Step back into the 1970s, a time when laws were often just as quirky as the decade itself. From pet policies to clothing restrictions, these unusual regulations left many scratching their heads. Let’s explore 20 of the strangest laws from the ’70s that reveal just how different things were back then.
20. Walking a Dog Without a Diaper
Yes, you read that right. In some cities during the ’70s, it was illegal to walk your dog without a diaper. The goal? To keep streets clean and free from any unwanted surprises. So, dog owners were expected to wrestle their pets into diapers before heading out for a stroll—an idea that caused more than a few chuckles. Nowadays, we rely on disposable bags, but back then, it was all about that doggie diaper.
19. Wearing Roller Skates in Public Restrooms
Roller skating may have been a huge trend in the ’70s, but some places drew the line at the bathroom door. Wearing roller skates in public restrooms was banned in certain areas due to safety concerns—slippery floors and skates don’t exactly mix. This rule aimed to keep restrooms accident-free, though it’s safe to say it probably raised a few eyebrows at the time.
18. Installing Bathtubs Without Legs
If you were planning a bathroom remodel in the 1970s, don’t forget the legs on that tub! In some regions, it was illegal to install a bathtub without legs. The reason behind this? Proper ventilation and reducing the risk of mold buildup. While bathtubs with legs are now more of a vintage style, this law was all about practicality and keeping homes in tip-top shape.
17. Driving a Black Car on Sundays
Owning a black car in the ’70s could get a bit tricky if you lived in certain communities. Driving a black car on Sundays was actually banned in some areas, all in the name of preserving the restful, sacred nature of the day. This odd regulation was meant to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, though it likely left many black-car owners frustrated on their weekend drives.
16. Carrying Ice Cream Cones in Your Pocket
Some states took ice cream safety seriously—so seriously that they made it illegal to carry an ice cream cone in your pocket. The reason? Mischief-makers would apparently use cones to lure unsuspecting horses home. While it sounds like a prank gone too far, it was considered a real issue, making this oddball law one for the books.
15. Singing in a Swimsuit
If you found yourself at the beach in the ’70s, be careful about belting out a tune. Singing while wearing a swimsuit could get you in trouble in some areas, where laws dictated that such behavior was indecent or disruptive. This was all about maintaining public decorum, though it seems a little harsh for a beach day.
14. Playing Pinball If Under 18
In the ’70s, pinball was viewed with suspicion, especially for the younger crowd. Some places had laws prohibiting anyone under 18 from playing pinball, worried that it might distract kids from more wholesome activities. While pinball is mostly a relic of the past, it’s clear that concerns over youth entertainment didn’t end with this quirky rule—video games were just around the corner.
13. Wearing Hot Pants in Public Parks
Hot pants were all the rage in the 1970s, but some public parks weren’t having it. Certain cities enacted laws against wearing these ultra-short shorts in public parks, labeling them as too revealing. This was all about upholding community standards of modesty, though it likely made fashion-forward parkgoers think twice before stepping out in their favorite summer outfit.
12. Spitting on the Sidewalk
Spitting on the sidewalk wasn’t just considered rude—it was actually illegal in many cities. With public health concerns like tuberculosis still lingering, authorities took this behavior seriously, implementing laws to curb the spread of germs. So, keeping things clean wasn’t just about good manners; it was a matter of law.
11. Flirting Using Flags
Believe it or not, using flags to flirt was banned in some towns during the ’70s. While the practice was more common among sailors, it apparently caught on as a way to send romantic signals. Authorities, however, weren’t impressed and created laws to keep flag-waving strictly business.
10. Frowning at Police Officers
If you were in a bad mood in the 1970s, you’d better not let it show around law enforcement. In some areas, frowning at police officers was actually against the law, meant to ensure respect for authority. While this law might sound laughable now, it reflected the era’s emphasis on maintaining a positive demeanor towards law enforcement.
9. Feeding Pigeons
Feeding pigeons in urban areas might seem harmless, but back in the ’70s, it could get you into trouble. Cities were trying to control the growing pigeon population, and feeding them only made the problem worse. This law was aimed at keeping city streets cleaner and less bird-filled.
8. Jumping Off Buildings
In New York, jumping off a building was, unsurprisingly, illegal. This law was primarily about safety, and while it’s common sense now, the fact that it needed to be written down as law is a reminder of some of the risks people were taking—even in the ’70s.
7. Slurping Soup
In certain parts of New Jersey, slurping soup wasn’t just rude—it was illegal. This unusual law targeted disruptive mealtime behavior, ensuring that public dining spaces remained calm and quiet. While slurping might be normal in some cultures, in this case, it could lead to a legal issue.
6. Connecting to the Internet Without Permission
Long before the internet became what it is today, unauthorized access was already a concern. Connecting to network services without permission in the ’70s was illegal, laying the groundwork for the digital regulations and cybersecurity measures we rely on now.
5. Barking Dogs After 6 PM
In some communities, peace and quiet were priorities, which led to laws banning barking dogs after 6 PM. If you had a particularly vocal pet, you had to be extra vigilant to avoid fines. This law highlights efforts to maintain tranquility in residential areas.
4. Using Silly String
Silly String may be a fun party accessory, but in the ’70s, it was banned in some towns. Concerns about the mess and potential vandalism led to this prohibition, proving that even party supplies weren’t safe from quirky regulations.
3. Hanging Obstructions from the Rearview Mirror
If you were a fan of car accessories like fuzzy dice or air fresheners, you had to be careful in the ’70s. Laws were put in place to prevent obstructions hanging from the rearview mirror, all in the name of promoting safer driving.
2. Painting Polka Dots on the American Flag
The American flag has always been a symbol of national pride, but in the 1970s, it was illegal to modify it in any way, including painting polka dots. Laws were strict about maintaining the flag’s dignity, leaving no room for creative interpretations of this iconic symbol.
1. Having a Couch on Your Porch
In some college towns, having a couch on your porch wasn’t just frowned upon—it was illegal. This quirky law stemmed from concerns about fire hazards, particularly in student housing areas. It’s a reminder that even porch furniture wasn’t free from regulation in the ’70s.
