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

Idaho—land of potatoes, scenic wilderness, and a hidden menu of truly bizarre laws. This charming, mountainous state may seem tranquil and picturesque, but lurking beneath the beauty is a collection of laws strange enough to raise eyebrows from Boise to Coeur d’Alene. Buckle your potato seatbelts, folks—it’s about to get delightfully weird in the Gem State.

No Riding Merry-Go-Rounds on Sundays

In Idaho, merry-go-round fun is strictly limited to weekdays and Saturdays—no spinning horses on Sundays. Apparently, Sunday fun has its limits.

It’s Illegal to Fish While Riding a Camel

Aspiring camel-mounted anglers, beware: Idaho explicitly forbids fishing from the hump of a camel. Stick to horses or boats, please.

Giving Chocolates Weighing More Than 50 Pounds is Illegal

Thinking of wooing someone with a massive chocolate heart? In Idaho, gifts of chocolate weighing over 50 pounds are technically banned. Romance has limits, apparently.

Bicycles Can’t Be Ridden on Tennis Courts

In Eagle, Idaho, bikes must stay strictly off tennis courts. Clearly, someone tried a Tour de Tennis match and ruined it for everyone.

Sweeping Dirt into the Street is Illegal

If you planned on tidying up your sidewalk by sweeping dirt onto the street, think again—Idaho likes clean streets and clean records.

You Can’t Sleep in a Dog Kennel Unless You’re a Dog

Human nap time in a dog kennel? Idaho explicitly bans this—apparently humans need human-sized sleeping arrangements.

It’s Illegal to Sell an Idaho Potato That Has Blemishes

Potato quality is sacred here—selling blemished or unsightly spuds labeled “Idaho-grown” is actually against the law. Only the prettiest potatoes make the cut.

Riding Merry-Go-Rounds on Sundays is Forbidden

Idaho apparently doubles down on merry-go-round restrictions, especially on Sundays. Clearly, carousels got rowdy at some point in Idaho history.

Bicycles Cannot Be Taken into Tennis Courts

Tennis matches in Eagle, Idaho, must remain bicycle-free. Because, of course, cycling on clay courts ruins both games.

It’s Illegal to Lead a Parade of Sheep Through Downtown Boise Without Permission

Dreaming of a sheep parade downtown? Not so fast—Boise has strict rules against unauthorized sheepish processions.

Residents Must Smile in Pocatello

Once famously known as the “U.S. Smile Capital,” Pocatello had an actual law requiring its residents to smile. Frowning was technically illegal—grumps, you’ve been warned.

Hunting from Helicopters is Illegal

If you thought Idaho skies were perfect for helicopter hunting, reconsider your weekend plans. Aerial hunting is explicitly outlawed—save your helicopter adventures for sightseeing.

Public Displays of Affection Must Last Less Than 18 Minutes

Idaho says public displays of affection must be kept under 18 minutes. Keep your romance brief—love has a strict time limit here.

And there you have it—12 bizarrely charming and completely true Idaho laws. Whether you’re keeping camels out of your fishing expeditions or timing your public displays of affection, Idaho certainly knows how to keep things quirky. Stay weird (and smiling), Gem State—we wouldn’t want you any other way!

The post 12 Surprising (and Completely True) Idaho Laws You’ve Never Heard Of appeared first on When In Your State.

Source link