Ohio Dumb Laws

Contributing to the Delinquency of Fish

A strange and persistent myth holds that it’s illegal to get a fish drunk in Ohio. While this law doesn’t appear in the Ohio Revised Code, it’s often cited as a warning against animal cruelty or water contamination. The idea may stem from concerns over polluting waterways with alcohol or toxic runoff.

No Whaling on Sundays

Despite being landlocked, Ohio reportedly has a law banning whale fishing on Sundays. This one appears on numerous weird law lists, but we were unable to confirm it with a reliable primary source. Unless whales have taken up residence in Lake Erie, this law seems more like a running joke than an enforceable statute.

Shiny Shoe Statute

An old Cleveland ordinance allegedly bans women from wearing patent leather shoes in public. The reason? Reflections. The fear was that shiny footwear might reveal undergarments. While this law is no longer enforced (and may not even still exist) it’s a relic of a different era’s modesty laws.

Reporting Exotic Animal Escapes

In Ohio, if your dangerous exotic animal escapes (think tiger or giant snake) you’re legally required to notify authorities within one hour. This regulation came after a 2011 incident where dozens of dangerous animals were released in Zanesville. It’s an example of how modern events can lead to very specific legal mandates. Source

Give a Courtesy Toot

Ohio’s driving manual technically instructs drivers to honk their horn when overtaking another vehicle. This old-school rule was intended as a safety measure, back when cars were louder and roads less structured. Today, it’s rarely followed and can even seem rude, but it’s still on the books. Source