10 Weirdest Pennsylvania Laws That Will Leave You Like “Holy Cow!”

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10 Weirdest Pennsylvania Laws That Will Leave You Like “Holy Cow!”

Pennsylvania is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. However, it is also home to some of the most unbelievable laws in the United States. From regulations on fishing to prohibitions on sleeping on refrigerators, Pennsylvania’s legal system contains a variety of odd and sometimes comical laws.

While some of these laws may be outdated or no longer enforced, they offer a glimpse into the state’s past. This article offers insight into the state’s history, culture, and legal quirks.

1. It is illegal to sing in the bathtub

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Many people sing a song when they are in the bathtub, but every state has different laws for this. It sounds strange, but Pennsylvania has laws prohibiting people from singing in the bathroom. It is illegal to sing in the bathtub in Pennsylvania according to the Bathroom Singing Prohibition Act passed in 1969 to force performers to expose their talent. You can get arrested for singing in a bathtub or shower.

2. It is illegal to sleep on a refrigerator outdoors

You are not allowed by state laws to sleep on top of a refrigerator outdoors. But you may sleep on top of any refrigerator you want in the privacy of your own home.

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3. It is illegal to have over 16 women live in a house together

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This is because e definition of a brothel in Pennsylvania is more than 16 women living together in one house. Therefore, in Pennsylvania it is illegal for 16 women to live together. However up to 120 men can live together, without breaking the law.

4. It is illegal to have a child’s bedroom within 200 feet of a bathtub

 A child’s bedroom may not be more than 200 feet from a bathtub or shower and a toilet. Maybe this was meant to accommodate the little human’s short legs and tiny bladders. It also increases convenience when kids need to use the bathroom.

5. Liquor stores are run by the state

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In 1933 during the era of Prohibition, the state’s Republican governor, Gifford Pinchot, called a special session of the General Assembly to create the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for the express purpose of discouraging the purchase of alcoholic beverages “by making it as inconvenient and expensive as possible.” A law was passed that made the state government the only approved reseller of wines and spirits.

6. It is illegal to catch a fish with your hands, mouth, or feet

According to Title 58, Chapter 63 of the Pennsylvania Code, you can only catch fish using a line or hook. The code also goes into what kind of bait you can use while catching a fish. It states that catching fish with a lasso or a bow and arrow is illegal.

Click to read these 15 weird laws to be aware of in Ohio.

7. Fortune telling is considered illegal in Pennsylvania

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By the state’s definition fortune telling includes making love potions and drawing maps to buried treasure. In 2015, a woman faced trial for 55 counts of fortune telling, theft by deception and theft by unlawful taking. Too bad fortunetellers have to keep all that privileged information to themselves.

8. You cannot operate a bingo game if you have committed a felon

According to chapter 105 section 13 of the city of Bensalem’s municipal code, “No distributor nor any person who has been convicted of a felony or of a violation of the Bingo Law or of this chapter or of any comparable state or federal law shall have a pecuniary interest in the operation or proceeds of games of chance.”

Find out more about these 20 weird laws to be aware of in Florida.

9. It is illegal for car dealerships to sell cars on Sundays

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There’s a reason Pennsylvania car dealerships are closed on Sunday. This is because it would be illegal for them to sell you a car. It’s a vestige of Pennsylvania’s blue laws. Blue laws were designed to keep Sunday a day of rest. And while many of those laws have been repealed, the one restricting the sale of vehicles remains prevalent.

10. Discharging a cannon during a wedding is not allowed

It’s against the law to discharge a gun, cannon, revolver or other explosive weapons at a public event.

11. It is illegal to sweep dirt under the rug

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Pennsylvania cleaning ordinance bans housewives from sweeping dirt under a rug. This law was created back in a slightly more misogynistic day.

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