Oregon, like so many other places in the country, has its fair share of quirks. For instance, there are lots of weird laws in Oregon, buried deep down in the law books. Some of these odd laws are actively enforced; others are antiquated and, well, a bit ridiculous. Here are 12 weird laws in Oregon that will leave you scratching your head…

1. In Myrtle Creek, it's illegal to box with a kangaroo.
flickr/ Centophobia
We're not sure how many kangaroos are in Oregon, but if you see one, put your boxing gloves away!
2. No juggling in Hood River without a license.
flickr/ Zervas
Juggling is pretty dangerous business, after all.
3. Oregonians are not allowed to consume a donut while walking down the street backwards in Marion.
flickr/ Salim Virji
This is actually not the worst idea...
4. In Yamhill, it's illegal to predict the future using the "occult arts".
flickr/ clairewinterphotography
Now that's just a bummer.
5. In Salem, it is illegal use a slingshot or "bean shooter" in public.
flickr/ Cole Henley
According to The Oregonian, the code's text asserts that it's illegal to use a "bean shooter, slingshot or other contrivance used in shooting beans, stones, pebbles, or other substance or thing, in or upon any street, alley, or public place within the city."
6. It's also illegal to leave a container of "human waste" on the side of the highway.
flickr/ Oregon Department of Transportation
Enough said.

Related Stories

13 Quirky Facts About Oregon That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate

13 Quirky Facts About Oregon That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate

 It Was So Cold In Oregon In 1949, The Average Maximum December to February Temperature Was Just 33.6° F

It Was So Cold In Oregon In 1949, The Average Maximum December to February Temperature Was Just 33.6° F

 This Vault In Oregon Has An Interesting State Secret

This Vault In Oregon Has An Interesting State Secret
7. One may not test their physical endurance while driving a car on a highway.
flickr/ Gordon Ross
Just stay calm, focus on driving, and avoid any kind of speed racing. This is actually pretty solid advice!
8. In Portland, Oregon, you cannot get married at a skating rink.
flickr/ Prayitno
You'll have to find another venue!
9. It is against the law to use canned corn as fishing bait.
flickr/ Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
Oregon fish sure are picky!
10. In Portland, it's illegal to be towed behind a moving vehicle while on a sled or skateboard in order to catch a ride.
flickr/ skua47
When it snows, you're better off just finding a hill to sled down.
11. You may not play golf in a park in Marion County, Oregon.
flickr/ ryan harvey
(Unless it's a designated golf course, of course...)
12. No roller skates are allowed in the bathroom in Portland.
flickr/ David Bedard

So… did you know about all of these weird laws in Oregon? Have you (gasp!) broken any yourself?

Oregon really is a place that welcomes the weird. If you’re into that sort of thing, you’ll definitely want to check out these seven truly weird places in Oregon… you’re in for a real treat!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Weird laws in Oregon

Sarah | July 21, 2021

What are some more weird places in Oregon that I can visit?

Oregon is a wild, wonderful, and -- yes -- weird place. Hands down, one of the weirdest places in the Beaver State is the Oregon Vortex and House of Mystery. Imagine a place where the laws of physics have been turned upside down, where nothing is as it seems, and even the most basic reality – things you take for granted, like gravity – are absent. That’s what it’s like to visit The Oregon Vortex and House of Mystery. It's an experience that will make you feel as though you're in Alice In Wonderland; everything is topsy turvy... and totally cool! Read about more bizarre places in the Beaver State in this article.

Why are there so many weird laws in Oregon?

Weird laws aren't just specific to Oregon; the entire country is full of weird, truly bizarre laws and rules! Many of these seem completely outdated or crazy now. Although every state has at least one designated official who reviews and edits laws, only nine states maintain a full law revision commission (Oregon is not one of those nine states). The thing is, the legal process can be a lot: a lot of time, a lot of resources, a lot of headache! So, most states just don't bother. And chances are, if you get caught roller skating in a bathroom in Portland, you aren't going to get arrested.

What are some weird facts about Oregon?

Next time you're at a dinner party, try dazzling your fellow party-goers a few of these weird facts about Oregon. First, Crater Lake is deeper than the Empire State Building is tall. Try wrapping your head around that one! Next: Oregon is the only state with an official state nut. It's a hazelnut, in case you were wondering. Another weird and fun fact about Oregon? Oregon has more waterfalls than any other state in the country, Hawaii and Alaska included! Now that one is not so much weird, as it is awesome. Oregon is a weird and wonderful place to live, don't you think?

Related Articles

Explore Oregon

Featured Addresses
Oregon, USA