Whoa, Missouri Has Some Seriously WEIRD Laws – And These Are The Craziest Ones!
Missouri’s weird and wild laws will make you question everything you thought you knew about the Show-Me State!
SPRINGFIELD, MO – Missouri, like many states, has its share of unusual laws still on the books. While rarely enforced, these regulations offer a glimpse into the state’s past and sometimes leave us wondering about their origins.
Here are some of Missouri’s most bizarre laws that continue to perplex residents and visitors alike.
No Bears Behind the Wheel
In what might seem like common sense to most, Missouri explicitly prohibits driving with an uncaged bear. This law likely dates back to a time when traveling circuses were more common, but it remains an amusing addition to the state’s traffic regulations.

Columbia’s Clothesline Conundrum
In an odd twist of local legislation, Columbia has banned the use of clotheslines. However, residents are still permitted to hang their laundry on fence posts, creating a peculiar loophole in the city’s regulations.
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Youth and Alcohol Container Dilemma
One of the more controversial laws involves minors and household chores. Individuals under 21 can be charged with illegal possession of alcohol for simply taking out trash containing empty alcoholic beverage containers. This well-intentioned law aimed at curbing underage drinking creates unexpected complications for young people performing routine tasks.
Honking Horns and Spooked Horses
Missouri maintains a law against honking one’s horn, ostensibly to avoid startling horses. This statute reflects a time when horse-drawn carriages and early automobiles shared the roads, highlighting the state’s agricultural heritage.
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Leave the Squirrels Alone
State law takes an unexpectedly considerate stance towards its small furry inhabitants by prohibiting the “worrying” of squirrels. The exact definition of what constitutes “worrying” a squirrel remains ambiguous, adding to the law’s quirky nature.
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Ear-Smoking Ban
Perhaps one of the most perplexing laws prohibits inhaling tobacco smoke through one’s ear. The circumstances that led to this oddly specific regulation remain a mystery, leaving many to wonder about its origins.
Excelsior Springs’ Throwing Prohibition
The town of Excelsior Springs has implemented a law prohibiting the throwing of hard objects by hand. While the intention behind this regulation is unclear, it certainly limits certain recreational activities within the community.

The Bizarre Brothel Law
An outdated regulation prohibits four or more unrelated women from sharing an apartment, dubbing such arrangements as potential brothels. This law stands as a relic of past moral policing and outdated gender norms.
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St. Louis Curb and Beer Bucket Ban
In St. Louis, it’s illegal to sit on any curb of any city street with a bucket of beer. The specific nature of this law leaves one wondering about the events that may have led to its creation.

No Dancing in Purdy
The town of Purdy has instituted a strict ban on dancing, reminiscent of the plot from the classic film “Footloose.” This regulation harkens back to a time when such activities were viewed with moral suspicion.
These laws, while rarely enforced today, offer a unique perspective on Missouri’s legal history and the evolving nature of societal concerns. They serve as curious reminders of how past issues and values can shape legislation, sometimes resulting in regulations that seem utterly absurd by contemporary standards.
So, I guess, if you find yourself in Missouri and want to not end up in the slammer… be kind to the squirrels and avoid smoking with your ears! Happy travels.
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