25 Unbelievably Weird Laws in North Carolina

25 Unbelievably Weird Laws in North Carolina

*Originally Published by Diana C in March 2023 and Updated by Diana K in May 2024

 North Carolina is a state with a rich history and a unique culture, but it is also home to some of the weirdest laws in the United States. From laws prohibiting the use of elephants to plow cotton fields to regulations on the use of fake names in hotels, North Carolina’s legal system contains a myriad of peculiar and sometimes comical regulations.

While some of these laws may be outdated or no longer enforced, they offer a glimpse into the state’s past and highlight the quirkiness of its legal system. Here are 20 Unbelievably Weird Laws in North Carolina.

1. It is illegal to use elephants to plow cotton fields

Photo by Trisha Downing. Unsplash.

Elephants may not be used to plow cotton fields in North Carolina. This law was enacted to reduce the misuse of elephants in that sector. It gives an idea that at one point elephants were used to plow cotton fields.

2. It is illegal to sing off-key

In North Carolina, it’s against the law to sing off key. The origin of this weird law dates back to the 19th century. Legend has it that a man in Lumberton, North Carolina was fined for singing loudly and poorly. The case is more about disturbing the peace than bad singing skills

3. It is illegal to drive on the sidewalk

Photo by Namubi. Unsplash.

It’s illegal to drive on a sidewalk or sidewalk area, according to state law. This law was probably implemented for safety reasons. It makes sense that driving a car where pedestrians usually are is against the law.

4. It is illegal to steal your neighbor’s dog

If any person shall unlawfully take and carry away any horse, gelding, mare, mule, or dog, the property of another person, secretly and against the will of the owner of such property, with intent to deprive the owner of the special or temporary use of the same. Or with the intent to use such property for a special or temporary purpose. The person who commits this offense shall be guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.

Click to read these 10 weird laws found in Pennsylvania.

5. Dog fighting is prohibited in North Carolina

Photo by Victor Grabarczyk. Unsplash.

A person who instigates or promotes exhibition featuring the baiting of a dog or the fighting of a dog with another dog or with another animal is guilty of an offence. In addition to banning dog fighting, North Carolina outlaws other types of animal fighting.

6. Bingo games cannot last more than five hours

North Carolina prohibits the amount and length of bingo games by organizations that are tax-exempt, like churches. “The number of sessions of bingo conducted or sponsored by an exempt organization shall be limited to two sessions per week and such sessions must not exceed a period of five hours each per session.” The law does not apply to bingo games conducted at fairs and other exhibitions.

7. It is illegal to swear in front of a dead body

A bill passed in 2001 prohibits the use of “profanity, indecent, or obscene language in the presence of a dead human body.” The Clean Language clause was already law in funeral homes and was extended to the transportation of bodies out of respect for the dead and their loved ones.

8. It is illegal to rollerblade on the highway

Photo by Ambroise Nicolao. Unsplash.

This law makes it unlawful for any person to ride a skateboard, roller skates or roller blades in any public vehicular area owned or maintained by a governmental unit. One of the  exceptions to this is skating in play streets designated under the law.

9 . If a man and a woman who are not married are in a hotel room together, they must have separate beds

 Any man and woman who are not married are found occupying the same bedroom in any hotel, public inn or boarding house for any “immoral purpose” they are guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

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

10. It is illegal to hold an organized meeting wearing masks

Photo by engin akyurt. Unsplash.

No person or persons at least 16 years of age shall hold a meeting while wearing a mask, hood or device whereby the person, face or voice is disguised so as to conceal the identity of the wearer. This shall be the case unless they first obtain from the owner or occupier of the property his or her written permission to do so.

11. It is illegal to play games in the street

North Carolina code makes it illegal for anyone to operate any unregulated games of chance that involve money. The state doesn’t have an exemption for home games, and taking part in an unlawful game is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor.

12. It is illegal to use a fake name in a hotel

Photo by Marten Bjork. Unsplash.

Any man and woman falsely claiming to be husband and wife in any hotel, public inn or boardinghouse is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

13. A marriage can be ended if one is impotent

Impotency, or the lack of capacity for ordinary sexual intercourse, is a condition that can affect either a man or a woman. If an impotent person marries and the impotency is permanent and incurable, the other party can move the court to void the marriage, under N.C. law.

14. It is necessary to have a license for commercial fishing

Photo by Brady Rogers. Unsplash.

For generations, tourists and North Carolina residents have harvested shrimp along the state’ s coast. Before 1994, recreational shrimpers had to purchase a commercial fishing license, allowing them to use shrimp-trawl gear from a boat.

15. It is illegal to sniff glue in Huntersville

The law was enacted to curb the invention of ‘new drugs’. Some opted to sniff glue to get a high. The law enacted provided that inhalation of fumes was prohibited. ‘No person shall, for the purpose of causing a condition of intoxication, euphoria, excitement, exhilaration, stupefaction or dulling of the senses or nervous system, intentionally smell or inhale the fumes from any model glue.’

Check out these 55 weird laws you can find in US.

16. It is illegal to steal kitchen grease

According to state law, it’s illegal to steal kitchen grease. If you’re caught, the punishment depends on how much you take. If the value of the grease is worth $1,000 or less, the crime is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. But if it’s worth more than $1,000, you can be charged with a felony.

17. Alligator hunting is illegal

Photo by Shelly Collins. Unsplash.

alligator hunting is allowed by permit only in North Carolina. Otherwise harming or killing an alligator is strictly prohibited. Only authorized individuals can remove problem alligators.

18. It is illegal to drive through a cemetery faster than 12 miles per hour

No vehicles are permitted within City Cemetery except for vehicles associated with cemetery maintenance, scheduled contractual work, or visitors with physical disability. Further the law provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to use the City cemeteries as a playground.

Click to see these 15 weird laws that exist in Michigan.

19. It is illegal to walk on top of the city water tank

Photo by Alireza Khoddam. Unsplash.

Standing on top of the water tank probably offers an amazing view. We’re guessing plenty of teenagers gave it a try. But the dangers of climbing the city water tower are obvious, and so the law was passed.

20. The Law Prohibits Happy Hour

Photo by Lightscape on Unsplash

If you live in North Carolina, you’ll have to put your happy hour dreams on hold when it comes to beverages. Thanks to the state’s Alcohol Beverage Control Commission, bars and restaurants can’t offer up drink deals for just a couple hours in the evening. Any drink special has to last the entire business day – from open to close. 

Basically, not a happy hour but rather “Happy Day”. So no snagging that margarita from 4-6pm and then paying full price the rest of the night. It’s an all-day commitment to discounted sips or nothing at all. You will have to settle for premium prices on that frosty pint or citrusy cocktail.

21. Keep Hens, No Roosters

From research, I learned about an  interesting North Carolina law regarding the keeping of hens. According to this law, you can only have a maximum of five hens or other fowl on your property. However, roosters are strictly prohibited, likely due to their infamous crowing that could disturb neighbours.

If you plan to keep hens, their coops and runs must be situated in your backyard, maintaining a minimum distance of 20 feet from any neighbouring property lines. Slaughtering chickens for personal consumption on your property is legal. As long as the process remains out of sight from public areas or adjacent properties. 

22. No Alcohol During Bingo

Michael Cote’, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In a Bingo game there are players  who get a little too enthusiastic shouting “Bingo!” after one too many drink. In North Carolina it is not allowed and it is not just customary – it’s the law! State regulation  bans the sale and consumption of any alcoholic beverages wherever bingo is happening. 

While other states embrace cocktails and daubers, North Carolina keeps bingo dry as a bone. North Carolina is simply protecting the integrity of the game by keeping things dry. So next time you hit up bingo night, you’ll have to get your kicks from the rush of winning, not from any liquid courage. Maybe it’s for the best – you need a clear head to track those numbers!

23. Avoid Driving with your Dog on Your Lap

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

In North Carolina, you might want to think twice before cruising down the highway with your dog nestled comfortably on your lap. While the state’s current laws don’t explicitly prohibit it, legislators are aiming to end this potentially hazardous practice. General Assembly seeks to make it illegal to operate a vehicle while holding a live animal on your lap.

The reasoning behind this move is as straightforward as it is sensible – an unexpected movement or startle from your beloved pet could spell disaster on the road. So, while cuddling your canine or feline friend behind the wheel might seem like a harmless indulgence, it’s a practice that carries some serious consequences.

24. It is Illegal to Disturb a Flock of Migratory Birds

Photo by Barth Bailey on Unsplash

In North Carolina, it is illegal to disturb a flock of migratory birds, as these feathered travellers are protected under state and federal laws. These colonial waterbird nesting areas are carefully guarded sanctuaries, off-limits to human intrusion during the critical breeding season.

Even the presence of dogs is prohibited, as their harmless play could unwittingly disrupt the delicate balance of these avian nurseries. The regulations are in place to safeguard the fragile nests. This is to ensure the survival of future generations of these remarkable migrants. Only with a special permit can one glimpse the wonders of these protected havens.

25. It is illegal to ride your bike without using both hands

In North Carolina, the state doesn’t want to take the risk and has made the law in order to keep its bike riders safe.

While some of these laws may seem humorous or outdated, it’s important to remember that they are still technically enforceable. Visitors to North Carolina should take care to avoid violating any of these laws, even if they seem unusual or arbitrary. Overall, North Carolina’s weird laws offer a fascinating insight into the state’s history and culture, and serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding local customs and traditions.