books, even when people stopped taking them seriously.

But what makes a law “dumb”? It’s usually a rule that seems pointless or funny today. For example, laws that say you can’t walk down the street playing a violin, or park a horse on the sidewalk. These weren’t meant to be jokes, but they sure sound like it now.

Most of these laws aren’t enforced anymore, but they’re still technically real. They give us a funny look into the past—and show how much life (and law) has changed.

The Funniest Maine Dumb Laws That Still Exist

Maine isn’t short on charm—and its laws are no exception. Here are some of the weirdest and funniest Maine dumb laws still floating around today. Some of these will make you laugh. Others might make you wonder how they ever became law in the first place.

No Parking in Front of Dunkin’ Donuts in South Berwick

This might be the most Maine thing ever. In South Berwick, there’s a law that says you can’t park in front of a Dunkin’. While this probably came from a traffic concern, it still sounds funny today. It’s like protecting the sacred coffee grounds of New England.

No Playing the Violin While Walking in Augusta

Want to serenade the town as you stroll down the street? Not in Augusta. There’s an old law that bans playing the violin while walking. It might have been made to reduce noise or distractions. But now? It sounds like a ban on being a musical multitasker.

No Catching Lobsters with Bare Hands

Maine takes its lobster rules seriously. One of the maine dumb laws says you can’t catch lobsters with your bare hands. It’s all about regulation and safety, but it still paints a silly picture. Just imagine someone wrestling a lobster like it’s a wild animal.

Bring a Shotgun to Church (Colonial Era Law)

Believe it or not, there was once a law that said men should carry a shotgun to church. This dates back to colonial days when protection was a real concern. Today, it sounds bizarre—and maybe even alarming. Thankfully, it’s not enforced anymore.

Don’t Park Your Horse on the Sidewalk in Biddeford

Horses might not be common anymore, but this law hasn’t caught up. In Biddeford, it’s illegal to park your horse on the sidewalk. Not your car—your horse. It’s one of those leftover laws from another time.

No Tickling Women with a Feather Duster in Portland

This one sounds made up, but it’s a real law. In Portland, it’s illegal to tickle a woman with a feather duster. Was it to prevent public disturbances? Or just to avoid awkward social moments? Either way, it’s oddly specific—and definitely one of the silliest maine dumb laws.

No Driving with Your Arm Hanging Out the Window

We’ve all done it—elbow out, cruising down the road. But in Maine, that’s technically illegal. Some say it’s about safety. Others think it was just a way to keep drivers focused. Whatever the reason, it’s still on the books.

Water Sprinklers Must Not Spray Pedestrians

If your lawn sprinkler sprays someone walking by, you might be breaking the law. This one makes a little sense—nobody wants to get soaked. But it also shows how detailed some city codes can get.

Why Do These Dumb Laws Even Exist?

Most of these maine dumb laws weren’t dumb when they were created. They were written for a purpose—maybe safety, maybe order, maybe just because someone complained loud enough. Over time, the original reason got lost, but the law stuck around.

Some laws were created in response to problems that no longer exist. Like horses blocking sidewalks or people carrying weapons to church. Others were made to regulate behavior that was once common but now feels outdated.

In many cases, lawmakers just haven’t bothered to remove these old rules. It takes time, effort, and paperwork. So unless a law causes real issues, it often stays quietly buried in the books.

Still, these old laws are like time capsules. They show us how different life was in the past—and how much society has changed.

Are Maine Dumb Laws Still Enforced Today?

Most of the time, these laws aren’t enforced. If you play violin while walking or tickle someone with a feather duster, chances are the police won’t come knocking. But technically, these rules still exist—and that’s what makes them so odd.

In rare cases, weird laws have been used in real situations. Maybe to scare someone straight or to add extra charges in court. But in general, these maine dumb laws are more for entertainment than enforcement now.

Even law enforcement might not know every strange law that’s still on the books. Some are so old, they’ve been forgotten completely—until someone stumbles across them and shares it online.

So no, you probably won’t get arrested for catching a lobster with your hands. But it’s still fun (and a bit shocking) to know it’s technically not allowed.

How Do These Laws Affect Tourists and Locals?

For locals, these laws are more of a curiosity than a concern. Most Mainers go their whole lives without ever hearing about them. But once they do, they can’t help but laugh.

Tourists, on the other hand, sometimes discover these laws while researching fun things about the state. And honestly? They make great conversation starters. Imagine telling your friends that you visited a place where it’s illegal to park your horse on a sidewalk.

Even though these maine dumb laws don’t affect daily life much, they still shape how people see Maine. They add to the quirky, offbeat image that makes the state so unique.

In a way, these strange laws become a part of local culture—even if they’re never enforced.

Maine Isn’t Alone: Dumb Laws Across the U.S.

Think Maine is the only place with weird laws? Not even close. Every state has its own collection of oddball rules. Here are a few strange ones from around the country:

• In Alabama, it’s illegal to wear a fake mustache in church that causes laughter.
• In Arizona, you can’t let a donkey sleep in your bathtub.
• In California, it’s illegal to whistle for a lost canary before 7 a.m.

Compared to those, maine dumb laws don’t seem that strange. In fact, they might even seem mild.

It’s fun to see how different states came up with laws based on local customs, problems, or just pure randomness. These laws remind us that every place has its quirks.

Can These Dumb Laws Be Repealed?

Yes, they can—but it takes work. Repealing a law means going through legal procedures, writing bills, and getting lawmakers to agree. And let’s face it, no one’s rushing to repeal the no-tickling law.

Some states have started cleaning up their old legal codes. Maine has removed a few outdated laws in recent years, but many still remain. It’s not always a priority, especially if the laws aren’t causing real issues.

Still, if enough people push for change—or just want a good laugh—some of these laws could get taken off the books. Until then, they stay as part of Maine’s weird and wonderful legal history.

Conclusion: The Charm (and Chaos) of Maine Dumb Laws

Maine dumb laws might sound ridiculous, but they’re a fun reminder of how much society evolves. What once made perfect sense now seems like comedy.

From no parking near Dunkin’ to outlawed tickling in Portland, these rules give Maine a quirky edge. They also show how law, culture, and daily life don’t always move at the same pace.

Even if they’re not enforced, these laws stick around—waiting to be discovered, laughed at, and shared. They might be silly, but they also tell stories. And in a world that can feel too serious, a little silliness isn’t such a bad thing.

Also Read: Diamond Scam Exposed: How to Spot and Avoid Costly Traps

FAQ About Maine Dumb Laws

Q: Are Maine dumb laws still active today?
Yes, many are still technically active, though rarely enforced.

Q: Can I really get fined for breaking one?
It’s unlikely. Most of these laws aren’t enforced anymore, but technically, they still exist.

Q: Why were these dumb laws made in the first place?
They were often created for safety, order, or cultural norms of the time.

Q: Is Maine the only state with weird laws?
Not at all! Every state has its own collection of strange, outdated laws.