Bizarre and Bewildering: Strange Laws in Arkansas

The United States is known for its patchwork quilt of laws, regulations, and ordinances that vary drastically from state to state and even town to town. Arkansas, like many states, has its collection of peculiar statutes. Let’s uncover some of the most strange laws in Arkansas.

Arkansas’ Most Puzzling Prohibitions

From honking horns to frog-catching, Arkansas’ statewide laws are a curious mix:

No Honking After 9 PM at Sandwich Shops in Little Rock

Residents and visitors in Little Rock need to be aware that honking their car horn at sandwich shops after 9 PM is prohibited by law.

• Nighttime Disturbances: Busy eateries, especially in city centers, often have residences nearby. Late-night honking could disrupt the peace and sleep of residents;
• Dining Experience: Outdoor dining might have been popular, and a peaceful environment would enhance the dining experience for customers. Reducing unnecessary noise helps maintain that ambience;
• Traffic Control: In some scenarios, excessive honking could be an indication of traffic disruptions or altercations. Limiting honking could be a measure to deter such incidents.

Mispronouncing “Arkansas”

Since 1881, Arkansas has had a law that penalizes the mispronunciation of its name.

• Cultural Preservation: Names often carry a deep cultural significance. By ensuring the correct pronunciation, Arkansas safeguards its identity and respects its indigenous origins;
• State Pride: Residents take pride in their state’s name and its correct pronunciation can be seen as a mark of respect and acknowledgment;
• Educational Aspect: The law can also serve an educational purpose, making newcomers and visitors curious about the correct pronunciation and its history.

Frogs and Sunday

One might be surprised to learn that frog-catching on Sundays is forbidden in Arkansas.

• Religious Observance: Sunday, traditionally observed as the Sabbath in Christianity, is a day of rest. Halting specific activities like frog-catching respects this day of spiritual reflection;
• Ecosystem Balance: Ensuring there’s a day without frog-catching can be crucial for maintaining an ecological balance, giving the amphibian population a regular reprieve;
• Recreational Management: If frog-catching was a popular pastime, having a break on Sundays could reduce potential overcrowding or overharvesting in popular catching spots.

No More Than 25 Pennies for Purchases

If you’re thinking of using a heap of pennies for your purchases in Arkansas, think again. Using more than 25 pennies for items costing over a dollar is not allowed.

• Transaction Efficiency: Retailers and other businesses thrive on quick and efficient transactions. Counting a large number of pennies can slow down the process and lead to longer queues;
• Coin Circulation: A law like this ensures that there isn’t a hoarding of pennies, allowing for better coin circulation and availability;
• Consumer and Retailer Protection: By limiting the use of excessive coins, potential disputes or misunderstandings between consumers and retailers can be minimized.

The Curious City Codes

City-specific codes add to the list of strange laws in Arkansas

Flirting in Public Places (Little Rock)

Little Rock, the capital city of Arkansas, has a statute that prohibits flirting between men and women in public places.

• Historical Context: This law is more historic than enforced, dating back to a time when public displays of affection were considered improper. It’s a glimpse into the conservative values of the past;
• Enforcement: While this law is rarely enforced today, it serves as a reminder of how societal norms have evolved over time.

The law against flirting in public places in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a fascinating glimpse into the social norms of a bygone era. In the past, public displays of affection and romantic interactions were often discouraged or even considered scandalous. The law likely aimed to maintain a certain level of decorum in public spaces. However, with changing societal attitudes towards dating and relationships, this law has become more of a historical curiosity than a relevant legal provision.

Dogs Barking (Fayetteville)

In Fayetteville, dogs are not allowed to bark after 6 PM.

• Communication Challenge: The humor in this law lies in the practicality of enforcing it. Communicating a curfew to our furry friends remains a mystery, and it’s unclear how the authorities would enforce such a rule;
• Noise Control: The law may have been intended to address noise disturbances caused by barking dogs during quiet hours.

Fayetteville’s prohibition on dogs barking after 6 PM is a lighthearted example of a municipal code that is challenging to enforce. While the intention might have been to reduce noise disturbances during nighttime hours, it raises questions about how one would communicate this curfew to our canine companions. The law invites humor and imagination, as it seems highly improbable for dogs to comprehend a curfew.

Roadway Rituals (Mena)

In Mena, pedestrians must take specific actions when vehicles approach, including taking to the road’s side, covering their heads, and waving hands.

• Safety Measure: This unusual law likely originated as a safety measure in a time when roadways were less regulated. Pedestrians signaling their presence and taking precautions could have been crucial for preventing accidents;
• Interpretation: While the law might seem quirky today, it reflects historical norms and the importance placed on pedestrian safety in the past.

The peculiar pedestrian rules in Mena, Arkansas, might seem archaic today, but they likely originated from a time when road safety was less regulated. Pedestrians taking specific actions when vehicles approached—such as moving to the side of the road, covering their heads, and waving their hands—may have been seen as a way to ensure that drivers were aware of their presence. In an era when roads were less developed and vehicles less predictable, these precautions might have been vital for preventing accidents.

Unusual Sporting Rules

Arkansas has its fair share of sports-related oddities:

Underwater Whistleblowing

Believe it or not, it is illegal to whistle underwater in Arkansas. While this law may seem eccentric at first glance, it raises questions about its practicality and origins. Let’s delve deeper into this rather unusual regulation:

• The Law: According to Arkansas Code § 5-66-106, it is explicitly prohibited to engage in “underwater whistling” within the boundaries of the state of Arkansas. This means that any person caught whistling while submerged in water can potentially face legal consequences;
• Practicality: The practicality of this law is certainly questionable. Whistling underwater, given the laws of physics, is not a common or easily achievable activity. Sound travels differently in water compared to air, and producing audible sounds underwater without specialized equipment is already quite challenging. Therefore, the law might be considered redundant;
• Historical Context: To fully understand the reasoning behind this unusual law, one might need to delve into historical records and legislative history. It is possible that this law had its roots in safety concerns. Whistling underwater could potentially mask important sounds or signals, posing risks in situations like swimming or diving. However, without a detailed historical record, it’s challenging to pinpoint the exact reasons behind this law.

Fishy Situations

Arkansas is renowned for its picturesque rivers and lakes, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. However, one specific fishing regulation stands out as rather unconventional:

• The Law: It is illegal to use a yo-yo to catch fish in the state of Arkansas, as per Arkansas Code § 5-65-202. This law expressly prohibits the use of this particular fishing method within the state;
• Yo-yo Fishing: Yo-yo fishing is a unique and specialized method that involves using a spring-loaded device, often referred to as a “yo-yo,” to automatically set the hook when a fish bites. It’s a hands-free method of fishing that can be effective for catching certain types of fish, particularly catfish;
• Traditional Fishing: While yo-yo fishing might be considered unconventional by some, traditional fishing methods using fishing rods and reels remain not only legal but also popular in Arkansas. This law seems to prioritize more traditional approaches to fishing and conservation efforts.

Animal Antics

The strange laws in Arkansas aren’t limited to humans; animals have their set of peculiar rules too:

Donkey’s Nap

Nestled in Beebe, Arkansas, is a law that many find amusing and perplexing: it is illegal for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub after 7 PM. This seemingly whimsical rule prompts us to ponder its historical roots and practicality:

• The Law: According to local ordinances in Beebe, a town located in White County, there exists a peculiar regulation that specifically states that donkeys are prohibited from taking a nap inside a bathtub after the clock strikes 7 PM;
• Historical Origins: Unfortunately, the precise origins of this law remain enigmatic. It is possible that it was enacted during a period when donkeys were more commonly used in agriculture, and farmers may have sought to ensure that bathtubs, which were often used for other purposes, were not occupied by these hardworking animals at night. However, the exact circumstances that led to the creation of this law are lost to history;
• Practicality: While the law may appear bizarre and archaic, it is unlikely to have any significant practical implications in modern times. The concept of a donkey seeking slumber in a bathtub is a rare and unlikely scenario. Thus, this law serves more as a curious anecdote than a strictly enforced regulation.

Cowbell Requirements

In some regions of Arkansas, there exists a unique mandate that requires cows to wear appropriately sized bells. This regulation, while intriguing, serves a practical purpose rooted in livestock management:

• The Law: In specific areas of Arkansas, cows are required to wear fitting bells at all times;
• Purpose: The rationale behind this law is practical and pragmatic. The melodious jingle of cowbells helps farmers and livestock owners keep track of their cattle’s movements, especially in expansive pastures or wooded areas. It aids in preventing cows from straying too far and makes it easier to locate them;
• Historical Tradition: Before the advent of modern tracking technology, cowbells served as a simple yet effective way to manage and monitor cattle. This tradition of cows wearing bells harks back to a time when agriculture was central to the state’s economy and culture;
• Cultural Significance: Beyond its utilitarian function, the practice of cows wearing bells carries a certain cultural charm. It is a reminder of Arkansas’s agrarian heritage and the close connection between its people and the land.

Rooster’s Curfew

The rooster, with its early morning crowing, is a symbol of the dawning day. However, in certain towns of Arkansas, roosters have a set timeframe during which they can freely announce the arrival of the morning:

• The Law: In particular towns within Arkansas, there is an ordinance stipulating that roosters are prohibited from crowing before a designated morning hour, often set around 5 or 6 AM;
• Purpose: The motivation behind this law is considerate and community-driven. Given that roosters are known for their early morning calls, which can disturb the peace and tranquility of a neighborhood, this law is aimed at ensuring that residents can enjoy an undisturbed sleep;
• Historical Background: While roosters have been essential components of agrarian societies, providing both food and as natural alarm clocks, densely populated towns saw a need to balance between agricultural practices and urban living standards. This led to the establishment of such laws;
• Local Reception: Many residents, especially those not from farming backgrounds, appreciate the peace that this ordinance ensures. On the other hand, farmers and poultry enthusiasts might find it challenging to manage their roosters’ natural instincts;
• Cultural Implications: This law highlights the evolution of Arkansas from a purely agrarian society to one that merges both urban and rural lifestyles. The rooster’s crow, while symbolic of rustic life, also points to the compromises made as societies modernize.

Culinary Conundrums

When it comes to food, Arkansas doesn’t disappoint with its quirks:

Pie Safety

Arkansas boasts a rather unexpected law that relates to the consumption of pies, more specifically, the act of pushing a pie into another person’s face with malicious intent. Let’s delve deeper into the details of this unusual regulation:

• The Law: Under Arkansas law, it is explicitly illegal to push a pie (or any object, for that matter) into another person’s face with malicious intent. While this law does not specifically mention pies, it falls under the broader category of assault or battery;
• Origins and Practicality: The origins of this law remain somewhat obscure, but it likely stems from a desire to prevent harmful pranks or acts of aggression. Pie-throwing incidents, while seemingly harmless, can lead to injuries and potentially escalate. This law serves as a deterrent against such actions, particularly those carried out with harmful intent;
• Birthday Pranks: The law is particularly relevant in the context of birthday celebrations and other events where pie-smashing pranks might occur. While playful pie-throwing among consenting adults is generally not illegal, doing so with malicious intent can result in legal consequences;
• Consent Matters: It’s important to note that this law does not prohibit all forms of pie-throwing or pie-in-the-face pranks. Consent plays a critical role, and if all parties involved are willing participants, it is typically not considered a violation.

Soda Pop Purchase on Sundays

In certain locales within Arkansas, an intriguing restriction exists: the prohibition on purchasing soda pop on Sundays. This law raises questions about its historical origins and its impact on the availability of soft drinks:

• The Law: In some parts of Arkansas, there are specific restrictions on purchasing soda pop on Sundays. The exact locales and details of these restrictions can vary;
• Historical Context: The prohibition on purchasing soda pop on Sundays may have historical ties to “blue laws,” which were originally enacted to enforce religious observance and restrict certain activities on Sundays. These laws aimed to encourage church attendance and promote a day of rest;
• Modern Application: While blue laws have been largely repealed or relaxed in many areas, some local communities in Arkansas may still enforce restrictions on Sunday sales of certain items, including soda pop. This law can impact convenience stores, supermarkets, and other retailers, prompting them to adjust their operating hours or inventory;
• Impact: The impact of this law on residents and visitors varies depending on the location. It can be an inconvenience for those who want to purchase soft drinks on Sundays, but it may also reflect the cultural and historical values of the community.

Conclusion

The strange laws in Arkansas offer a captivating look into the state’s history and the unique challenges its residents encountered. These laws, whether amusing or bewildering, are a testament to the state’s evolving narrative. So, the next time you’re in Arkansas, remember its quirks and navigate your adventures with a touch of humor and caution.

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