Welcome to Kansas—the Sunflower State known for its vast prairies, friendly folks, and a dash of Wizard of Oz nostalgia. While Kansas might appear straightforward, its legal code hides some quirky laws that might just make you do a double-take. So, settle in as we explore 12 strange laws you’ll only hear about in Kansas.
No Snowball Fights in Topeka (Until 2017)
Until 2017, Topeka had an ordinance that made it illegal to throw snowballs in public places. The city council repealed this law, but it once meant that engaging in a friendly snowball fight could land you in trouble.
Intentionally causing your tires to squeal can be considered disturbing the peace in Kansas. So, if you’re tempted to show off with a quick burnout, you might want to think twice.
Hunting from Vehicles is Prohibited (Except for Coyotes)
It’s illegal to hunt most animals from a motor vehicle in Kansas—except for coyotes. Coyotes are considered pests, and the law makes an exception to control their population.
No Riding Animals on Highways at Night Without Lights
If you’re riding a horse or other animal on a highway at night, Kansas law requires you to have a front light and a red tail light attached to your animal. Safety doesn’t just apply to cars!
Handfishing (Noodling) is Illegal
Catching fish with your bare hands, known as noodling, is illegal in Kansas. Anglers are expected to use traditional fishing equipment, so leave the handfishing for neighboring states where it’s allowed.
Fortune Telling is Restricted in Some Cities
Certain Kansas cities have ordinances that prohibit fortune telling, palm reading, and other forms of clairvoyance, often requiring practitioners to obtain special permits or licenses.
Installing Musical Car Horns is Illegal
Kansas law prohibits vehicles from having horns that emit anything other than a standard horn sound. Musical or multi-tone horns are not permitted on the roads.
It’s Illegal to Litter a Public Highway with Tacks
Throwing tacks, bottles, or other injurious substances onto highways is illegal in Kansas. This law helps prevent damage to vehicles and injuries to people.
Misdemeanor to Possess a Fake Controlled Substance
Possessing or distributing a counterfeit controlled substance is illegal in Kansas. Even if it’s not an actual drug, the intent to deceive is enough to get you in trouble.
No Shooting of Game Birds or Animals from a Vehicle
Except for hunting coyotes, it’s illegal to shoot game birds or animals from any motor vehicle, including aircraft. Ethical hunting practices are enforced.
Selling Vehicles on Sundays is Prohibited
In Kansas, car dealerships are not allowed to sell vehicles on Sundays. This “Blue Law” dates back to times when Sunday was considered a day of rest.
No Use of Mules to Hunt Ducks
An old law prohibits the use of mules to hunt ducks. While this might seem odd today, it reflects historical hunting practices.
And there you have it—a dozen of Kansas’s most peculiar laws that add a sprinkle of whimsy to the state’s legal tapestry. Whether they’re relics from the past or statutes still in effect, they certainly make for interesting conversation starters. So next time you’re traveling through the Kansas plains or visiting a small-town diner, keep these unusual regulations in mind—you never know when they might just make your Kansas adventure even more memorable!
