Strange but True: America’s Most Unbelievable Laws (Part 11 – Clean Mouths, Dirty Laws)

Photo Credit: Alamy

We’re back with another round of legal lunacy, diving deep into the dusty corners of U.S. lawbooks to find more rules that will make you laugh, gasp, and maybe even second-guess your next bath. From fly-hunting licenses to football fashion felonies, here’s Part 11 of the weirdest laws across the land.

Maryland: No Cursing in Charm City—Keep It Clean, Baltimore

In Baltimore, it’s illegal to curse within city limits. That’s right—drop a swear word and you could technically be breaking the law. So next time you stub your toe on a sidewalk or hit traffic on I-83, keep your outbursts PG. Baltimore wants its charm to extend all the way to your vocabulary. Good luck, Ravens fans.

Massachusetts: No Baths Without a Doctor’s Note in Boston

Boston might be famous for its rich history, but apparently not for its hygiene—at least not without medical supervision. According to an old law, you can’t take a bath in the city unless instructed to do so by a physician. Either this was an early effort to ration water, or Bostonians once needed serious encouragement to bathe. Either way, if you’re planning a soak, you better bring a prescription… and maybe a rubber ducky.

New Jersey: No Knitting for Men During Fishing Season—Reel Talk

In New Jersey, it’s illegal for men to knit during fishing season. Because apparently, multitasking was once seen as a crime. Perhaps lawmakers feared that dropping a stitch could cost someone a big catch. So if you’re a guy in Jersey and tempted to purl while waiting for a bite, don’t. Swap your needles for a rod until the season ends. Fish first, fashion later.

Ohio: Killing Flies Near Churches? You’ll Need a License

According to Ohio law, it’s illegal to kill a housefly within 160 feet of a church without a license. That’s right—fly swatting near sacred ground requires government approval. Whether this was a moral stand for even the smallest of creatures or just an effort to keep pews peaceful, it’s definitely one of the stranger permits to file for. So if you’re near a church and see a buzzing intruder, hold that swatter—you might be committing a fly-lony.

Oklahoma: Ada Says No to New York Jets Fans—It’s the Law

In Ada, Oklahoma, wearing New York Jets clothing could technically land you in jail. This law sounds like the result of a very bitter football rivalry or one really bad game. While it’s not clear if anyone’s ever actually been arrested over a jersey, Jets fans might want to pack neutral colors when passing through. Or risk doing time for fashion crimes.

Laws You Can’t Believe Are Real (But Totally Are)

From cursing bans to yarn crimes, these strange statutes show just how far lawmakers have gone to keep things in check—sometimes way too far. Whether it’s about bathing, buzzing, or being loyal to the wrong team, these rules are a hilarious glimpse into America’s more colorful legal history. Stick around—there’s always another law waiting to make you do a double take.