While you’re doing your civic duty as a New Yorker by abiding by the law–you know, like not stealing, not running red lights, etc.–you may have actually been breaking the law the entire time without even realizing it.
Unbeknownst to many a New Yorker are a set of laws that honestly sound too bizarre to be true, though the truth is breaking them could potentially leave you with a fine if they were actually enforced. Here are 11 bizarre New York laws you probably never heard of:
1. It’s illegal to flirt in public
Though the specific details surrounding the flirting law vary online, the basic gist is that publicly flirting in the state of New York could be punishable by a $25 fine. So, like, keep your cheesy pick up lines to yourself. Learn more about how this law came about here.
2. It’s illegal to wear slippers in public after 10 pm in NYC
You may be used to not being allowed to wear shorts or hats in certain bars or restaurants, but make sure you also don’t wear slippers outside in NYC after 10 pm! Will you actually be fined for this one? Probably not, we’d guess–especially with many opting to sport their Ugg slippers outdoors, but keep in mind it is possible!
3. It’s illegal to sell dog or cat hair
Weirdly enough it’s illegal to “knowingly import, sell, offer for sale, manufacture, distribute, transport or otherwise market or trade in the fur, hair, skin or flesh of a domesticated dog or domesticated cat.” Lucky for us we weren’t intending to sell any of our cat’s hair balls any time soon.
4. It’s illegal to throw a ball at someone’s head for fun
If you ever intended to throw a ball, or any other objects for that matter, at someone’s head just for the hell of it we suggest you scrap that plan altogether because it’s illegal. Apparently this law was originally put in place to protect carnival workers.
5. It’s illegal to take a selfie with a tiger
Okay we know a selfie with a tiger is the perfect photo to spice up your Instagram feed, butttt you’re going to have to pass up on the next time you get the chance to do so. New York banned the act of taking photos with tigers and big cats in general. Guess we don’t need those tickets to the Bronx Zoo after all…
6. It’s illegal to release more than 25 balloons filled with helium at once
This one is pretty self explanatory as what goes up must come down, and releasing balloons can be detrimental to wildlife and nature in general. But if you need more to convince you: Cleveland’s infamous Balloonfest of 1986 consisted of releasing 1.5 million balloons which, eventually, led to two deaths, injured horses, and countless car accidents.
7. It’s illegal to walk around on Sundays with an ice cream cone in your pocket
If you thought your pocket was the perfect place to hold your ice cream cone (don’t we all?!) think again–at least if the calendar says Sunday! According to legend the law came about as a way to prevent horse thieves from luring them over to them. And, believe it or not, it’s a law in several other states as well.
8. It’s illegal to speak to people on an elevator
Does anyone truly understand proper elevator etiquette? We don’t think so. But if we can give you one tip it’s to stay silent next time you find yourself on one otherwise you’d technically be breaking the law!
9. It’s illegal to honk your horn
Believe it or not honking your horn has been outlawed in NYC since 1936 though it wasn’t officially declared illegal until the 1970s. Technically the only time you are allowed to honk your horn is if someone’s life is in danger. Oh how we wish people actually abided by this rule in NYC!
10. It’s illegal to use an umbrella unless it’s raining
Say goodbye to the days of using an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun because it’s against the law to use an umbrella while walking on an NYC sidewalk unless it’s raining.
11. It’s illegal to pee on pigeons
We don’t even know what to say about this one besides the fact that we’re curious what had to have happened for this law to be declared.