From Alligators in baths to dead monkeys, here are Arkansas weird laws that’ll make you question what went wrong!

Buckle up, Buttercup, because we’re taking a road trip to the kooky state of Arkansas, where the laws are wilder than a hog at a hoedown! Now, Arkansas is a beautiful state with friendly folks and delicious food, but let’s face it—they also have some head-scratching laws on the books. Get ready to giggle as we explore some of Arkansas’s weirdest laws.

1. River Rising? Hold My Beer (But Not Too High!): 

Apparently, the Arkansas River has an agreement with the Main Street bridge in Little Rock. The law states the river can’t rise any higher than the bridge! We’re not sure if the river signed a contract or just shook on it, but hey, whatever keeps things from getting too wet, right?

2. Bye-Bye Bob, Bye-Bye Raise: 

Remember that iconic scene in “Grease” where Sandy transforms from a poodle skirt-wearing sweetheart to a leather-clad rock chick? Well, in Arkansas during a bygone era, school teachers who dared to bob their hair might as well have kissed their chances of a raise goodbye! Talk about a bad hair day!

3. Once a Month is Enough, Buddy: 

 This next law is a real head-scratcher (and a little concerning). An old law (thankfully not enforced anymore!) stated that a man could legally beat his wife, but only once a month. Yikes! Let’s be clear, folks, domestic violence is never okay, not once a month, not once a year, not ever.

4. Keep Your Kinks Out of Public (and Out of Bathtubs): 

 In Arkansas, oral sex is considered a no-go zone, at least legally speaking. And speaking of keeping things private, forget about taking a bubble bath with your pet gator in Arkansas. It’s against the law to keep alligators in bathtubs! Maybe a pool inflatable would be a better choice? If these aren’t the most renowned Arkansas Weird Laws, I don’t know what.

5. Fayetteville: The Land of Living Creatures (Even the Annoying Ones):  

Fayetteville, Arkansas, is a haven for all living creatures, even the ones that might drive you batty (literally!). Here, it’s illegal to kill “any living creature.” So, the next time a mosquito decides to make a meal out of you, just remember, revenge is not an option (unless you move to a different town).

6. Honking After Hours? Not in Little Rock!: 

Feeling peckish for a late-night sandwich in Little Rock? Remember to keep your celebration honks to a minimum! After 9 PM, honking your car horn at a sandwich shop is a big no-no. Maybe a celebratory fist pump would be a safer bet.

7. Hit the Brakes (But Not Too Abruptly) at McDonald’s:  

Little Rock has a special law for indecisive drivers, especially those with a hankering for McNuggets. Apparently, you can’t “suddenly start or stop” your car at a McDonald’s. So, take a deep breath, plan your route, and avoid any McFlurry-fueled brake checks.

8. Pups After Dark? Keep it Hush Hush!:  

Seems like Little Rock has a bit of a noise ordinance for our furry friends too. Canine companions are expected to keep their barking to a minimum after 6 PM. Maybe invest in some squeaky toys to keep them entertained during the quiet hours?

9. Public Flirting? Straight to Jail!:  

Calling all Romeos and Juliets in Little Rock! Public displays of affection, or as this law calls it, “flirtation,” between men and women can land you a 30-day jail sentence. Guess Arkansas prefers its love stories to stay behind closed doors (or maybe they just don’t want PDA interrupting their lunchtime walks).

10. Cows Don’t Like Sundays (Especially After Lunch):  

Here’s another of those Arkansas weird laws that’ll make you pinch yourself to see it. It’s for real! Forget about taking your cow for a leisurely stroll down Main Street in Little Rock on a Sunday afternoon. This law might be from a bygone era, but it’s still on the books! Maybe cows just prefer a nice nap after a big Sunday brunch?

11. Blue Light Blues? Not in Arkansas!: 

Looking to add some mood lighting to your home? Think twice if you’re in Arkansas. It’s actually illegal to buy or sell blue light bulbs! We’re not sure if they just prefer sunshine or have a vendetta against smurfs, but blue bulbs are a big no-no.

12. Cowboy Up, But Not Without Your Bovine Buddies:  

Calling all wannabe cowboys in Blytheville! If you want to wear cowboy boots, you better own at least two cows. Seems like legitimacy requires some bovine besties in this town.

13. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff (Literally):

Apparently, public displays of perspiration are frowned upon in Blytheville. It’s illegal to sweat excessively in public places. Maybe they have a particularly efficient air conditioning system in Blytheville, or perhaps they just take personal hygiene very seriously.

14. Sleeping Beauty on Duty? Not in Eureka Springs!:  

Eureka Springs takes naps very seriously. In fact, it’s against the law to fall asleep in a bathtub! Maybe they’ve had some unfortunate incidents with sleepy bathers and overflowing tubs, but a good nap after a long day in the hot springs sounds pretty tempting.

15. Watch Out for Those Sneaky Squirrels!:  

Squirrel lovers rejoice! In Helena, Arkansas, it’s illegal to harm a squirrel within city limits. These furry critters are considered honorary citizens! Just don’t blame us if your bird feeder gets a little lighter.

16. Juggling on Sundays? Not So Heavenly:  

Apparently, Sundays are for rest and relaxation in Paragould, not for juggling. Here, it’s illegal to practice juggling on the Sabbath. Maybe they just don’t want anyone dropping bowling pins on their way to church.

17. Beware the Bathing Suit Bandits!:  

If you’re planning a skinny dip in Hot Springs National Park, think again! It’s illegal to be naked in public bodies of water within the park boundaries. Maybe they just prefer their hot springs with a side of swimsuits.

18. Don’t Monkey Around with the Law!:  

South Bend, Arkansas, takes animal cruelty very seriously, and that includes monkeys. Here, it’s illegal to make a monkey smoke a cigarette. We’re pretty sure monkeys wouldn’t appreciate it anyway, but hey, it’s the law! I heard the monkeys appreciated those Arkansas weird laws that makes people go bananas!

19. Sleeping with the Fishes (But Not Literally):  

While Arkansas might not have an ocean, Dumas takes water safety very seriously. It’s against the law to sleep with your bedroom window open if you live on the ground floor. Maybe they’re worried about rogue catfish, or perhaps just a little too enthusiastic about air conditioning.

20. Don’t Forget Your Dancing Shoes (Unless You’re a Puppet):  

Gurdon, Arkansas, might be the perfect place to unleash your inner dancing queen, but only if you’re a real person. Here, it’s illegal to have a puppet show that charges admission. Guess puppets need a permit to bust a move in Gurdon!

21. Watch Out for Those Flying Frenchmen (and Women):  

Apparently, Paragould, Arkansas, isn’t a fan of public acrobatics. It’s illegal to walk on stilts within the city limits! Maybe they had a bad experience with a clumsy mime or a rogue tightrope walker, but stilts are a definite no-no here. This one isn’t just weird, it’s plain Goofy!

22. Don’t Tell Time with Tomatoes (Unless You’re Really Desperate):  

Get ready for this one. Running late in Pea Ridge? Think twice about using a tomato as a makeshift clock. It’s illegal to throw a tomato at someone to signal that it’s time to go home from work. Maybe a wristwatch is a safer bet!

23. Sharing is Caring, But Not Your Birthday Cake (Apparently):  

In DeQueen, Arkansas, it’s illegal to share your birthday cake with someone who isn’t present. We’re not sure if they’re worried about cake envy or just promoting good manners, but saving a slice for Aunt Mildred might be a good idea here.

24. Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick (But Not a Broken One):  

Lepanto, Arkansas, might be a peaceful town, but they don’t tolerate broken things. It’s illegal to carry a broken stick within the city limits. Maybe they’re worried about accidental pokes, or perhaps they just have a thing for keeping things neat and tidy.

25. Don’t Fence Me In (Literally):  

While fences might make good neighbors, they’re not exactly encouraged in certain parts of Arkansas. In Alpena, it’s illegal to build a fence around your property that is higher than six feet. Maybe they like to keep an eye on their neighbors, or perhaps they just have a thing for wide-open spaces.

26. Pyrotechnic Pies? Not in Plumerville!  

Planning a Fourth of July celebration in Plumerville? Leave the exploding cakes at home! It’s illegal to sell or ignite fireworks within the city limits. Maybe they prefer a more traditional sparkler show.

27. Don’t Monkey Around with Monkeys (Especially if They’re Dead):  

Gurdon, Arkansas, seems to have a thing for primates. In addition to the puppet show ban, it’s also illegal to possess a dead monkey within city limits. Live monkeys are a no-go for shows, and dead ones are a no-go for… taxidermy enthusiasts? The reasons remain a mystery. Show me a weird Arkansas law and I’ll show 35 Arkansas weird laws!

28. Don’t Get Caught Short on the Dance Floor (Literally):  

Beware, aspiring ballroom dancers in Jasper! It’s against the law for a woman to dance without a chaperone if her dress is shorter than two inches above her ankles. Seems like they have a strict dress code for the local hoedown.

29. Sleeping Beauty Takes a Vacation (But Not on Sundays):  

Eureka Springs might be known for its relaxing atmosphere, but apparently, napping has its limits. While it’s illegal to fall asleep in a bathtub any day of the week, there’s an extra emphasis on staying awake on Sundays. Maybe they have a particularly lively church service, or perhaps napping is just seen as a weekday privilege.

30. Don’t Be a Litterbug (Even with Confetti):  

Paragould really takes cleanliness seriously. In addition to the juggling ban on Sundays, it’s also illegal to throw confetti or any other litter within the city limits. Seems like they like to keep their streets sparkling clean, even on celebratory occasions.

31. No Fortune Telling with… Beans?:  

In Jasper, Arkansas, fortune telling is illegal… unless you’re using cards or palms. Seems like psychic beans just don’t hold the same weight with the local authorities. Maybe there was a string of bad bean-based predictions in Jasper’s past?

32. Don’t Block the Sidewalk (Even with a Rocking Chair):  

Waldo, Arkansas, values pedestrian comfort. It’s against the law to sit on your porch swing or rocking chair in a way that blocks the sidewalk. Maybe they have a lot of enthusiastic porch sitters who like to sprawl out, or perhaps they just have a healthy walking culture.

33. Don’t Get Caught Short on Tuesdays (Literally Again!):  

Greenland, Arkansas, seems to have a thing for specific day-based ordinances. In addition to the napping restrictions in other towns, Greenland ups the ante by making it illegal to take a bath on Tuesdays. Maybe they have a town-wide laundry day on Tuesdays, or perhaps they’re just big fans of quick showers.

34. Don’t Mess with the Meter Maids (Especially if They’re on Horseback):  

While not super common anymore, some Arkansas towns like Eureka Springs used to have mounted meter maids who patrolled on horseback! Messing with a parking ticket or disrespecting these equestrian enforcers was likely a recipe for trouble.

35. Watch Out for Falling… Squirrels?:  

Okay, this one isn’t a law, but it’s a fun fact! Because squirrels are protected in some Arkansas towns, there have been instances where property owners can’t remove dead squirrels from their trees or roofs. Talk about a sticky situation!

There you have it, the list of Arkansas weird laws. If you liked this one, then you’re gonna love the next articles! Check them out!

Meanings Behind Some of Arkansas Weird Laws

We’ve explored a treasure trove of Arkansas’s oddball laws, but have you ever wondered why these quirky regulations exist in the first place? While some reasons are lost to time, here’s a dive into the potential stories behind a few of these head-scratchers:

The Bobbed Hair Ban Meaning:  

This law, thankfully no longer enforced, might have stemmed from societal norms of the time. Short haircuts on women were considered unconventional and even rebellious in the early 20th century. Perhaps the school board worried about teachers with bobbed hair setting a bad example for students.

The Bathtub Alligator Ban Meaning:  

This one seems like a no-brainer for safety reasons. Alligators are wild animals and can be dangerous, especially in a confined space like a bathtub. Imagine the chaos (and potential injuries) if a grumpy gator decided to take a bath!

The No Sunday Cow Walking Law Meaning:  

This law likely originated in a time when Sundays were strictly observed for religious purposes. Perhaps allowing cows on the main street on Sundays disrupted the peace and quiet desired for church services or family gatherings.

The Anti-Flirtation Law Meaning:  

This outdated law might have been a response to concerns about public displays of affection being seen as immoral. Social norms in the past were often more conservative, and public displays of love might have been frowned upon.

The Mysterious Blue Light Bulb Ban Meaning:  

The reason behind this one remains a bit of a mystery. Some theories suggest concerns about the impact of blue light on vision, while others speculate it might have been a way to promote a certain type of lighting technology.

The Excessive Sweating Ordinance Meaning:  

This law in Blytheville might have been a public health measure in response to an outbreak of a contagious illness spread through sweat. However, the lack of enforcement suggests it was likely an overreaction or poorly defined ordinance.

The Sunday Juggling Ban Meaning:  

Paragould’s restriction on Sunday juggling could be linked to religious beliefs about keeping the Sabbath holy. Perhaps juggling was seen as a frivolous activity that shouldn’t be done on a day of rest and reflection.

Remember, these are just possible explanations, and the true reasons behind some laws might never be fully known. However, exploring the potential origins adds another layer of intrigue to Arkansas’s unique legal landscape.