12 Surprising (and Completely True) Delaware Laws You’ve Never Heard Of

Delaware: first in statehood, small in size, and enormous in quirky laws you didn’t even know existed. While this charming slice of the East Coast is known for its beaches, tax-free shopping, and being the go-to spot for corporate headquarters, hidden beneath that unassuming exterior are some downright puzzling statutes. Brace yourself—here are 12 surprising Delaware laws that prove the First State is first in eccentric legal entertainment, too.

No Whispering in Church

In Rehoboth Beach, whispering during services is technically illegal. Save the gossip for brunch afterward—God is listening, and apparently, so is Delaware law.

Picnics Are Illegal on the Highways

Thinking about setting up a nice roadside picnic along I-95? Think again. Delaware explicitly forbids picnicking on the highway—sandwiches must wait.

You Can’t Serve Margarine as Butter in Restaurants

In Delaware, it’s illegal to trick diners into thinking margarine is butter. When Delaware says butter, it means butter, period.

It’s Illegal to Change Clothes in Your Car in Fenwick Island

Swimsuit changes behind tinted windows? Not in Fenwick Island. Better find a changing room—this seaside town means business.

Alcohol Can’t Be Served in Nightclubs if There’s Dancing

Want a drink with your dance moves in Rehoboth Beach? Too bad. Nightclubs can’t legally mix dancing with alcohol. Apparently, dancing feet must remain sober.

It’s Illegal to Fly Over Water Without Carrying Food and Drink

Delaware requires anyone piloting an airplane over a body of water to carry adequate food and beverages. Apparently, even pilots need snack breaks.

Selling Deadly Weapons to Minors is Prohibited—Unless it’s Pepper Spray

Oddly specific? Definitely. Delaware lets minors purchase pepper spray—because nothing says responsible teenager like a pocketful of pepper spray.

Pawn Shops Can’t Accept Your Wheelchair as Collateral

Thinking of pawning your wheelchair? Forget it—selling or pawning your wheelchair is strictly prohibited in Delaware. Mobility comes first.

Horse Racing Is Forbidden on Good Friday and Easter Sunday

Even horses deserve a day off, at least according to Delaware’s law books. No derby thrills allowed during religious holidays.

You Can’t Fly Over Water Without Lifejackets

In Delaware, airplane passengers are required by law to have life jackets onboard if flying over water—because you never know when you’ll be swimming home.

It’s Illegal to Serve Perfume as Alcoholic Beverages

Fancy sipping Eau de Cologne as a cocktail? Nope, Delaware preemptively forbids this odd happy-hour twist. Stick to normal drinks—please.

No Trick-or-Treating on Sundays

Halloween landing on a Sunday in Rehoboth Beach? Too bad—trick-or-treating is legally restricted to the night before. Costumes must wait another year.

You Can’t Pretend to Sleep on a Bench on the Boardwalk

No fake snoozing allowed on Rehoboth’s benches. If you’re pretending to nap, Delaware sees right through your lazy act and considers you suspicious.

Well, there you have it—Delaware’s wonderfully strange, entirely true, and somewhat perplexing laws in all their quirky glory. Whether you’re picnicking illegally on highways or resisting the urge to whisper in church, Delaware is definitely keeping things interesting. Until next time, keep your snacks in the cockpit and your whispering voices at home!

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