Maryland: home of crab cakes, Old Bay seasoning, and a charming collection of laws bizarre enough to make even a blue crab blush. Behind its picturesque coastal towns and storied history lie legal quirks that might leave you scratching your head harder than figuring out how to properly crack open a crab. Buckle up, grab your Natty Boh, and settle in—it’s about to get delightfully weird in the Old Line State!
It’s Illegal to Take a Lion to the Movies in Baltimore
Thinking of a cinematic outing with your lion pal? Maryland explicitly says no. Big cats and blockbusters do not mix here.
Eating While Swimming in the Ocean City Surf is Prohibited
Ocean City takes snacking seriously—you cannot legally munch your sandwich while swimming. Beach snacks must stay on dry land.
You Can’t Throw Hay Bales Out of Second-Story Windows in Baltimore
Hay-throwing enthusiasts, beware: launching hay bales from upper-story windows is strictly forbidden in Baltimore. Apparently, hay fever had an extreme past here.
No Fortune-Telling in Caroline County
Palm readers and crystal-ball gazers are banned from predicting the future in Caroline County. Your psychic business must relocate.
Swearing on the Highway in Rockville is Illegal
Feeling road rage in Rockville? Keep your cursing quiet—profanity on highways is legally banned. Honk gently and drive kindly.
You Can’t Sell Non-Latex Condoms in Vending Machines
Maryland specifically forbids vending machines from dispensing non-latex condoms. The vending machine romance has very precise limits.
It’s Illegal to Mistreat Oysters
In Maryland, oysters have rights—mistreating them is strictly outlawed. Oyster etiquette is taken seriously, folks.
It’s Illegal to Wear Sleeveless Shirts in Public Parks (Technically)
Want to flex your biceps in a sleeveless shirt at a public park? Technically, Maryland law forbids it. Sleeves up, sleeves on.
In Cumberland, Knocking Stones into the Street is Forbidden
No pebble kicking here—Cumberland explicitly forbids knocking stones into city streets. Rock-throwers must take their business elsewhere.
Men Cannot Buy Drinks for Female Bartenders in Baltimore
Thinking of buying your bartender a round? If she’s female and in Baltimore, think again—Maryland oddly restricts the generosity of patrons.
No Playing Professional Croquet Before 2 PM on Sundays
Maryland’s Sunday croquet scene has strict time limits—professional matches can’t start before 2 PM. Sleep in, croquet pros!
You Can’t Wash or Scrub Sinks in Baltimore Streets
Cleaning enthusiasts beware—Baltimore explicitly bans washing sinks on the street. Keep your cleaning indoors and away from traffic, please.
There you have it—12 wonderfully weird and entirely true Maryland laws that keep life quirky in the Chesapeake region. From lions at the movies to oyster etiquette, Maryland clearly has a flair for creative lawmaking. Stay charmingly odd, Maryland—we wouldn’t have it any other way!
The post 12 Surprising (and Completely True) Maryland Laws You’ve Never Heard Of appeared first on When In Your State.