Nebraska, known for its vast prairies and beef production, is also home to some of the quirkiest laws in the United States. From the downright bizarre to the hilariously outdated, these Nebraska weird laws will leave you laughing and wondering how they ever came to be. Buckle up as we get into the 25 Nebraska funny laws that make this state uniquely peculiar.
25 Weird Laws in Nebraska
- No Burping or Sneeze Fests Allowed in Church
Yes, you read that right. In Omaha, it’s illegal to burp or sneeze in a church. So, if you’ve got a case of the sniffles, you might want to skip Sunday service! This Nebraska weird law ensures that church services remain solemn and undisturbed.
In which Nebraska city is it illegal to burp or sneeze in church?
- A. Lincoln
- B. Omaha
- C. Grand Island
- D. Kearney
God bless you! But not in church.
- Don’t Expect Mother Nature to Help You Fish
In Nebraska, it’s illegal to fish for whales. Considering Nebraska is landlocked, it seems the lawmakers were exceptionally thorough. It’s one of those Nebraska funny laws that makes you wonder if they were expecting prehistoric sea creatures.
Whale of a law for a whale-less state!
- Barbers Beware: No Shaving Chest Hair in Public
Barbers in Nebraska cannot legally shave the chest of their clients in public. So, if you need a trim, make sure it’s done behind closed doors. This Nebraska weird law probably dates back to a time when public decency standards were a bit more conservative.
Guess it’s ‘No Shave November’ all year round.
- Doughnut Holes Must Be Properly Sized
It’s against the law to sell doughnut holes unless they are at least 1.5 inches in diameter. This law ensures that doughnut lovers get their money’s worth, but it also makes you wonder who’s out there measuring doughnut holes.
Size does matter… at least for doughnut holes in Nebraska!
- No Flying Kites in Lincoln
Flying kites is illegal within city limits in Lincoln. They don’t want you to be too high-flying! This law might have roots in safety concerns or preventing disruptions in public spaces.
Lincoln, where dreams of flying kites come crashing down.
- No Marriage If You Have an STD
It’s illegal to get married if you have an STD. Health first, romance second! This Nebraska weird law aims to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, putting public health at the forefront of marital bliss.
Love might be blind, but Nebraska’s laws certainly aren’t!
- Snakes Cannot Be Held in Public on Sundays
In Nebraska, you can’t hold a snake in public on Sundays. It seems like even snakes deserve a day of rest. This law likely stems from a time when public displays with animals were more common.
The snakes also need a lazy Sunday, Bro!
- No Bingo Games Lasting Over Five Hours
You better call “Bingo” quickly! In Nebraska, it’s illegal for a bingo game to last more than five hours. This law is probably intended to prevent gambling from becoming too excessive.
Five hours? That’s a lot of B-I-N-G-O!
- Don’t Think About Selling Beer in Fun Saloons
Saloon keepers are forbidden to sell beer unless they are simultaneously brewing a kettle of soup. This Nebraska weird law might date back to the days when saloons also served as eateries, ensuring patrons had something to soak up the alcohol.
Soup and suds, anyone?
- No Doughnut Shop Drunks Allowed
You cannot drink in a doughnut shop in Nebraska. Because nothing pairs with a doughnut-like sobriety. This law keeps doughnut shops family-friendly and free from rowdy behavior.
No boozy doughnuts for you!
- Riding a Horse While Drunk Is a No-No
In Nebraska, it’s illegal to ride a horse while under the influence of alcohol. This law ensures the safety of both riders and horses, preventing any drunken mishaps.
Saddle up sober, cowboys!
- Don’t Make Your Hotel Room Look Like a Crime Scene
Hotels are required to provide clean white sheets. Anything less is a violation. This Nebraska funny law likely ensures a standard of cleanliness and prevents guests from feeling like they’re sleeping in a horror movie.
Nothing says ‘welcome’ like pristine white sheets!
- No Dominoes Games on Sundays
Playing dominoes on Sundays is against the law in some parts of Nebraska. This might stem from old blue laws that aimed to keep Sundays free from recreational activities.
Sunday fun-day? Not with dominoes, it isn’t!
- Nebraska’s Don’t Like Doughnut Sprinkles
Selling doughnuts with sprinkles on Sundays is forbidden. Keep your Sundays sprinkle-free! This quirky law might have been aimed at preserving the day for rest and worship.
Sunday, the day of rest… from sprinkles.
- No Selling Canned Beer After 8 PM
In Nebraska, selling canned beer after 8 PM is a big no-no. Plan your beer runs accordingly! This law likely aims to reduce late-night alcohol consumption and promote responsible drinking.
Canned beer at 8:01 PM? Not on Nebraska’s watch!
- Don’t Play Your Flute on the Streets
Playing a flute and attracting a crowd on the street is illegal. This Nebraska weird law might be designed to prevent noise disturbances and maintain public order.
No fluting around in public!
- No Parking in Front of a Fire Hydrant
It’s illegal to park your car within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. This one’s pretty sensible as it ensures firefighters have access in emergencies.
Fire hydrants: 15 feet of personal space, please.
- No Spitting on Sidewalks
Spitting on sidewalks in public places is forbidden in Nebraska. This law is all about maintaining cleanliness and public hygiene.
Keep your spit to yourself!
- No Biking Faster Than 10 MPH
Biking faster than 10 MPH is illegal in some Nebraska parks. This law is likely in place to ensure the safety of all park visitors, especially pedestrians.
Slow and steady wins the race… or at least avoids a ticket.
- Don’t Look Like You’re Up to No Good
Loitering with intent to commit a crime is illegal. This Nebraska weird law allows law enforcement to prevent suspicious activities before they happen.
Loitering: legal. Criminal intent: not so much.
- No Sitting on the Sidewalk
It’s against the law to sit on sidewalks in Nebraska. This law helps keep sidewalks clear for pedestrians and prevents obstructions by becoming a walkable city.
Keep on walking, no sitting allowed!
- Don’t Walk on Railroad Tracks
Walking on railroad tracks is forbidden. This Nebraska funny law is actually a serious safety measure to prevent accidents and injuries.
Stay off the tracks and stay safe!
- No Eating in Libraries
Eating in libraries is against the law in Nebraska. This rule is in place to protect books and maintain a quiet, clean environment for all patrons.
Books and bites don’t mix here!
- No Disguises in Churches
Wearing a disguise in a church is illegal. This law likely aims to maintain transparency and security during worship services.
Come as you are, no disguises needed!
- No Ice Cream in Your Pocket on Sundays
It’s illegal to carry an ice cream cone in your pocket on Sundays. This bizarre law is a throwback to a time when clever ways to avoid paying taxes on goods were more common.
But who carries ice cream in their pocket anyway?
Wrapping Up the Quirks
There you have it, 25 weird laws in Nebraska that are sure to make you chuckle and scratch your head at the same time. But one thing’s for sure: the Cornhusker State knows how to keep things interesting! Next time you’re visiting Nebraska, keep these laws in mind, and you’ll have plenty of stories to tell!