24 Weird Tennessee Laws: Yes To Roadkill, No To Lassoing Fish

Tennessee is one of the best places to go to for its amazing and diverse music, world-renown whiskey, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which is tremendous, and The Lost Sea. Tennessee is filled with interesting places to visit, explore, and experiment but there are also a few quite weird Tennessee laws you should be aware of.

You might be breaking some of them without knowing and get into trouble so it’s best to know them.

These are some of the Weird Laws In Tennessee! Enjoy!

1. No singing “It Ain’t Goin’ To Rain No Mo”

Believe it or not, there’s actually an ordinance forbidding the singing of “It Ain’t Goin’ To Rain No Mo”! We have no idea why this song is on the no-sing list.

2. Pinball is not for under 18 year olds

It might sound weird that a 16 or 17-year-old is not allowed to play pinball but that’s the case in Nashville, Tennessee. And just when you thought you could be enjoying a nice family outing with some pinball you find out that your kid is not allowed to play.

3. Throwing stones is forbidden in Nashville

This is not allowed because it could lead to windows or glass being broken. And it’s not just stones but anything else similar to a missile that could lead to breakage.

4. Can’t hunt anything other than whales from a moving vehicle

Why? If you know, please share it with us.

5. You shouldn’t drive while… asleep!

Now there’s a smart one. They finally realized that it’s better to be awake while driving. We are so curious how such a law has been created.

6. Horse stealing is (still) punishable by hanging

We get it that this was once the case as horses were extremely valuable but nowadays… not so much. Maybe this punishment should be changed.

7. Roadkill is a go

You can legally eat roadkill in Tennessee so if you’re a fan of this then you’re good to go.

8. Using a lasso to catch… a fish is prohibited

Have you ever had one of those days when catching a fish with a lasso seemed like a fairly great idea? Well we’re sad to say you can’t do this in Tennessee for some reason. Anyway, who thought this was a good idea was surely way ahead of his time.

9. You’re not allowed to hold office IF you participate in duels

Like to fight in duels? Then no public office for you!

10. 8 women living together is just too much for Tennessee

When there are more than 8 women under the same roof things go haywire and they think this could be a brothel. Another one of those laws that should be changed to fit current times.

11. Tying yourself to a moving vehicle is bad

Especially if you’re rollerblading. Who would have thought this was bad and maybe even dangerous?! Well, it seems at least one or two people didn’t see it as dangerous in Nashville where this is now banned by law.

12. No cheetahs as pets

It seems Nashville doesn’t like people owning cheetahs as pets. Why they would mind is beyond us. Cheetahs are so lovely, aren’t they?

13. Spitting is illegal

If you’re in public you should assume you aren’t allowed to spit no matter where you are.

14. Memphis has a certain feelings towards pies

It’s actually illegal to take your unfinished pie home for some reason even if you paid for it?! Everyone and their dog should eat their pie there and then take none back home. Can’t a man eat his pie wherever he seems fit?

15. Panhandling without a permit is prohibited

It’s not expensive at just $10 but still, if you need to do this it would be assumed that you might not have money and couldn’t pay (in theory).

16. Croaking after 11 PM is illegal

This is bad news if you’re a frog but we’re not quite sure what authorities can do to enforce this peculiar law from Memphis.

17. Women can’t drive without a man walking in front of the car and waving a red flag!!!

What?! Who thought this would be a good idea and why? How was this even approved to begin with? Now this one right here is a keeper and it’s from good, old Memphis. Who wouldn’t want to have a man waving a red flag in front of their car?

18. Eating ice cream on the sidewalk is so bad

In Lexington, this is prohibited for some reason. Whether this is somehow enforced or not remains to be seen.

19. When at a stop sign, fire your gun to warn horse carriages!

An old, clearly outdated law from Lenior County that sounds so weird today. Some of these sound so strange in our current times.

20. More than 5 inoperable vehicles can spell trouble

You aren’t allowed more than 5 on your property. 4 is the sweet spot it seems, for Fayette County at least.

21. Women can’t call men for dates in Dyersburg

Because who knows what could happen.

22. Importing skunks in the state is prohibited

We wonder why they got such a bad name.

23. Interracial marriages are illegal

Yes, you read that correctly! In 2023, we have this, in Tennessee. The law says “a person shall not be required to solemnize a marriage” making it much more difficult to marry for interracial couples, persons of the same gender, or transgender people.

24. The state can’t regulate hunting

People living in suburban regions are upset that some hunters keep firing their weapons close to their homes but it seems some of the government doesn’t even want to hear about it. They said the state shouldn’t interfere with Hunter’s affairs. So if these hunters keep bothering or even putting people in danger, nothing should be done about it? Talk about officials who don’t care about their constituents.

Recommended reading next: 15 Weirdest Florida Laws You Didn’t Know Existed

What weird laws does Tennessee have?

We’ve talked about a lot of the above. Another one would be that no one may sell hollow logs. Might sound weird but it aims at stopping some log dealers from selling such logs as solid wood.

Is it illegal to cuss in Tennessee?

Yes, and you can be charged or even arrested for disorderly conduct, for punching a vehicle or cursing loudly in public in Tennessee.

Exploring these weird laws in Tennessee reminds us that history can be stranger than fiction!

Weird Tennessee Laws – A Quirky Glimpse into the Past

Tennessee, like many states, has its fair share of bizarre and outdated laws that offer a fascinating glimpse into the quirks of history. From prohibiting the sale of hollow logs to banning the sharing of Netflix passwords, these laws highlight how societal norms and technological advancements can render once-relevant regulations utterly absurd. While many of these laws are no longer enforced, they remain a source of amusement and curiosity for locals and visitors alike.

These strange statutes often stem from specific historical contexts or unusual incidents. For example, the law against catching fish with a lasso likely originated from attempts to regulate unconventional fishing methods, while the ban on skunks being transported into the state reflects concerns about public health and safety. Though these laws may seem comical today, they serve as reminders of how legal systems evolve over time to address the unique challenges of their eras.

While it’s easy to laugh at these oddities, they also spark conversations about the importance of updating legal codes to reflect modern values and realities. Many of these laws remain on the books simply because repealing them hasn’t been a priority, but they continue to capture the imagination and curiosity of those who stumble upon them.

In the end, Tennessee’s weird laws are more than just legal oddities—they’re a testament to the state’s rich history and cultural evolution. Whether you’re a history buff, a legal enthusiast, or just someone looking for a good laugh, these laws offer a unique and entertaining way to explore the Volunteer State’s past. So, the next time you’re in Tennessee, take a moment to appreciate its quirky side—just make sure you’re not lassoing any fish or transporting skunks!

For Reference:

https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/pps/rules-and-laws/laws.html

https://law.justia.com/tennessee/