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

Maine: the Pine Tree State, renowned for breathtaking coastlines, lobster rolls, lighthouses—and apparently some of America’s most delightfully peculiar laws. Nestled among the serene forests and charming seaside villages, you’ll find statutes so quirky they seem freshly plucked from a Stephen King novel. Grab your flannel, pour some maple syrup, and prepare yourself—things are about to get wonderfully weird in Maine.

It’s Illegal to Step Out of an Airplane While in Flight

Maine law explicitly forbids stepping out of a plane mid-flight. Good advice—and probably unnecessary to legislate.

No Riding a Bike Without Your Hands in Biddeford

Thinking of cruising hands-free through Biddeford? Hold on tight—Maine requires handlebars to be firmly grasped at all times.

Christmas Decorations Must Be Taken Down by January 14th

In Maine, leaving your holiday cheer hanging past mid-January can technically earn you a fine. Jingle bells come with a strict expiration date here.

No Park Bench Naps in South Berwick

Feeling sleepy in public? Think twice—in South Berwick, dozing off on park benches is explicitly outlawed. Public naps, strictly forbidden.

Shotguns Must Be Brought to Church in Case of Native American Attack (Historical, but Still on Books)

Historically, Maine required citizens to bring firearms to Sunday service for protection. Thankfully outdated—but technically still on the books.

You Can’t Advertise on Tombstones

In Wells, Maine, tombstone advertisements are strictly forbidden. Keep your marketing away from the dearly departed.

It’s Illegal to Gamble at the Airport

Airport poker games and slot machines? Not in Maine—airport gambling is explicitly outlawed. Stick to your boarding pass, please.

No Keeping Armadillos as Pets

If you dream of an armadillo companion, look elsewhere—Maine prohibits keeping armadillos as pets. Stick to cats or dogs (lobsters optional).

No Dancing in Bars Unless They Have a Permit

In many Maine towns, bars require special licenses to allow dancing. Spontaneous moves on the dance floor? Risky business.

It’s Illegal to Bite Your Landlord

Landlord trouble? Resist biting—Maine specifically forbids tenants from chomping down on property owners. Teeth off, tenants!

Feeding Deer Is Illegal in Some Towns

Feeding deer in certain Maine communities is explicitly banned. No backyard buffets—keep your garden veggies to yourself.

No Strolling Down the Street While Playing a Violin in Augusta

Thinking of serenading the public with your violin skills on the sidewalks of Augusta? Maine explicitly forbids such romantic strolls. Save the concert for indoors.

There you have it—12 amusingly odd and entirely true Maine laws that bring new meaning to “Vacationland.” Whether you’re avoiding tombstone advertising or carefully scheduling your holiday decorations, Maine clearly enjoys keeping life both charming and quirky. Stay delightfully different, Maine—we love every eccentric bit of you!

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