List of strange state laws on the books in Arizona. These rules and regulations were passed by the Arizona state legislature, or in an individual Arizona 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 Almost every city and state has some outdated, old-fashioned or even nonsensical laws on the books, and they can come about for a variety of reasons.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 Arizona, let me know in the comments below.1
597208Cutting down a cactus.
There is a possible 25 years in prison for cutting down a cactus.2
355123Imitation cocaine
It is illegal to manufacture imitation cocaine.3
439205Hunting camels
Hunting camels is prohibited.4
476239Glass of water
It is unlawful to refuse a person a glass of water.5
285129Riding a horse
No one is permitted to ride their horse up the stairs of the county court house. (Prescott)6
260137Smoking cigarettes
It is illegal to smoke cigarettes within 15 feet of a public place unless you have a Class 12 liqueur license. (Mesa)7
248137Stealing soap
A decree declares that anyone caught stealing soap must wash himself with it until it is all used up. (Mohave County)8
367226Donkeys
Donkeys cannot sleep in bathtubs.9
219132Cottontails and Bullfrogs
If you bother the cottontails or bullfrogs, you will be fined. (Hayden)10
220161Spray paint
One must be 18 years old to buy spray paint. (Tempe)11
228243Dildos
You may not have more than two d***os in a house.12
117182Wearing a red mask
Any misdemeanor committed while wearing a red mask is considered a felony.13
73123Physical retaliation
A class 2 misdemeanor occurs if one places a mark upon a flag which is “likely to provoke physical retaliation”.14
101179Playing cards
Cards may not be played in the street with a Native American. (Globe)15
106203Missing tooth
It is illegal for men and women over the age of 18 to have less than one missing tooth visible when smiling. (Tombstone)16
80163Wearing of suspenders
An ordinance prohibits the wearing of suspenders. (Nogales)17
109218Cars
Cars may not be driven in reverse.18
110225Six girls
No more than six girls may live in any house. (Maricopa County)19
105244Being attacked
When being attacked by a criminal or burglar, you may only protect yourself with the same weapon that the other person posseses.
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