Stephen Schultz | November 22, 2024 | Missouri Law
Missouri is a state known for its mix of urban charm and natural beauty, but it also has some weird laws that may surprise both residents and visitors alike.
Many crazy laws in the States are “laws in desuetude” or “dead letter laws.” These are laws that are still in the books but are outdated and unenforced. “Desuetude” is a legal concept that means a statute has become unenforceable through long-term disuse. However, not all of these odd laws are “dead letter laws.”
Here are eight weird and unusual laws in Missouri.
1. Single Men Between 21 And 50 Must Pay An Annual Tax
“Bachelor taxes” were somewhat common in the 19th to early 20th century. Missouri passed its bachelor tax in 1821, requiring single men between the ages of 21 and 50 to pay an annual $1 tax. The law was designed to encourage men to marry and have children.
Several other states, like Wyoming, New Jersey, Michigan, and Connecticut, also attempted to pass similar taxes, but those efforts failed.
In Boone County, Missouri, 94 men paid the bachelor tax in 1821. There were 535 total “resident” taxpayers that year.
2. It’s Illegal To Drive With An Uncaged Bear
While this may seem like a law out of a cartoon, Missouri actually has a law prohibiting people from driving with an uncaged bear in their vehicle. This law likely stems from the need to regulate exotic animals and prevent dangerous situations on the road. Given that Missouri has a diverse range of wildlife, this law may have been implemented to protect both people and animals.
3. You Can’t Have A Yard Sale In Front Of Your House In University City
University City has an ordinance that prohibits the sale of household goods in a “yard sale” or “garage sale” if it’s in front of the “front building line” or front yard of where you live. According to Ordinance Code Section 215.2330, it’s also illegal to have a yard sale for more than two days during any calendar year.
That means you’re limited to one-weekend yard sale (or two single-day sales) in a year, and you need to have the sale in the backyard or your actual garage!
4. Honking Another Person’s Horn Is Prohibited
In many states, it’s a traffic violation to honk your car horn except when necessary to warn other drivers of a hazard or imminent danger or to avoid a car accident. University City takes it one step further.
If you’re planning on borrowing a friend’s car in University City, Missouri, you might want to think twice before honking the horn. One of the weirdest laws in the city prohibits anyone other than the vehicle owner from honking the car’s horn. Like other weird laws, it may have been intended to prevent people from annoying others or causing a public nuisance, but it’s not enforced.
5. Drunk People Can’t Buy Cap Guns
It’s no surprise that Missouri has laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol to intoxicated individuals and driving under the influence, but the state also restricts the sale of cap guns to those under the influence. This law might have been created to prevent rowdy behavior, as cap guns could cause a disturbance when used irresponsibly. Though cap guns aren’t as popular today, this law remains a quirky example of Missouri’s efforts to maintain public order.
6. Minors Can’t Purchase Lighters Without Parental Permission
In Columbia, Missouri, minors are technically not allowed to purchase lighters without a parent’s consent. This law was likely intended to prevent young people from accessing items that could be dangerous or misused. While this rule might sound outdated, it’s a reminder of the city’s efforts to keep certain items out of children’s hands.
7. It’s Illegal To Hoard Hair Dye In Blythe
If you live in the town of Blythe, Missouri, and you’ve been hoarding hair dye, you might be breaking the law. Blythe has a unique regulation that limits the amount of hair dye a person can store at home. This unusual law was probably enacted to prevent people from using hair dye for purposes other than its intended use. Although it’s not enforced, it’s one of many weird and strange laws that still exist on the books.
8. It’s Illegal To Sell A Car On A Sunday
Missouri has a state law prohibiting the sale of new or used motor vehicles on Sundays. You can, however, buy and sell recreational vehicles, mobile homes, and car parts on Sundays.
Many states have laws on the books restricting car sales on Sundays. “Blue laws” or “Sunday laws” were originally passed to restrict activities on Sundays to enforce the observance of Christian religious beliefs.
Contact an Attorney For Legal Guidance
Missouri’s weird state laws offer a glimpse into the state’s unique legal history and changing attitudes over time. While most of these laws may no longer be enforced, they remind us of the ways society has evolved and how laws, even the quirky ones, reflect the values of their time.
If you have questions about Missouri laws or have been injured, get in touch with Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Missouri personal injury lawyer.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in St. Louis, MO
If you’ve been injured, please contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1430 Washington Ave Ste 225
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr
St. Louis, MO 63124
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502
Columbia, MO 65201
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
