Weird Laws in Idaho

Idaho, also known as the Gem State, is one of the most interesting in the country. It’s known for its mountains and beautiful flora and fauna.

Idaho’s top three industries include:

• Manufacturing
• Agriculture
• Tourism

The latter two make a lot of sense, considering all the potatoes and wildlife parks. Idaho’s popularity with tourists stems partially from the fact that it is home to America’s deepest river gorge, Hells Canyon.

All the potato lovers out there might want to visit Idaho. It’s the top producing state of America’s favorite vegetable.

Even stranger than the accent of the state’s residents (is it Midwestern, or is it Canadian?) are some of the laws that have been enacted by local and state legislators.

One law that is steeped in legends of grandeur forbids anyone from fishing while riding a giraffe.

We’ll discuss this law in more detail later, but one can’t help but wonder what kind of situation triggered such a strange law.

If you are also looking for auto insurance in Idaho, start comparison shopping by entering your ZIP code above!

Weird Laws in Idaho

#1 – In Idaho Falls, it is illegal to ride a motorcycle if you are over 88

I think we can all admit that this one is not a bad idea! Some people are fit to operate a motor vehicle in their twenties, but no one is fit to operate a motorcycle at the age of 88.

I would say 75 is even pushing it! Common sense would lead one to believe that this law was enacted after someone’s great-great aunt Gladys had one too many gin and tonics and decided that riding a motorcycle would be a good idea.

Assuming Gladys wreaked all kinds of havoc on Idaho Falls, this law is totally justified!

#2 – Riding a merry-go-round on a Sunday is a crime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-wH9XOMZMQ

This law probably originated during a time when the puritanical rule was overbearing. If you want to ride a merry-go-round on a Sunday, then go for it!

Maybe a group of boys decided to skip out on church one day, and this law was enacted by adults who just didn’t know how to have fun!

#3 – Bicycles are not allowed in tennis courts

Where did this law come from?! Who rides a bicycle on a tennis court?

Pictures of a horrific, freak accident come to mind. Maybe a tennis player was horribly mangled by a cyclist who decided that riding their bike through an ongoing tennis match was the ultimate test of their biking prowess. Or, it could be that someone tripped over a bike during a tennis match.

Who knows?

#4 – You may not fish while riding a camel or a giraffe

This law is surrounded by mystery. What we do know is that it used to be a law in Idaho that you couldn’t fish while riding on the back of an animal, so the running joke was you couldn’t fish from the back of a giraffe or camel.

That joke gained urban legend status. If you search for this legend online, many people think the law specifically targeted riding giraffes and camels. The original law has since been changed (you still can’t chase fish downstream on animal or foot), but the urban legend lives on.

#5 – It is illegal for a person to live in a dog house or dog kennel

Disgruntled wives sending their husbands to sleep in the dog house must be at the center of this law!

The proverbial saying “He must be in the dog house” was surely a reality at some point, and one would think that it must be at the heart of why this law was written. Perhaps men of power wrote this law as a safeguard against the anger of their spouses.

#6 – In Eagle, dirt may not be swept out of your house onto the street

This law must have been created many years ago. Everyone in today’s modern society uses a dustpan! Who wants to sweep dirt all the way to the street?!

#7 – In Tamarack, it is illegal to buy onions after dark without a permit

This is a ridiculous law on the list. Surely there is a story behind the reasoning of those who wrote this lovely piece of legislation, but coming up with a viable story is nearly impossible.

#8 – Put a smile on your face if you are out in public in Pocatello

In Pocatello, Idaho, you aren’t allowed to be crabby in public. City ordinance requires individuals to be happy when seen in public. This sounds like a story you’d read in a sci-fi anthology, but it is actually a real law!

#9 – PDA can only last 18 minutes

Apparently, things get really heated at 19 minutes! Keep your stopwatch handy if you plan on getting frisky in Idaho!

#10 – A man cannot give his sweetheart a box of candy weighing less than 50 pounds

One can’t help but think that someone’s greedy lover whose love for sweets was even greater enacted this piece of legislation! Where can someone even buy a 50-pound parcel of chocolates?

The Moral of the Story

You can never be too prepared for the crazy things that life will throw at you.

Making sure your automobile insurance policy covers all of your needs is extremely important.

Comparing insurance companies allows consumers to see what options are available to them. It is important to make sure you have the right coverage, no matter how crazy laws are!

Start comparison shopping by entering your ZIP code below!