Louisiana prides itself on its deep traditions, lively festivals, and diverse culture. However, aside from its world-famous Mardi Gras festivities and Cajun food, the state also has some pretty odd legislation that leaves residents and tourists confused. Although many of these are relics from bygone times and are hardly enforced, they continue to form Louisiana’s legal code.
Here are six strange Louisiana laws that everyone should know about.
It is Illegal to Steal Someone’s Crawfish
Crawfish are a culinary staple of Louisiana, and the state takes their protection seriously. Among the many weird laws in Louisiana, stealing crawfish under Louisiana law isn’t a minor infraction—it’s a felony. The law classifies as a felony anyone who steals crawfish worth over $1,500, punishable by up to ten years in prison or a large fine. Smaller thefts also come with costly legal repercussions.
This legislation may appear strange, but with how valuable crawfish farming is to Louisiana’s economy, it’s no wonder Louisiana wants to protect against theft.
Snakes are Not Allowed in Public Processions
Bringing a snake to a public gathering may come as a surprise in a state where wildlife plays such a significant role in day-to-day life. It may surprise people to find out, however, that carrying a snake or other reptile in a public procession is prohibited under Louisiana law.
This law was possibly brought into action so as to avoid potential pandemonium, as snakes may easily frighten crowds or incite panic. Although it’s possible this rule was once applicable, nowadays, it appears more of an anomaly than a necessity.
However, if you are attending a festival or a parade, it’s likely wise to leave your pet snake at home.
You Cannot Order Goods for Someone Without Their Knowledge
It’s against the law in Louisiana to order goods or services in someone’s name without asking permission first. So, if you sign someone up for a subscription to a magazine or order food to be brought to their home unbeknownst to them, technically, you are breaking the law.
The regulation must either prevent fraud or illegal transactions since it may not always be enforced but reveals the necessity to honor other people’s financial and personal choices.
Wrestling A Bear Is Strictly Forbidden
Somewhere in Louisiana’s past, bear wrestling must have been a large enough issue to call for a particular law prohibiting it.
Nowadays, wrestling a bear in the state of Louisiana is illegal. This legislation may have been created to protect animals from cruelty or from participating in wild animal sports.
Although it’s questionable if contemporary residents or tourists will give this a try, it’s nonetheless among Louisiana’s more unique legislation.
Biting someone with false teeth is considered assault
Physical fights are already punishable by criminal charges, but in Louisiana, if a person bites another individual while having artificial teeth, this will count as an aggravated assault.
This law was probably enacted to distinguish between body harm occurring naturally and harm with a tool—dental in this example. Although this law seems absurd, it remains technically a part of Louisiana’s legal code.
Riding A Bicycle with No Hands Is Illegal
It is illegal to ride a bike in Louisiana without having at least one’s hand on the handles.
There is a rule against this under safety considerations since, without hands-on bars, it becomes possible to cause accidents. Although you may not receive a citation when momentarily lifting your hands from the bars, it technically remains illegal.
Take Away
There are several odd traditions in Louisiana, and its legal system shows this in some very quirky ways.
From prohibitive crawfish theft ordinances to restrictions on bringing snakes to the public, these odd ordinances provide a sense of Louisiana’s strange historical background in terms of its lawmaking.
Although very few of these are enforced, they continue to form part of the legal code of Louisiana, whether residents or travelers. An awareness of these strange ordinances can provide a humorous take on the state’s unique character.
