Colorado: home of majestic mountains, legal weed, craft beer, and laws so bizarre you’ll wonder if they were passed at high altitude… or because of it. Nestled between ski slopes and hiking trails are state rules that range from oddly specific to downright absurd. Buckle up your snow boots—because the Centennial State’s legal quirks are about to take you for a wild (yet law-abiding) ride.
1. It’s Illegal to Lend Your Vacuum Cleaner to Your Neighbor in Denver
Yes, in Denver city limits, sharing your Hoover across property lines technically breaks the law. Dirt solidarity? Denied.
2. You Can’t Have a Couch on Your Porch in Boulder
Boulder banned porch couches after too many students set them on fire. Because apparently nothing screams “party foul” like flaming furniture.
3. Don’t Mutilate a Rock in a State Park
Chipping, carving, or otherwise defacing a rock in a Colorado state park can earn you a fine. So keep your love letters off the granite, Romeo.
4. It’s Illegal to Throw Missiles at Cars
Seems obvious, right? But the law actually specifies “missiles,” which includes rocks, bottles, and yes—any Tom Brady-level footballs.
5. It’s a Crime to Let Your Llama Graze on Public Property
In Boulder, if your llama starts munching city grass, you could be fined. Keep your alpaca drama on private land, please.
6. Cats Must Have a Taillight After Dark in Sterling
This one’s more urban legend than enforced ordinance, but rumor has it Sterling once required cats roaming at night to be outfitted with a taillight. Glow kitty, glow.
7. You Can’t Ride a Horse While Under the Influence
In Colorado, DUI laws apply to saddles as well as steering wheels. So if you’re tipsy in Telluride, call an Uber—not your horse.
8. It’s Illegal to Drive a Black Car on Sundays in Denver
An old ordinance that’s largely ignored today, but still: if your ride is murdered-out, maybe stay home on the Sabbath—just in case.
9. You May Not Have a “Smelly Building” in Alamosa
Alamosa law prohibits buildings from emitting any “unpleasant odor.” The city takes its air very seriously.
10. It’s Against the Law to Throw Snowballs in Aspen (Technically)
Aspen’s snowball-throwing ban was originally to prevent injuries and property damage. But let’s be honest: if you’re not chucking snowballs in Aspen, are you even living?
11. No “Annoying” Lawn Decorations in Westminster
Inflatable Santas, plastic flamingos, or glow-in-the-dark gnomes? If they’re deemed a nuisance, they’ve gotta go.
12. You Can’t Crash into a Utility Pole Just to Report It for Being Unsafe
Apparently this happened enough to require a law. Points for public service, but… don’t do that.
13. It’s Illegal to Fish From the Back of a Horse
Yup—reel talk. If you’re casting a line while riding your steed, the law says no. Sorry, cowboy.
14. It’s a Crime to “Roar” Like a Lion in Public in Boulder
No jungle cosplay allowed on Pearl Street. It might scare the tourists or the organic kale.
Colorado may be the ultimate playground for adventurers and free spirits, but its legal code definitely has a weird side. So while you’re exploring alpine trails or vibing at a bluegrass brewery, just remember: leave the porch couch at home, don’t loan out your vacuum, and for the love of Boulder—keep your roaring to a minimum.
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