Weird Laws in Oregon Anything

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Weird Laws in Oregon

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List of strange state laws on the books in Oregon. These rules and regulations were passed by the Oregon state legislature, or in an individual Oregon city, and for one reason or another, were never overturned, remaining active on the books until this day. Almost every city and state has some outdated, old-fashioned or even nonsensical laws on the books, and they can come about for a variety of reasons. Most frequently, the laws appeared in the books following a court ruling on a specific case, that then set a common law precedent from that point on.

Strange or unnecessary laws have become a popular source for humor, online and more generally in popular culture. TV shows like "The Simpsons" have had a lot of fun with the notion of small towns having peculiar regulations on the books. (In one episode, Mayor Quimby is surprised to find out the town charter mandates that all ducks wear long pants.)

Often, "dumb laws" as reported on websites and in humor books have been shown to be inaccurate. This sometimes happens because a real, sensible law has been exaggerated or misunderstood, turning into something that sounds silly or ridiculous. Other times, it is simply the result of a hoax being repeated enough times to gain some kind of credibility. If you think any of the laws on this page are not accurate or do not remain active in Oregon, let me know in the comments below.
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    Dirty things

    It is illegal to whisper “dirty” things in your lover’s ear during sex.
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    Juggling

    Juggling is strictly prohibited without a license. (Hood River)
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    Pumping of gas

    Drivers may not pump their own gas.
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    Doughnuts

    You cannot eat a doughnut and walk backwards on a city street. (Marion)
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    Classical Artwork

    An adult may not show a minor any piece of classical artwork which depicts sexual excitement.
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    Roller Skates

    You cannot wear roller skates in restrooms. (Portland)
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    Movies and car show on Sunday

    It is illegal to show movies or attend a car race on Sundays. (Eugene)
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    Human feces

    It is illegal to place a container filled with human fecal matter on the side of any highway.
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    Babies

    Babies may not be carried on the running boards of a car.
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    Marijuana

    It is illegal to buy or sell marijuana, but it is legal to smoke it on your own property.
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    Physical endurance

    One may not test their physical endurance while driving a car on a highway.
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    Canned corn

    Canned corn is not to be used as bait for fishing.
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    Animals having sex

    It is against the law for animals to have sex in the city limits. (Stanfield)
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    Burglar Alarm

    You must buy a $10 permit to be allowed to install a burglar alarm. (Beaverton)
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    Peer Review Statute

    The “Peer Review Statute” prohibits you from finding out details of any written or oral discussion about your medical treatment.
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    Shoelaces

    Shoelaces must be tied while walking down the street. (Portland)
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    Predicting the future

    It is illegal to predict the future. (Yamhill)
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    Eating garlic and onions

    Ministers are forbidden from eating garlic or onions before delivering a sermon. (Marion)
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    Offensive physical contact

    No one may attempt to cause someone to think that their property may be subjected to “offensive physical contact”. (Portland)
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    Social games

    Minors may not enter a room where a “social game” is being played. (Portland)
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    Cloth towel dispenser

    Cloth towel dispensers are banned from restrooms. (Stanfield)
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    Riders of sleds

    Riders of sleds may not attach themselves to passing cars.(Portland)
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    Owning a reptile

    It is illegal to own a reptile within the city limits, unless you are a school or city, as a pet. (Springfield)
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    Knocking snakes head

    It’s illegal to walk down a sidewalk and knock a snakes head off with your cane. (Klamath River)
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    Whistling underwater

    People may not whistle underwater. (Portland)
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    Horse race or Symphony concert

    It is illegal to conduct a horse race or a symphony concert. (Eugene)
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    Traffic congestion thoroughfare

    Persons may not pass through a “traffic congestion thoroughfare” more than twice per night. (Portland)
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    Wrestling in Salem

    Women may not wrestle in Salem. (Salem)
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    Skating rink

    It’s against the law for a wedding ceremony to be performed at a skating rink. (Portland)
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