Strange Local Laws
Weird local laws & bans.Strange laws and odd bans can be found in every American state and around the world. Want to grab your own alligator hatchlings? Don't go to Florida. Does your pickup truck sport giant plastic male genitalia? Don't visit South Carolina anytime soon. While some of these wacky laws went on the books decades ago, city councils across the country continue to enact laws that have us shaking our heads.
Where: Albany, Ga.
About the ban: The town has banned wearing saggy pants in public.
The fine: Albany has garnered thousands of dollars in fines. Find out how much first-time offenders have to pay.
Where: New York, N.Y.
About the ban: Restaurants across the city were forced to stop using a controversial ingredient in 2008.
The fine: Eateries caught using the banned substance can face hefty fines. How much will they have to shell out?
Where: Turin, Italy
About the ban: Police in this northern Italian city rely on tipsters to turn in violators. What are they looking for?
The fine: Scofflaws can be fined up to 500 euros.
Where: Billings, Mont.
About the ban: It's against a city ordinance to own, sell or raise a popular pet.
The fine: Residents caught with the banned pets can be fined.How much?
Where: Hattiesburg, Miss.
About the ban: Some local business owners closed their doors after they received a violation notice last year. What law were they breaking?
The fine: We're not sure exactly what these particular residents would pay, but some Hattiesburg fines are pretty high.
Where: Santa Clara, Calif.
About the ban: Kids in this Silicone Valley city may be disappointed to find something missing in their Happy Meals. What does the law say?
The fine: Restaurants face large fines if they're found in violation.
Where: Belton, Mo.
About the ban: A cold-weather pastime is forbidden under a city ordinance. What can get you in trouble?
The penalty:What happens if you're caught?
Where: Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif.
About the ban: A well-known actor used to be mayor of this coastal city, where an unusual law was enacted in 1963. What type of shoe is banned on city streets?
The fine: The law isn't enforced, but tourists can buy a "souvenir license" to take home with them.
Where: St. Peters, Mo.
About the ban: The law passed last year after the mayor saw a man perform a distasteful act in front of city hall. What did they ban?
The fine: We couldn't find any instances since the Missouri law was enacted, but an Ohio teen was fined in 2009 for the violation.
