Arkansas, where the barbecue’s hot, the accents are thicker than gravy, and the laws? Well… let’s just say they’re seasoned with a generous helping of what now? From livestock etiquette to how loud you can honk your horn near a sandwich shop, The Natural State has a legal history as delightfully strange as a summer fair in Bentonville.
1. You Can’t Pronounce “Arkansas” Wrong—Legally
It’s actually a law: the state name must be pronounced “Arkansaw,” and any other variation is considered illegal. Yes, even if you’re from Kansas. No, you may not say “Ar-Kansas.”
2. It’s Illegal to Honk Your Car Horn Near a Sandwich Shop After 9 PM
This noise ordinance in Little Rock was probably written to protect late-night hoagie harmony. Because nothing ruins a roast beef sub like a rogue honker.
3. Alligators Are Not Allowed in Bathtubs
You can’t bathe with your gator in Arkansas. We shouldn’t have to say this, but apparently someone did it—and the state responded with legislation.
4. You May Not Keep a Cow in Your House in Fayetteville
Urban farming meets legal confusion. It’s cute in cartoons, but apparently housing Bessie in your living room crosses the line in Fayetteville.
5. It’s Illegal to Name a Pig “Napoleon” in France (And Arkansas Found This Important Enough to Acknowledge)
This one’s an odd crossover: Arkansas law books at one time actually noted this European law. Because why not?
6. Flirting Could Get You Fined
An old law technically makes it illegal for men to flirt with women in public in Little Rock. So keep your Southern charm in check, Romeo.
7. No Yelling at Sandwiches in Little Rock
Okay, this one’s more of a modern interpretation of a noise ordinance, but it gained traction because it prohibits loud or unusual noises near businesses that serve food. So yes, screaming at your BLT might technically be illegal.
8. Teachers Who Bob Their Hair May Lose Their Pay
A now-defunct but once real policy allowed schools to dock female teachers’ pay for bobbing their hair. Arkansas, fashion police edition.
9. Mispronouncing the Name of the State River is Also a No-No
Just like the state itself, the Arkansas River must be pronounced correctly. Again, no “Ar-Kansas” nonsense allowed.
10. Dogs Must Have a Permit to Congregate in Groups of Three or More on Private Property
So if you’re hosting a doggy birthday party, better check the paperwork. No impromptu canine gatherings without city approval!
11. You Can’t Blaspheme in Public (Technically)
Still on the books: blasphemy laws that restrict swearing about sacred things in public. Say what you will—just not that.
12. Whistling After 11 PM Might Get You a Visit from Law Enforcement
In some parts of Arkansas, whistling late at night is considered disturbing the peace. Whistle while you work? Sure. Just not while others are trying to sleep.
13. You Can’t Lie About Being Married at a Hotel
If you check in claiming to be husband and wife when you’re not, that’s technically fraud under Arkansas law. Motel marriage roleplay? Not without consequences.
14. It’s Illegal to Kill or Harm a “Mockingbird”
Arkansas protects its state bird with the intensity of a bodyguard. Harming one could lead to fines or worse. Don’t mess with the chirpers.
So next time you visit Arkansas, remember to pronounce it correctly, let your sandwiches eat in peace, and leave the bathtub gator at home. These laws may sound like a comedy skit, but they’re woven into the very legal fabric of the state. Just another reason why Arkansas keeps it naturally weird.
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