Montana is known for its rugged mountains, open plains, and a population that values freedom and self-reliance. But hidden within the legal code of the Treasure State are some laws that are downright bizarre—and often hilarious. Whether relics of a bygone era or local ordinances born from unusual incidents, these weird Montana laws offer a humorous glimpse into the state’s history and values.
Buckle up as we dive into some of the oddest laws still technically on the books (or rumored to have existed) in Big Sky Country.
No Guiding Sheep Onto Railroad Tracks
In Montana, it’s illegal to lead or drive a sheep onto a railroad track with the intent to injure the train. This strangely specific law might have been a response to old rancher-versus-railroad disputes. While it’s hard to imagine a sheep standing a chance against a locomotive, Montana lawmakers apparently wanted to cover all bases.
Don’t Let Your Horse Sleep in the Bathtub
This is perhaps Montana’s most legendary weird law: it’s illegal for a horse to sleep in a bathtub. Though it sounds like pure comedy, the law reportedly originated from a real incident in the 1920s in Arizona and made its way into Montana’s mythos. The story goes that a rancher’s horse liked to snooze in an old bathtub outside. A sudden flood carried the bathtub and horse away, prompting a time-consuming rescue—and eventually, a law to stop it from ever happening again.
Throwing Items Across the Street Is a No-Go in Helena
In Helena, Montana’s capital city, you can’t throw anything across the street. This includes snowballs, Frisbees, or even that last-minute toss of car keys. This ordinance was likely enacted to prevent injuries and traffic accidents, but it ends up sounding like a strict anti-fun rule for wintertime kids.
Leave the Pretending-to-Be-a-Religious-Officer Game Alone
Montana makes it a misdemeanor to “pretend to be a clergy member” and solemnize a marriage. So, if you’re thinking about faking your way through a wedding for laughs, think again. The law is likely designed to protect the sanctity of marriage, but it still raises eyebrows with its oddly specific phrasing.
Singing to Your Sweetheart Under the Window Could Be a Legal Risk
In some Montana towns, it’s been said that serenading a love interest under their window could technically be illegal after certain hours. Though not heavily enforced (and possibly more of a legend than law), this quirky ordinance probably dates back to attempts to reduce nighttime noise and public disturbances. Romeo, beware.
Wearing a Chicken Suit in Downtown Billings May Get You in Trouble
Rumor has it that dressing in a chicken costume and disrupting public events in Billings could result in a fine. While this isn’t spelled out in state statutes, local ordinances targeting public disturbances could make that feathered prank more expensive than you’d expect.
You Must Provide a Place to Tie Your Horse
Montana law reflects its Old West roots in many charming ways—one being that some cities still require businesses to have a place to tie up a horse. Though rarely enforced today, these laws were once vital to daily life when most people traveled on horseback. Imagine pulling up to a Starbucks and looking for the hitching post!
No Raising Rats as Pets in Billings
Billings once had a law against raising or owning rats as pets. Though intended to prevent infestations and public health issues, it also meant that even a well-behaved, lab-raised pet rat was technically forbidden. Thankfully, exceptions have been made over time for licensed owners.
It’s Illegal to Operate a Vehicle With Ice Pick Tires in Summer
This law is more sensible than silly, but its inclusion on lists of “weird” laws makes sense when you think about how many locals might forget to swap their studded tires after a long winter. Summer driving with ice picks can tear up the roads—and your wallet if you’re caught.
It’s a Felony to Open Someone Else’s Mailbox
Okay, this one might not be laugh-out-loud funny, but Montanans take their mail privacy seriously. Tampering with someone else’s mailbox—even accidentally—is a federal offense, but Montana has a reputation for enforcing it with fierce loyalty to personal rights. Lesson? Don’t go poking around your neighbor’s property.
Conclusion
Montana’s weird laws, whether officially on the books or merely part of local folklore, offer more than just a laugh. They reflect the state’s fiercely independent spirit, frontier history, and quirky charm. While you’re unlikely to be fined for letting your horse nap in the tub today, these peculiar rules remind us that lawmaking can be just as colorful as the people it serves. So the next time you visit Montana, mind your snowballs, hitch your horse properly, and leave the chicken suit at home—you never know who’s watching.