NEW JERSEY - New Jersey, known for its bustling boardwalks, diverse cities, and pivotal role in American history, also harbors a collection of unusual and often outdated laws. While many of these ordinances are rarely, if ever, enforced, they offer a quirky glimpse into the state's past and the evolving social norms that shape legislation.
You Can't Do What in New Jersey? Exploring the Garden State's Weirdest Laws
This article delves into some of New Jersey's weirdest laws, exploring their possible origins and their (often humorous) implications for modern life.
1. Hands Off Those Handcuffs (If You're Under 18)
New Jersey law prohibits the sale of handcuffs to minors (anyone under 18). (This law likely aims to prevent potential misuse of restraints by young people, though its effectiveness is debatable. Source: New Jersey Statutes Annotated, likely under a title related to weapons or public safety).
2. Raritan's Reign of Restraint: The Profanity Ban
The town of Raritan, New Jersey, has an ordinance on the books that prohibits swearing in public. Violators could theoretically face fines or even jail time, although enforcement is highly unlikely in the modern era. This law likely reflects a historical concern for public decency and maintaining order (Source: Raritan Borough Code).
3. Full-Service Only: The No Self-Serve Gas Law
New Jersey is unique in its statewide ban on self-service gasoline. It's illegal for anyone other than a service station attendant to pump gas. This law, dating back to 1949, was originally enacted due to safety concerns and lobbying efforts by gas station owners. While often debated, it remains in effect, providing a unique (and sometimes frustrating) experience for drivers (Source: N.J.S.A. 34:3A-1 et seq., histories of New Jersey gas laws).
4. Bulletproof Vests: Crime Enhancement, Not Protection
New Jersey has a law that makes it a more serious crime to commit a violent offense while wearing a bulletproof vest. This isn't a ban on vests themselves, but rather an enhancement of the penalty for certain crimes if a vest is worn, intended to deter criminals from feeling emboldened by body armor (Source: New Jersey Criminal Code, likely under sections related to aggravated assault or weapons offenses).
5. Sunday's Closed for Car Sales
New Jersey, like some other states, has "blue laws" that restrict certain activities on Sundays. It's illegal to sell a car on a Sunday in New Jersey, a holdover from older laws designed to encourage religious observance or a day of rest (Source: New Jersey Statutes Annotated, Title 39 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation), or potentially under business regulations).
6. "Importing" the Poor: An Outdated and Unenforceable Law
An archaic and likely unenforceable law prohibits bringing a "poor person" into New Jersey without local permission. This law, almost certainly unconstitutional under modern interpretations of the right to travel and equal protection, reflects outdated and discriminatory attitudes towards poverty (Source: Likely a very old New Jersey statute, potentially from the 18th or 19th century, now superseded by federal law).
7. Don't Mess with Homing Pigeons
New Jersey law protects homing pigeons. It's illegal to delay or detain a homing pigeon, a law likely enacted when these birds were used for communication (Source: Likely under New Jersey statutes related to animal protection or communication).
8. Soup Slurping: A Silent Affair:
While the origin is hard to track down. It's illegal to slurp soup.
9. Knitting and Fishing: A Seasonal Restriction (for Men)
Another likely apocryphal or highly localized ordinance prohibits men from knitting during fishing season. This bizarre law, if it exists, is almost certainly not enforced and likely originates from a very specific historical context (Source: Needs verification – likely a local ordinance, if it exists at all).
10. Frowning at the Fuzz: Keep it Pleasant
The claim that it's illegal to frown at a police officer in New Jersey is also highly dubious and likely an urban legend. While disrespecting an officer can lead to legal trouble, a simple frown is unlikely to be the basis for an arrest. This "law" is more likely a misinterpretation or exaggeration of laws related to disorderly conduct or resisting arrest.
Other unusual laws include: Laws mentioning pickles, and tree planting.
New Jersey's collection of weird and outdated laws provides a fascinating, and often humorous, glimpse into the state's past. While many of these ordinances are no longer actively enforced, they serve as a reminder of how laws reflect the social norms, concerns, and even the anxieties of their time. Exploring these quirky regulations offers a unique perspective on the evolution of law and society, and a reminder that sometimes, the law can be stranger than fiction. It's always best to remember that laws can vary significantly between municipalities, and relying on internet lists for legal advice is never recommended; consult official sources for accurate and up-to-date information.
