Tennessee is a state with a rich history and unique culture. However, there are some laws that may seem strange to outsiders. Here are some of the craziest laws in Tennessee that are still on the books today.
No Skunks Allowed in Shelbyville
In Shelbyville, it is illegal to own, possess, or keep a skunk as a pet. This law was put in place to prevent the spread of rabies, as skunks are one of the most common carriers of the disease.
No Eating Fried Chicken with a Fork in Gainesboro
In Gainesboro, it is illegal to eat fried chicken with anything other than your hands. This law was enacted as a way to preserve the town's southern culture and traditions.
No Shooting Whales from a Moving Vehicle in Tennessee
It is illegal to shoot whales from a moving vehicle in Tennessee. While this law may seem odd, it was put in place to protect the state's rivers and lakes from hunters who may accidentally hit other wildlife while shooting at whales.
No Holding Hands in Church Hill
In Church Hill, it is illegal to hold hands while in a church service. This law was created to prevent distractions during worship and to promote a more formal atmosphere in the church.
No Singing Off-Key in Nashville
In Nashville, it is illegal to sing off-key. This law was put in place to uphold the city's reputation as the music capital of the world and to ensure that only the best singers perform in public.
No Lassoing Fish in Tennessee
It is illegal to lasso fish in Tennessee. While this law may seem strange, it was put in place to prevent the unnecessary harm and injury to fish that may result from being lassoed.
No Hunting from a Moving Vehicle in Tennessee
In Tennessee, it is illegal to hunt any wildlife from a moving vehicle. This law was enacted to protect both the hunters and the animals, as shooting from a moving vehicle can be dangerous and often results in injuries or fatalities.
No Roller Skating on the Sidewalks of Memphis
In Memphis, it is illegal to roller skate on the city's sidewalks. The law was passed to prevent accidents and injuries that may occur when roller skaters collide with pedestrians.
No Trading Horses on the Street in Clarksville
In Clarksville, it is illegal to trade horses on the street. This law was put in place to prevent accidents and to keep the streets clear of horse droppings.
No Dueling in Tennessee
It is illegal to duel in Tennessee. While this law may seem outdated, it was put in place to prevent violence and to uphold the state's reputation as a peaceful and law-abiding place.
No Hunting on Sundays in Tennessee
In Tennessee, it is illegal to hunt any wildlife on Sundays. This law was enacted to ensure that hunters have a day of rest and to prevent any unnecessary harm to wildlife on that day.
No Selling Hollow Logs in Tennessee
In Tennessee, it is illegal to sell hollow logs. This law was put in place to prevent fraud, as some sellers would sell hollow logs that were not actually hollow.
No Whistling Underwater in Memphis
In Memphis, it is illegal to whistle underwater. While this law may seem strange, it was put in place to prevent accidents and injuries that may result from inhaling water while whistling underwater.
No Smoking within 10 Feet of a Public Building in Tennessee
In Tennessee, it is illegal to smoke within 10 feet of a public building. This law was enacted to protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and to promote a healthier environment for all.
No Fishing with a Bow and Arrow in Tennessee
It is illegal to fish with a bow and arrow in Tennessee. While this may seem like an effective way to catch fish, it can be dangerous and often results in injuries to both the fish and the fisherman.
No Alligator Wrestling in Tennessee
In Tennessee, it is illegal to wrestle alligators. This law was put in place to protect both the wrestlers and the alligators, as wrestling alligators can be dangerous and often results in injuries or fatalities.
No Selling Dyed Chicks in Tennessee
In Tennessee, it is illegal to sell dyed chicks. This law was enacted to prevent the unnecessary harm and suffering that may result from dying baby chicks.
No Climbing Trees in Memphis Parks
In Memphis, it is illegal to climb trees in the city's parks. This law was put in place to prevent accidents and injuries that may occur when people climb trees.
No Using Elephants to Plow Cotton Fields
It is illegal to use elephants to plow cotton fields in Tennessee. While this may seem like an effective way to cultivate crops, it can be dangerous and often results in injuries to both the elephants and the farmworkers.
No Walking Around with an Ice Cream Cone in Your Back Pocket in Tennessee
In Tennessee, it is illegal to walk around with an ice cream cone in your back pocket. This law was put in place to prevent horses from being spooked by the scent of melting ice cream in someone's pocket.
Conclusion
While some of these laws may seem strange or outdated, they are still on the books in Tennessee. It is important to be aware of these laws, as breaking them can result in fines or even jail time. As always, it is best to follow the law and to be respectful of the unique culture and traditions of Tennessee.