By By Adrienne McKenzie
Ever been pulled over because you were wearing a blindfold while driving? Or perhaps you were arrested for having an ice cream cone in your back pocket?
I know both of these questions are silly, but performing either of these actions is actually forbidden in the state of Alabama.
Now, most laws are very useful and I am glad that we have them. For instance, I am glad there is a speed limit because I think it would be very bad for people to drive down the road at any random speed they want.
I also am happy that there are laws against driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs because those laws keep the roads safer.
But, there are some laws that are absolutely ridiculous. I was bored one night last week and was playing on the Internet when I found "Offbeat News" at www.cnn.com. One of the stories on the Web site stated many different antiquated laws that I found to be hilarious.
According to the Web site, it is illegal for women to wear a housecoat while driving if they are in California. Also in California is it illegal for a vehicle without a driver to go more than 60 miles per hour.
If you decide to hook your elephant, goat or alligator up to a marking meter in Florida, the parking fee must be paid.
If you travel to Montana and have a sheep in the back of your truck, it better have a chaperone riding back there with it!
And, in Tennessee is it unlawful to shoot any game from a traveling vehicle, except for whales.
After I read these insane laws, I decided to do a little research to find even more crazy rules left on the books in the state of Alabama.
After researching, I found many silly and funny Alabama laws at www.wiat.com including:
There are many more crazy laws, according to www.dumb.com/laws. Apparently there is a road in Anniston that it is forbidden to wear blue jeans down. It is illegal to play dominoes on Sunday and hunting is also a no-no on Sunday.
And, as tempting as it is to grab all the attention, it is illegal in Alabama to stab yourself in order to gain someone else's pity.
More crazy laws from www.dumb.com/laws include:
So, while laws are very important, I for one am glad police officers look past the old ones. I mean, if I want to put an ice cream cone in my back pocket, should I not be able to?
Adrienne McKenzie is a staff reporter for The Atmore Advance. She can be reached at 368-2123 or via email at lifestyles@atmoreadvance.com.