5 Unusual State Laws Across the US
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There is a wide range of unlikely state laws nationwide, including ones prohibiting biting a person's arm (or leg) off to swearing at kids' sports events.
From swearing at sporting events to making synthetic drugs, some states have some very interesting laws. Here is a roundup of some of the most interesting.
Saving Parking Spots Illegal
According to AccuWeather, shoveling out snow covered parking spaces and blocking them with household items is a time-honored tradition during the winter across the county. The items used to save the spaces range from traffic cones to toilets.
However, the Philadelphia Police Department created a ‘No Savesies’ campaign to remind residents that saving spots in the city is illegal.
Looks like a big #snowstorm is coming. If u see folks saving spots, call us on your cellphone to report #NoSavesies pic.twitter.com/9NzUBNVcey
— Philadelphia Police (@PhillyPolice) January 20, 2016
Banning Clotheslines Banned
In 2009, Vermont made it illegal for groups like neighborhood associations to ban clotheslines. According to Brattleboro Reformer, the provision was tucked into an energy bill passed by the state legislature, with supporters of the law saying dryers can use 15% of a household's electricity consumption.
Making Synthetic Drugs Outlawed
According to Arizona State Legislature, synthetic drugs are illegal just like their organic counterparts. Synthetic drugs can be very potent and often contain dangerous unknown chemicals.
If an Arizona resident is arrested for a synthetic drug crime, the person will likely be charged the same way they would be if they possessed an organic illegal drug, Knowles Law Firm says.
President Obama signed into law a synthetic drug act that banned all imitation drugs, placing them in the same category as their organic counterparts.
Swearing at Sporting Events Fined
In Massachusetts, it's against the law to swear at players or officials during sporting events. According to the state’s General Court, "whoever, having arrived at the age of 16 years, directs any profane, obscene or impure language or slanderous statement at a participant or an official in a sporting event, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $50."
Biting or Cutting Off an Arm (or Leg) Illegal
In Rhode Island, harming a person's limbs is illegal, but only if done with malicious intent.
According to Title 9 Criminal Offenses, "every person who shall voluntarily, maliciously or of purpose put out an eye, slit the nose, ear, lip, cut off, bite off, or disable any limb or member of another, shall be imprisoned not exceeding 20 years nor less than one year."
Andre Claudio is an assistant editor at Route Fifty.
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