14 Strange (But True) Laws You’ll Only Hear About in Oklahoma

Oklahoma: where the wind comes sweeping down the plain—and so do some absolutely bizarre laws. Known for its cowboy culture, tornado drills, and more roadside pecan stands than you can count, the Sooner State also has a legal code that feels like it was drafted during a cattle stampede. From criminally confusing tattoos to banned hypnotism, Oklahoma’s laws are as wild as its weather.

1. It’s Illegal to Eavesdrop in Oklahoma

Yep—listening in on someone else’s conversation without their permission is a criminal offense. So keep your ear out of other people’s business… unless you want to hear from a judge.

2. Whaling Is Prohibited

Despite being entirely landlocked, Oklahoma has made it very clear: no whaling. Just in case you were planning to harpoon one in Lake Eufaula.

3. You Can Be Fined for Making “Ugly Faces” at a Dog

That’s right—don’t mock someone’s pooch with your best gremlin impression. It’s considered harassment, and yes, it’s a real law.

4. Tattoos Were Illegal Until 2006

Until fairly recently, it was technically illegal to get inked in Oklahoma. People would cross state lines just to get a butterfly tramp stamp in Texas.

5. It’s Illegal to Promote Horse Tripping

In case you were wondering: tripping horses for fun or sport is banned. So much for your weird rodeo-themed YouTube channel.

6. No Hypnotizing Students Without Written Parental Consent

Teachers must keep their Jedi mind tricks to themselves. If you want to hypnotize kids in Oklahoma, get it in writing first.

7. You Can’t Curse in the Presence of a Dead Person

If you’re at a funeral or crime scene, keep your language clean. Swearing around the deceased is considered a public offense.

8. Kissing Someone While You’re Wearing a Fake Mustache is Illegal

If you’re puckering up in disguise, better rethink it. Kissing with a phony ’stache—especially if it’s meant to deceive—is a no-go.

9. It’s Illegal to Own More Than Two Adult Cats in Bartlesville Without a Permit

Three or more kitties and you’re officially a regulated cat-lord. Make sure your fur babies are legally accounted for.

10. You Can Be Arrested for “Making Unusual Noises” After 11 PM

Whether it’s late-night yodeling or experimental didgeridoo solos, Oklahoma doesn’t want to hear it. Quiet hours mean quiet everything.

11. Wearing Your Boots to Bed Can Be Grounds for Divorce

Old state statutes once listed “wearing boots in bed” as evidence of marital cruelty. Apparently, cowboy romance has boundaries.

12. You May Not Open a Bottle of Soda Without a Licensed Soda Jerk in Some Counties

Some older counties still have regulations left over from the soda fountain era. Pop that Pepsi wrong, and you could pop up in court.

13. It’s Illegal to Pretend to Be a Member of the Clergy

No fake priests, rabbis, or televangelists allowed. Impersonating religious leaders is a fast way to find yourself praying for bail.

14. Don’t Read a Comic Book While Driving

You shouldn’t be reading anything behind the wheel—but in Oklahoma, comic books are specifically called out. Apparently, Spider-Man is too distracting for safe driving.

From fake facial hair felonies to soda-opening supervision, Oklahoma’s legal oddities prove that life in the Sooner State isn’t just full of tumbleweeds and twisters—it’s also full of eyebrow-raising statutes. So go ahead and enjoy the open plains—just don’t kiss anyone in costume or frown at a dog while you’re at it.

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