In the past, we’ve reviewed some weird laws that are commonly said to exist in Arizona. Most of those listed were just urban legends, but a few managed to actually grace Arizona’s law books, much to our amusement. Let’s take a good look at several more strange laws that have actually existed (or currently exist), and some other fun facts about Arizona laws.

1. Potlucks were illegal outside the workplace until only recently
Gwen the Monster/Flickr
Of all the strange things about Arizona laws we looked at, this might have been one of the weirdest. No need to worry about how this will affect your next get-together and potluck; not only was the law completely unenforceable, but the ban on non-workplace potlucks officially ended in 2016. Whew!
2. Attempts to do fortune telling and palm reading in Avondale will result in a misdemeanor.
Russ Morris/Flickr
Per Article 1, Section 15-1. Seriously. Look it up, it's...weird.
3. Additionally, it is unlawful to practice hypnotism and be the subject of hypnotism in that same city.
Daniel Lee/Flickr
There are stipulations though: the city code mentions this doesn’t apply to hypnotism used "by an accredited doctor of medicine or doctor of dentistry", or from teaching the method in an accredited college. Anyone know where to sign up for Hypnotism 101? Count us in. Next time someone asks you for any fun facts about Arizona you might know, you can share that one!

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4. In 1891, the Arizona Territory legislature outlawed fiestas and public gambling tables.
Images Money/Flickr
This makes 19th-century Arizonans sound like a bunch of killjoys. Their reasoning for putting an end to these, however, were stemmed in a shift from religious feasts to what was considered an embarrassing weekend of debauchery of drinking and gambling. It didn’t affect established gambling houses, though.
5. It is illegal to own a wild desert tortoise or to release a captive one into the wild.
Karol Franks/Flickr
...the same goes for every other wild animal in the state as far as we're aware. Just don’t do it. It probably won't end well anyway. In terms of illegal things in Arizona, we can't say we don't understand this one. Let the wild things remain wild!
6. A person cannot intentionally activate a crossing signal to stop traffic.
Clay Junell/Flickr
The history behind this was to prevent panhandlers and others from requesting money or business from drivers. Instead, it just comes off as plain weird.

How many of these strange laws did you know of? Are there any oddball favorites of yours we missed? Be sure to share your thoughts here or on our Facebook fan page.

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Weird Laws in Arizona

Tori Jane | June 28, 2021

What are some strange things about Arizona?  

Arizona a beautiful state filled with the weird and wonderful, and we’re so excited to share it with the world! For example, we’re home to the largest and most well-preserved meteor crater in the world, known as...well, Meteor Crater. That’s easy enough to remember! We’re also home to some of the most supposedly haunted places in the world, like the infamous wild west town of Tombstone, and Jerome, which is said to be the most haunted place in the entire state. Arizona was also the place where one of the most infamous alien abductions in history occurred, which inspired the film Fire In The Sky. Interested in some things that make Arizonans a little weirder than the rest? Check this article out for more.

What are some fun facts about Arizona?  

Arizona is a fun place with lots of fun facts to go around. Did you know that it’s also known as the Valentine’s Day state, since its statehood was made official on February 14,1912? It’s true! We’re the copper capital of the US as well, and there are still several active mines operating today. We’re also chock-full of awesome ghost towns, and we were once the heart of the wild, wild west. You can still visit a lot of towns that were alive and well back in those days, like Jerome, Tombstone, and more.  

What are some weird illegal things in Arizona? 

Every state has laws that make you wonder just why exactly that needed to be made into law, and Arizona is no exception. Did you know it’s illegal to hunt camels here? Yeah... you know. Just in case that was on your to-do list, maybe don’t. It’s also illegal to own more than four dogs, though that’s not exactly enforced at all (and we’re not sure it ever was). We’re also home to the “stupid motorist” law, which isn’t exactly weird, per se, but it is unique: should you drive your car into floodwater and require rescue, the stupid motorist law requires that you foot the bill for said rescue. Turn around – don't drown!  

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