Texas, the Lone Star State, is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and, as many would attest, its peculiar laws. Some of these statutes are so strange that they border on the absurd, yet they remain on the books, long forgotten but technically still enforceable. Here, we explore 15 of the most bizarre laws in Texas, separating myth from reality.
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It’s Illegal to Milk Someone Else’s Cow
Yes, you read that right. According to an old Texas Penal Code, it is illegal to milk someone else’s cow without the owner’s consent. This law harks back to a time when cattle were the backbone of the Texas economy, and tampering with someone’s livestock could lead to severe penalties. Though rarely enforced today, it remains in the state’s legal framework.
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You Can’t Sell Your Eye
Under Texas law, it’s illegal to sell your own eye. This statute falls under broader legislation prohibiting the sale of human organs and tissues, designed to prevent illegal trafficking. It might sound absurd, but it’s a very real law meant to safeguard human dignity and public health.
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No Walking Barefoot Without a Permit
In some cities, such as Fort Worth, there are ordinances that require a person to obtain a permit if they wish to walk barefoot in public. While this may seem like an outdated measure aimed at hygiene and safety, it’s still technically enforceable, although rarely, if ever, applied.
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The ‘Anti-Crime’ Pistol Law
In the city of Houston, there was once a law that made it illegal to carry a concealed firearm while committing a crime. This law is less bizarre in its intent but raises the question: If someone is committing a crime, would they really worry about breaking this additional law?
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It’s Illegal to Shoot a Buffalo from the Second Story of a Hotel
One of the most infamous of Texas’ weird laws, this statute was likely introduced in response to the abundance of buffalo in the state during the 19th century. While buffaloes aren’t roaming the streets anymore, the law is still technically on the books.
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No Feather Dusters in Public Buildings
In Texas, it is technically illegal to dust a public building with a feather duster. The origins of this law are unclear, but it may have been an attempt to control the spread of dust-borne diseases. Today, this law is more a curiosity than a practical rule.
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You Can’t Drink More Than Three Sips of Beer While Standing
This law seems more like a college prank than an actual statute, but it’s real. The origins of this law are uncertain, and it’s unclear if it has ever been enforced, but it remains in the legal archives of Texas.
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It’s Illegal to Adjust Your Socks
In some parts of Texas, there’s a law that prohibits you from adjusting or showing off your socks in public. This peculiar law is believed to be rooted in old-fashioned decency standards, but it’s more of a relic than a real threat to sock wearers today.
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No U-Turns on Public Streets
In some Texas towns, making a U-turn on a public street is illegal. This law may have been designed to prevent traffic confusion, but in modern times, it’s largely ignored.
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It’s Illegal to Eat Your Neighbor’s Garbage
While rummaging through someone’s trash might seem distasteful, Texas law explicitly forbids eating your neighbor’s garbage. This law was likely introduced to discourage vagrancy and maintain public health standards.
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Don’t Leave Your Car Unattended with the Keys in It
In Texas, it is illegal to leave your car unattended with the keys in the ignition. This law was enacted to prevent car theft, but it’s one of those statutes that most people aren’t aware of until they’re ticketed.
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You Can’t Carry Wire Cutters in Austin
In Austin, carrying wire cutters might land you in legal trouble. This law was likely introduced to combat cattle rustling, as wire cutters were often used to cut through barbed wire fences. While cattle rustling isn’t as common today, the law still exists.
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No Flirting by Raising Eyebrows
In San Antonio, there’s a law that technically prohibits a man from making amorous gestures, such as raising an eyebrow, at a woman he doesn’t know. This law may have been an attempt to curb public indecency, but today it sounds more like a myth than a meaningful regulation.
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It’s Illegal to Graffiti Someone’s Cow
Back to cattle-related laws, it is illegal to graffiti someone’s cow in Texas. This statute was introduced to protect livestock, but its relevance in today’s world is questionable, though it remains enforceable.
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You Can’t Own More Than Six Dildos
One of the most infamous Texas laws is the restriction on owning more than six dildos. This law, aimed at curbing obscenity, is still on the books, although its enforcement is likely nonexistent in modern times.
Conclusion: Myths or Still Standing?
While many of these laws may seem like myths, they are indeed real and, in most cases, still enforceable, albeit with little to no chance of actual enforcement. They serve as a reminder of the quirky history of Texas and how the legal system can evolve—or fail to evolve—over time. Whether they ever resurface in a courtroom is doubtful, but they certainly make for some entertaining conversation.
This article reflects the curious and often humorous intersection of history and law in Texas. Remember, though, the best course of action is to adhere to the laws that matter most today, even if you find yourself tempted to milk a neighbor’s cow or carry more than six dildos.