Arizona: where it’s so hot you can fry an egg on the sidewalk—and where the laws are just as cooked. From outlawing donkeys in bathtubs to regulating how many people can live in a house made of sliced cactus (okay, not that one—yet), the Grand Canyon State has more quirky rules than desert dust. These laws are real, folks, even if they sound like they were dreamed up during a heatstroke.
1. Donkeys Can’t Sleep in Bathtubs
Yes, this law exists because one donkey did sleep in a bathtub during a flood in the 1920s. The donkey survived—but lawmakers weren’t amused.
2. It’s Illegal to Refuse a Glass of Water
In the desert, dehydration is no joke. While not officially on the books statewide, local legend and hospitality rules say it’s very bad form (and possibly illegal in some jurisdictions) to deny someone water if they ask.
3. Hunting Camels is Forbidden
Arizona once had a U.S. Army Camel Corps. When they got loose (because of course they did), the state made sure nobody could hunt them down. Don’t worry, the camels are mostly gone now—but the law stuck around.
4. You Can’t Let Your Pig Sleep in the Parlor (If It Smells Bad)
A law in Glendale makes it illegal to have a smelly pig in your house’s front room. If your pig smells fine? No problem. Fresh-scented bacon buddies only.
5. It’s Illegal to Spit on Public Sidewalks in Goodyear
Want to hock a loogie in Goodyear? Better think twice—it’s a criminal offense. Keep it classy, Arizona.
6. You Can’t Have More Than Two Dildos in a Household
Yes, you read that right. Arizona’s antiquated obscenity laws include a provision that limits personal pleasure devices. It’s not enforced these days, but technically, your nightstand could be contraband.
7. Tattoos Were Once Outlawed in Tucson
Tucson banned tattoo parlors until the early 2000s, believing them to be unsavory. Nothing says “edgy” like being illegal for no reason.
8. It’s Illegal to Cut Down a Saguaro Cactus
Even on your own land, cutting down a saguaro could get you jail time and a hefty fine. They’re basically the VIPs of Arizona flora.
9. Cards and Dice are Regulated by Tribal Law
Most gambling is illegal outside of Native American land. Want to roll some dice or hit the poker table? Better head to the reservation.
10. Premarital Cohabitation Used to Be a Crime
While rarely enforced, until 2022, unmarried couples technically weren’t allowed to live together. Guess love really was illegal in Arizona.
11. No Fortune-Telling Without a Permit in Avondale
Planning to open a palm-reading shop? You’ll need a permit. Otherwise, the spirits might not be the only ones knocking on your door.
12. Throwing Confetti is Banned in Some Cities
In places like Glendale, tossing confetti on public property can earn you a fine. So think twice before bringing sparkle to your tailgate.
13. You Must Have Permission to Feed Garbage to Pigs
Feeding slop to swine? You’ll need a permit for that. Arizona takes pig diets very seriously.
14. Bingo Can’t Be Played More Than Two Days a Week
State law limits charitable bingo games to two sessions a week—because apparently, too much bingo is a public menace.
Arizona may be dry, but its law books are anything but boring. Whether you’re dodging illegal confetti or counting your, uh, adult novelties, you’re bound to run into something weird. So stay hydrated, respect the cacti, and whatever you do—don’t put a donkey in your bathtub.
The post 14 Strange (But True) Laws You’ll Only Hear About in Arizona appeared first on When In Your State.