Weird Laws: 15 Things You Didn’t Know You Couldn’t Do In New York

Weird Laws: 15 Things You Didn’t Know You Couldn’t Do In New York

New York is the most common state in United States. It is known for its vibrant culture, bustling cities, and iconic landmarks. The streets buzz with very individuals in New York as they go about their day to day. Despite all this, New York has a number of weird laws that are still in the books. Some are still enforced to date while others are gathering dust on the shelves. These range from laws that regulate personal lives to those that seek to protect both domestic and wild animals. Let us explore some of the weird laws in New York.

1. It is illegal to keep more than four dogs

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In New York City, it is against the law to own and live with more than four dogs in a residential area. According to Section 161.01 of the New York City Health Code, violating this law can result in fines and seizure of the extra dogs.

Dog as are very wild and they do demand a lot in their care and wellbeing. It  is assumed therefore that it is impossible to sustain four dogs or more in a residential area which often has a relatively small space. Residential areas are designed in such a manner that accommodates human beings only primarily.

2. It is illegal to jump off a building in New York

Section 385 of the New York Penal Law states that it is illegal to jump off a building. A person who jumps or causes another person to jump off a building is likely to face jailtime or hefty fines. Jumping off a building is likely to cause one bodily injuries.

The state always has the mandate to ensure that all citizens are safe and secure. Primarily, the life of a citizen belongs to the state. Therefore, whether for entertainment purposes or personal quests, avoid jumping off a building in New York.

3. It is illegal to keep elephants in a bathtub

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It is against the law to keep an elephant tied to a telephone pole or street lamp. Further, it is illegal to confine them in a bathtub as per Section 17-331.1 of the New York City Health Code.

This law was enacted back in the days when wild animals were a common sight since human beings had not thoroughly encroached all spaces. The aim of this law is to avoid  mistreatment of animals and ensure citizens are safe. Wild animals are called wild animals for a reason. They may turn against you and hurt you.

4. In New York it is illegal to walk around with an ice cream cone in your pocket on Sundays

The law dates back to early 1900s. This was during the period when the common form of transportation was using horses. Thieves formulated a method of stealing horses whereby they put ice cream cones in their back pockets. Horses would then follow them being interested in the ice cream. The law was thereby enacted to prevent horse theft.

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5. You should not honk your horn

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Honking your horn for anything other than a legitimate traffic-related purpose is illegal in New York City. According to Section 24-218 of the New York City Administrative Code, honking your horn for reasons like greeting a friend or expressing frustration can result in a hefty fine. Be keen to keep your honking to a minimum in this city.

6. Taking selfies or photos with tigers, lions, and other big cats is against the law

As per Section 11-0512 of the New York Environmental Conservation Law, this act is considered a misdemeanor offense. For obvious safety reasons, it is within common sense to avoid being anywhere being anywhere around these big cats. Their claws are sharp enough to tear into one’s skin and end a life. Take photos from a distance for your own good.

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7. It is illegal to wear a mask in public

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Wearing a mask or any face-covering with the intent to conceal ones identity in public is illegal in New York. According to Section 240.35(4) of the New York Penal Law, more than one person wearing a mask in public for reasons that cannot be substantiated can result in jailtime and hefty fines.

It is common for criminals such as thieves to wear masks. The goal is to hide their identities even as they take part in vices. The legislators therefore saw it fit to generally restrict individuals from wearing masks that hide their identities for these purposes.

8. It is illegal to ride on the roof of a car

It is illegal to ride on the roof of a car in New York. This is outlined in Section 1229-c of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. This includes sitting or standing on the roof of a moving vehicle. Sitting or standing on a vehicle can lead to death since it is so easy to fall off. Further it can distract other drivers from focusing on the road even as they drive.

9. It is illegal to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole or street lamp

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Giraffes are largely wild animals whose natural habitat is the forest. It is very unlikely that you come across a giraffe randomly in the streets of New York. Regardless Section 356 of the New York City Health Code explicitly prohibits one from tethering a giraffe to any public property. This law seeks to protect the rights of animals and more specifically the giraffes.

10. It is illegal to shoot a rabbit from a moving trolley car

Shooting animals is generally frowned upon. However, this law takes it a step further by specifying that shooting a rabbit from a moving trolley car is prohibited. This law is enshrined in the New York Penal Law Section 266. It speaks to the state’s dedication to upholding the welfare of animals at large. Rabbits were a favorite for individuals who considered it a source of proteins.

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11. It is illegal to take a selfie with a tiger

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As per New York’s Wildlife Conservation Law, it is illegal to pose for a photo while holding a big cat. The list of big cats includes tigers, cheetahs and lions. It is illegal to hold them and take photos even in a  zoo or a private facility. This law aims to prevent the mistreatment of exotic animals. It also seeks to protect citizens since these animals are not the friendliest.

12. It is illegal to wear slippers after 10:00 PM

It is illegal to wear slippers after 10:00 PM in public places in New York. This is inclusive of streets, parks, and stores. Wear your shoes or head to sleep anyway. But whatever you do, avoid being in your slippers past 10pm.

13. It is  illegal to whistle for a lost canary before 7:00 AM

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According to Section 34 of the New York City Health Code, it is illegal to whistle for a lost canary or any other bird before 7:00 AM. Maybe this is in line with the city’s commitment to keeping noise levels down in the early morning hours.

14. It is illegal to frown at a police officer

Generally, it is good idea to be respectful to law enforcement officers. In New York however, it is actually illegal to frown at a police officer. Maybe this is in an effort to maintain the good face of the law enforcement community. It never harmed anyone to maintain a straight face anyway.

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15. It is illegal to frown at a squirrel in a public park

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In New York City, it is illegal to frown at a squirrel in a public park. This is definitely the weirdest law in the books. But as it were, the small wild animals were just resting why the scowl.