No Water Yo-yos

In Illinois, § 720 ILCS 5/12-21.7 states, "It is unlawful to sell a yo-yo waterball in this State." The penalty is a fine of $1,001.

No Malt Liquor on Credit in Wyoming

In Wyoming, malt liquor may not be sold to a retailer on credit. (Wy. Stat. § 12-5-402(b)) Why malt liquor only, and not beer, wine, or liquor? Your guess is as good as mine.

The actual language of the statute is:
"No sale or delivery of malt beverages shall be made by a wholesaler to any licensee except for payment in full made at the time of or prior to delivery, and a licensee shall not accept or receive delivery of malt beverages except when payment is made at or prior to delivery."

No Marbles in the Street

In Vicksburg, Mississippi, it is a violation of city ordinance Sec. 17-41 to play marbles, tops, or ball in the street "unless same is authorized in an official play street."

What the heck is "an official play street?"

Got Divorced? Stay Apart!

In Michigan, a statute specifically states that if a couple gets a divorce and then lives together, they are subject to all the penalties for adultery. (Mich. Stat. § 750.32)

This law was originally passed in 1931. That makes me wonder if there might have been a Detroit couple in the Roaring 20's that scandalized the area.

Achromatic Sex Businesses

In Dallas, Texas, a sexually-oriented business may only have the exterior painted "a single achromatic color." (Ord. Nos. 23137; 24440;
24699) This is defined as "colorless or lacking in saturation or hue. The term includes, but is not limited to, grays, tans, and light earth tones. The term does not include white, black, or any bold coloration that attracts attention." (Ord. Nos. 19196; 19377; 20291; 20552; 21838; 23137;
24440; 24699; 25296)

So a sexually-oriented business is not allowed to have white exterior walls, because that would attract attention?

Presidential Holidays

In Nevada, "any day that may be appointed by the President of the United States for public fast, thanksgiving or as a legal holiday except for any Presidential appointment of the fourth Monday in October as Veterans' Day" is an official state holiday. (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 236.015)

So the only exception to a Presidentially-declared holiday is if the President designates the fourth Monday in October as Veterans' Day? Why?

Raiding Orchards in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, the penalty for entering someone else's land to damage or steal the vegetation or produce is imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of not more than $500. No silliness there, eh? Well, if the offense is committed on a Sunday, there are minimums: "The imprisonment shall not be for less than five days nor the fine less than five dollars." (Mass. Gen. Laws § 266:117)