Breaking Down the Myths and Actual Facts Around Strange Laws of Illinois 

There’s a plethora of strange laws in many US states. Most people wouldn’t even know these laws exist because they are rarely ever enforced. Illinois is not an exception to weird laws. There are a lot of myths around these weird laws in Illinois, but sometimes they can be rooted in public safety. 

Even though most of these laws probably wouldn’t make sense, some of them exist for a reason. The strange rules you might not know could potentially impact your life. When you’re injured due to any of the strange laws, you would need a personal injury claim. 

Let’s examine the real laws and dispel the myths. 

Common fake news or myths around Illinois’ weird laws 

These fake news stories about Illinois’s weird laws are often exaggerated or misinterpreted local ordinances. Let’s see what some of these silly fake laws are; that might be something you’ve probably heard before: 

• You could be arrested for vagrancy if you’re found with less than $1 cash on Chicago streets is a myth. 
• There’s a circulating myth that it’s illegal to eat in a building that’s on fire. It’s not a real law. 
• The idea that fishing on your wedding day is prohibited is also a myth. 
• Although some sources claim this might be a real ordinance, fishing in your pajamas being illegal is mostly a myth from what you can generally dig. 
• Even though it would be safe to wear flip-flops while driving, there is no Illinois law banning the footwear. 
• In Mount Pulaski, girls can’t throw snowballs is also a myth. 
• In Chicago, it’s not illegal to take your French poodle to the opera. 

Actual weird laws of Illinois 

Don’t allow your pet to smoke

The Animal Control Act of Illinois makes it illegal to hand a cigar to your cat, dog, or, for that matter, any pet. As strange as this law is, it just ensures animals do not suffer from any form of smoking. So, just stick with your regular pet foods as always. 

Making faces at dogs is prohibited 

Illinois’ Animal Control Act has strict laws regarding pets and animals, intending to protect them. The state’s code prohibits you from making faces at your dog. While this may sound strange for some, it actually makes sense when some faces can actually provoke them. 

Though not all faces would be provocative, sticking out your tongue or making exaggerated faces could actually provoke a dog and can lead to a dog bite injury. 

Unlawful possession of toys 

In Chicago, flying a kite is illegal, though it’s barely enforced. Likewise, traditionally handheld slingshots are considered unlawful to possess for anyone to carry and use except for law enforcement officers. 

Can’t bucket drink 

In Pullman, Illinois, drinking alcohol out of a bucket sitting on a curb is prohibited. The city code generally bars you from drinking any sort of open container. So, stay away from barrel drinking in Pullman. 

Stink bombs are illegal 

Stink bombs are prohibited in Chicago, especially for their use in public places. The law prohibits residents from selling or offering someone a stink bomb. Having it in your possession might also be illegal, though the state law doesn’t exactly ban it. 

Fancy or trick riding is prohibited in Mendota 

Fancy or acrobatic riding within the city limits of Mendota, IL, is prohibited. There’s no exact definition for fancy riding, but keeping your hands off the handlebars or feet off the pedals is prohibited, so always keep your hands on the handlebars. You avoid bicycle accidents too. 

Key takeaways 

• Fake news, like eating in a fire-caught building and fishing being prohibited on your wedding day, is fake news and not actual law. 
• Giving a cigar to your pet is an actual strange law in Illinois. 
• Making faces at a dog that can potentially provoke them is illegal. 
• Flying a kite and owning a slingshot are banned in Chicago. 
• In Pullman, you can’t drink alcohol out of an open container. 
• Stink bombs are illegal to use in public and to sell. 
• Fancy or acrobatic riding is prohibited in Mendota, IL.