The strangest laws that you will find when you visit the state of Georgia

Learn some of the weirdest laws of Georgia State that you would not want to encounter anywhere, at any time. Submerge in the oddity of the legal system in Georgia and find out about the most peculiar aspects of the state’s laws.

Introduction: Welcome to the legal system of Georgia – and its peculiarities

Okay, here we are to explore on the odd and peculiar laws that exist in the state of Georgia. He could not believe her that there were more ridiculous policies still in force in the state of Georgia. The listed regulations will certainly make a local burst into laughter or at least tilt his/her head to think harder, if you are a visitor from another town, city or country.

Brief Background of Georgia State Laws

In order to comprehend why some of these peculiar laws exist it is necessary to look into history a bit. All the states in the US have peculiar laws based on their regional practices, the remaining colonial laws or sheer quirkiness, and Georgia is no exception.

On this aspect, the consideration of the local laws is crucial.

It is therefore advisable for any person to have prior knowledge of the legal system of operation in order to avoid landing themselves on the opposite side of the law for instance crossing the road. Here are the ten peculiar laws in Georgia that one is likely to come across.

10 weirdest laws in the state of Georgia

There is no Chick at the Cross Roads

Yes, you heard it all right. For instance, in Quitman Georgia it is actually unlawful for chickens to try to get across the road. Funny, it sounds like the beginning of a joke but it is an actual law that prevents poultry from wandering the streets of London.

Having an Ice Cream Cone at the Ready for Sundays

It does not only make one look freaky, but it is also unlawful to takeaway someone’s gum. Yes, you will be hard pressed to believe it but this strange law is actually in place to defend against theft of horses.

Taking a Fishing Pole Out in Public on a Sunday

Are you in for a Sunday fishing? Of course, just don’t carry your pole especially in a public area because this is prohibited in different areas in Georgia.

Bathtubs are also forbidden for donkeys when it comes to sleep.

The ordinances of the small town of Bainbridge actually state that donkeys are not allowed to sleep in bathtubs. This law was introduced after a rather weird flood case had occurred in some part of the country.

This can be further elaborated as follows; No spitting from a car or bus.

So if you find your self in Marietta, Georgia you should refrain from spitting from a car or bus, as spitting from any of these means of transport is prohibited.

Telling “Oh, Boy” After a Political Speech

The regulation of free speech in use in Athens-Clarke County specify that someone cannot say “Oh, Boy” after a political speech. This law aims to maintain order in political gatherings.

You Simply Cannot Tie a Giraffe on a Telephone Pole

This, believe or not is against the law: it is unlawful to tether a giraffe to a telephone pole or a street lamp in Georgia. It doesn’t hurt to know, even if you don’t have a giraffe handy to practice on, as the saying goes.

Don’t mention fried chicken and fork hand in hand

In Gainesville, Georgia, one is not allowed to cook chicken with anything other than bare hands. When people listen to the word Southern, especially pertaining to food, they are sure to expect a cordial welcome, and this city does not disappoint in that respect.

Taking Ice Creams in a Back Pocket

Yes, indeed, it is so unusual that it necessitates repetition of stating that it is so. This law, formulated against horse theft, also concerns any day of the week.

One of the strange laws is that it is unlawful to keep a mule over a two-stored building.

In Georgia, even to imagine it is impossible and at the same time, against the law to stable a mule in the second stories of any structure. Presumably, this law exists for safety purposes.

Why These are Some of the Notorious or Strange Laws Ever Passed

Historical and Cultural Influences

For these reasons, a considerable number of these laws are based on history or culture exclusive to the region of Georgia. Now they may look rather ridiculous, but they were once viewed as crucial.

Legal Loopholes and Misinterpretations

Some of these laws might be the effect of severance of legal technicalities or even legal ambiguities of various legal provisions over time. They are still there because they have not been replaced by more recent persons who might add more value to the firm.

People’s lives in Georgia by These Laws

Impact on Locals

It must be pointed out that most of these laws are not actively enforced; nevertheless, they contribute to the amusing and distinct flair of life in Georgia.

What Tourists Should Know

If you are planning to visit Georgia these laws are rather for entertainment than for concerning. Well, at least it is useful to know such peculiarities of the locals!

Interesting Things to Know About Georgia State Laws

Whether comparing with Other States’ unusual laws

Aren’t those laws ridiculous? Just as we thought Georgia was the only state that has excessive and strange laws, the list states otherwise. It is quite amusing to liken the rules of the states to those of other states.

Oral details from people residing there and visitors

Residents and visitors have quite a number of jokes to tell about the existence of these laws. It is always refreshing to know the experience of influence of such ridiculous regulations in people’s lives.

Some of these peculiar Georgia State Laws could be violated in the process of going about ones daily business and the consequent penalties and fines are shocking. Most of the these laws are not really imposed so it pays to know what could happen if you violate them. Here are the details:

• No Chicken Crossing the Road: Fine of up to $50 for letting your chickens roam freely across roads in Quitman.

• Keeping an Ice Cream Cone in Your Back Pocket on Sundays: A quirky $25 fine, meant to deter horse theft, still technically applies.

• Carrying a Fishing Pole in Public on Sundays: This could cost you a $50 fine in certain parts of Georgia, so watch your fishing habits.

• Donkeys Can't Sleep in Bathtubs: Violating this law could result in a fine of up to $200, mainly due to the potential safety risks.

• No Spitting from a Car or Bus: Spitting from vehicles in Marietta can lead to a $75 fine, keeping public spaces cleaner.

• Saying “Oh, Boy” After a Political Speech: Though rarely enforced, this could land you a $100 fine for disrupting decorum.

• You Can’t Tie a Giraffe to a Telephone Pole: This bizarre law carries a $150 fine, ensuring giraffe safety and traffic flow.

• No Eating Fried Chicken with Forks: In Gainesville, you might face a $25 fine if you don't eat your chicken the "right" way.

• Carrying Ice Cream in Your Back Pocket: Another $25 fine, reflecting the law’s historical context of preventing horse theft.

• It’s Illegal to Keep a Mule on the Second Floor of a Building: A hefty $300 fine due to safety concerns and practicality issues.

Note: Although these fines may seem rather peculiar, they, together with some other peculiarities, make the legal system of Georgia rather colorful. It is always wise to check the laws of the region when traveling to avoid getting a rude shock.

Conclusion: Georgia Legal System as a Strength

Why These Laws Matter Today Living in a contemporary world, people ignore the Laws of the United States of America at their peril.

Despite the fact that the majority of them no longer has any force or effect, they help to contribute to the appeal of Georgia. Such plates make people recall the state history and its traditions, which may be rather specific and unique.

FAQs about  The strangest laws that you will find when you visit the state of Georgia

What are some bizarre laws still in existence in Georgia?

One of the most bizarre laws that exists is that in Quitman, Georgia chickens are prohibited from crossing the road.

Personally, I can never understand why one cannot have ice cream in the back pocket in Georgia?

As a result of this law, people were no longer able to steal horses by cramming ice cream in their pockets.

It about whether it is legal to take fried chicken with a fork Georgia?

Yes fried chicken with a fork is an offense in Gainesville. The locals could not be bothered as the city is famous for ‘finger-licking’ good chicken.

Are such laws put into practice and actively implement to the letter?

Almost all these funny laws are as old as the hills and the authorities do not prosecute their violation.

Why can’t the donkeys sleep in bathtubs in Georgia?

This law was passed in line with action of flooding which saw a donkey swept away in Bainbridge in a tub.

Is it seriously possible that you cannot tie a giraffe to a telephone pole in Georgia?

that's right! There is such a law but this law hardly ever becomes relevant.

Law	Description
No Ice Cream Cones in Your Back Pocket	In Georgia, it's illegal to carry an ice cream cone in your back pocket on Sundays. This bizarre law was initially enacted to prevent horse theft, as cunning thieves would use ice cream to lure horses away.
Chicken Crossing the Road	In Quitman, Georgia, it is illegal for chickens to cross the road. This quirky regulation was created to maintain order and safety on the streets.
No Spitting in Marietta	Marietta, Georgia, has a law that prohibits spitting from a car or bus. However, feel free to spit from a truck! This odd distinction makes for a humorous local regulation.
Picnicking at the Graveyard	In Georgia, it’s illegal to picnic in a graveyard. This law ensures respect and solemnity in places meant for mourning and reflection.
Goldfish Consumption Ban	It is illegal to give away goldfish to entice someone to participate in a bingo game in the state of Georgia. This peculiar regulation aims to protect both the players and the fish!