Arizona is known for its desert landscapes, Grand Canyon views, and scorching temperatures, but it also hides a peculiar side that most people don’t know about: its weird laws. Some of these rules are outdated relics, others are oddly specific, and a few are just downright hilarious. Whether you’re a curious traveler or a long-time resident, these strange statutes might make you laugh, scratch your head, or both.
Here are some of the funniest and most bizarre laws still (technically) on the books in the Grand Canyon State
It’s Illegal to Hunt Camels
Yes, you read that right. In Arizona, it’s illegal to hunt camels. This bizarre rule dates back to the 1800s when the U.S. Army experimented with using camels for desert transport. The Camel Corps project was eventually abandoned, but not before camels roamed the Arizona desert. While you’re unlikely to encounter a wild camel today, the law remains a quirky reminder of Arizona’s unique military history.
Don’t Let Your Donkey Sleep in the Bathtub
This one’s a classic in the weird-law hall of fame. In the town of Kingman, it is illegal for donkeys to sleep in bathtubs. The law originated after a local dam broke in the 1920s, and floodwaters carried a donkey in a bathtub miles from its owner’s home. The donkey was rescued, but officials decided no more bathing beasts. While this law is rarely enforced (if ever), it’s still one of Arizona’s most talked-about legal oddities.
You Can’t Refuse a Glass of Water
In Arizona’s desert heat, hydration is no joke. That’s why there’s a widely believed law that says it’s illegal to refuse someone a glass of water. While this rule isn’t clearly codified in state law, it reflects a strong cultural norm in Arizona’s hospitality traditions. Given the risk of heatstroke, offering water to someone in need is taken very seriously—and refusing to do so might earn you more than just dirty looks.
No Spitting in Public in Goodyear
If you’re visiting the city of Goodyear, keep your saliva to yourself. The town has an ordinance that bans spitting on sidewalks, crosswalks, and public buildings. The law aims to promote cleanliness and hygiene, but it’s also one of those strangely specific rules that makes you wonder how big a problem this was to begin with.
Keep Cactuses Out of Your Home—Unless They’re Yours
Arizona takes its saguaro cactuses seriously. It’s illegal to cut down or remove a saguaro cactus without a permit—even from your own yard. These iconic plants are protected due to their long lifespan and environmental importance. Want to transplant one? You’d better file paperwork with the Arizona Department of Agriculture first—or face fines and even felony charges.
Don’t Play Cards in the Street with a Native of the Forest
Yes, this law sounds like something out of a fantasy novel. While not clearly defined in the Arizona Revised Statutes, urban legends about bans on playing cards with “natives of the forest” have popped up in discussions of oddball laws. Though more myth than reality, it’s often cited in humorous legal roundups—and adds a touch of the bizarre to Arizona’s reputation.
Wearing Suspenders? You Might Be Breaking the Law (If You’re a Woman in Nogales)
In Nogales, women are (technically) not allowed to wear pants with suspenders. This archaic dress code hearkens back to a different era and has long since fallen out of practical enforcement. Still, it remains one of those laws that raises eyebrows and generates laughter—especially among fashion-forward locals.
Pink Underwear in Jail? Thank Sheriff Joe
While not a state law, one of Arizona’s most infamous legal quirks comes from former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Inmates were required to wear pink underwear as part of a controversial jail dress code. Arpaio believed it would reduce theft and embarrassment among inmates. The policy was challenged in court but remains a lasting symbol of Arizona’s unusual legal culture.
No More Than Two Dildos Per Household
Believe it or not, an old Arizona statute prohibits owning more than two sex toys per household. Though not actively enforced, it reflects a bygone attempt to regulate morality through law. Most people find this rule outdated, absurd, and downright comical today—but it still makes appearances on lists of America’s strangest laws.
You Can’t Have More Than One Billboard Per Property in Scottsdale
In an effort to preserve scenic views, the city of Scottsdale has strict signage laws—including a rule that says you can’t have more than one billboard per property. It’s not as wacky as camel bans, but it adds to Arizona’s collection of hyper-specific and somewhat quirky municipal rules.
Conclusion
Arizona might be a land of sweeping canyons and sizzling summers, but it’s also home to some of the strangest and most amusing laws in the country. While many of these rules are outdated or rarely enforced, they offer a glimpse into the state’s unique history, culture, and priorities. Whether it’s about bathtub-loving donkeys or cactus crimes, these legal oddities remind us that even the law can have a sense of humor.