7 Absolutely Bizarre Laws in Texas That Are Still in Effect

Everything’s bigger and sometimes even stranger in the great Lone Star State. A few of the laws in Texas are some of the most bizarre in the country. However, as strange and silly as they are, all of these rules are still enforceable. People may be a little shocked to learn that they either know people or they themselves have broken a few of these laws in the past.

There are laws that span across the entire state of Texas. However, some of these laws are only in certain cities like Austin, Galveston, Dallas, or even Houston.

1. You Don’t Need a Wedding

When it comes to weddings, there are lots of choices for the couple. They could have a lavish, over-the-top wedding. There’s the choice of a simple backyard wedding. Couples could have a traditional wedding at a church or even go to the courthouse. However, there is an obscure law in Texas. In the Lone Star State, you can marry your beloved simply by publicly announcing your other half as your wife or husband three times.

2. You Can’t Go Barefoot

Boots are a big thing in Texas. Some people, however, prefer different types of footwear. At the same time, others would rather go barefoot. Well, in certain cities, unless you have a permit, a pair of shoes better be on your feet. This is in order to comply with the city’s laws of sanitation and appearance. However, if you can scrounge up $5 dollars for a permit, then you’re able to set your feet free in public.

3. You Can’t Sell Your Eyes

Signing up to be an organ donor is one thing. But if you are planning on selling your eyes or your liver, kidney, heart, lungs, or other organs, just don’t do it in Texas. However, selling your hair or your blood is perfectly legal. According to the Texas Penal Code Section 48.02, anyone who tries to sell their eyes is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Selling any of your organs could land you in jail or paying a fine of up to $4000 dollars.

4. No Cheese on Sundays

Who knew that Houston was so strict about their cheese, of all things? But it’s not just any cheese; only one cheese applies here. If you’re hunkering for a grilled cheese sandwich, just make sure it’s not on a Sunday. There are some cities, including Houston, where it has been illegal to sell Limburger cheese on Sunday.

5. Give Your Victim a Heads Up

A heads-up is always nice. Especially if you are planning on committing a crime against someone. In order to reduce crime, Texas has made a law that states that anyone planning on committing a crime must notify their victim 24 hours in advance in either verbal or written communication. You have to first notify the victim of your intent to commit the crime and of the victim’s rights; providing penalties.

6. You Can’t Milk Someone Else’s Cow

There are plenty of ways to get milk nowadays. A person can milk your own cow or goat. They can go to the store and buy some. You even get plenty of choices while you’re there. But, if you live in Texas, don’t even think about milking your neighbor’s cow, or anyone else’s cow for that matter. The Texas Penal Code states that doing so results in a fine of no more than $10. However, this particular law was officially repealed in 1974. Now, the current Texas law makes the act a theft of personal property.

7. Always Have a Spittoon Nearby in El Paso

It is a requirement in El Paso, Texas, for all churches, stores, markets, banking rooms, hotels, halls of assembly, saloons, and railroad depots to have spittoons. It is also stated that establishments must provide spittoons of a kind and number to efficiently contain expectorations into them. El Paso wants to make sure that people have the right to spit while simultaneously keeping their town clean. Sadly, it is uncertain how many different places of business have kept up with this rule in the town.

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