Maryland is known for its historic charm, blue crabs, and the scenic beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. But beyond the picturesque views and colonial towns lies a collection of laws that are as bizarre as they are hilarious. From outdated ordinances to head-scratching legal remnants of a bygone era, the Old Line State has no shortage of rules that make you wonder, “Why is this even a law?”
Here’s a deep dive into some of the weirdest, funniest, and most oddly specific laws still on the books in Maryland.
1. No Lion at the Movies in Baltimore
If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing your pet lion to a movie theater in Baltimore, think again. It’s illegal. That’s right—there’s an actual law in Baltimore that prohibits taking a lion to the movies. While it’s hard to imagine this was ever a common problem, the ordinance seems to exist as a precautionary tale from another era—perhaps when exotic pets were more common in circuses and sideshows.
2. You Can’t Swear While Driving in Rockville
Feeling road rage in Rockville? You better keep your language clean. According to local ordinance, it’s illegal to curse or use profanity while driving. This quirky law may have been intended to curb aggressive driving, but enforcing it would be a challenge today—especially during rush hour on I-270.
3. Fortune-Telling is a Crime in Certain Counties
In Montgomery County and several other jurisdictions, fortune-telling is illegal. According to the law, anyone caught charging money for predictions or mystical insights could be fined or even jailed. Whether you’re reading palms, interpreting tarot cards, or using a crystal ball, be careful—your psychic side hustle might get you into legal trouble.
4. Don’t Mistreat Oysters
Maryland takes its oysters seriously—and it shows in the state laws. One lesser-known regulation makes it illegal to “abuse” oysters. While this law likely aims to protect the state’s oyster industry from overharvesting and environmental damage, the word “abuse” gives it a strangely emotional twist. Just be kind to your seafood, folks.
5. It’s Illegal to Wear a Sleeveless Shirt in a Public Park (Baltimore)
Baltimore once had a city ordinance that banned people from wearing sleeveless shirts in public parks. The goal may have been to keep the parks “classy,” but in today’s world of tank tops and fitness gear, the law seems completely out of place. Thankfully, this law is rarely enforced—but technically, your summer workout outfit might still be illegal in certain city spaces.
6. No Playing in the Street in Cumberland
Kids playing street hockey or basketball might be breaking the law in Cumberland. A city ordinance explicitly prohibits playing on the streets, likely in an effort to prevent injuries and traffic accidents. While safety is important, this law might come off as a little too restrictive in neighborhoods where impromptu games are part of growing up.
7. A Strange Ban on Throwing Bales of Hay from Second-Floor Windows
In some rural towns in Maryland, it’s illegal to throw bales of hay from second-story windows. This law dates back to a time when agriculture dominated daily life, and dangerous pranks involving hay bales might’ve been more common than you think. Today, it’s just another relic of an agricultural past that makes for an entertaining read.
8. You Can’t Take a Lion to the Movies, But You Can Marry Your First Cousin
Here’s a twist—while bizarre things like lion cinema outings are banned, Maryland is one of the few states where it’s still legal to marry your first cousin. The law has sparked confusion and criticism over the years, but as it stands, it remains perfectly legal.
9. Public Kissing May Be Regulated
Although rarely enforced today, some old city ordinances in Maryland’s past banned or restricted public kissing. Whether it was due to “public decency” concerns or a throwback to more conservative times, this is one law that makes most modern residents shake their heads in disbelief.
10. Chickens Are Not Allowed to Cross the Road in Some Areas
You’ve heard the joke: “Why did the chicken cross the road?” In certain Maryland towns, the answer is—”it didn’t, because it was illegal.” Local laws designed to control wandering livestock actually make it unlawful for chickens and other poultry to roam across public roads. So in some places, the chicken joke could land you a fine.
Conclusion
While most of these weird Maryland laws are either outdated or rarely enforced, they offer a hilarious glimpse into the quirks of history, culture, and legal logic. From banning lions at movie theaters to regulating oyster treatment, these statutes show that lawmakers of the past weren’t afraid to get oddly specific.
So the next time you’re driving through Maryland or relaxing in one of its charming towns, remember—keep your shirt sleeves on, leave your fortune-telling kit at home, and maybe don’t bring a lion to your movie night. Because in Maryland, the law just might surprise you.