No snoring, no gargling and no goatees? Here are the 28 weirdest laws in Louisiana

5.13.25 – Shreveport Times

In Louisiana, there are leftover laws from the Napoleonic Code, as well as outright strange laws.

In Louisiana, there are a number of strange, and antiquated, laws that are still within the state’s legal system.

As for Louisiana’s antiquated laws, these are laws that are still technically within the legal code, but are no longer enforced or considered relevant in modern society.

Because of a foundation in the Napoleonic Code, Louisiana’s legal system is unique and complex compared to the rest of the U.S., which is based on English Common Law.

The Napoleonic Code is a comprehensive French legal code established by Napoleon Bonaparte, and it reflected principles like equality before the law and the protection of property rights, according to Fiveable.

28 of the weirdest laws in Louisiana

Whether it’s harsh consequences, laws for unique circumstances or strange prohibitions, Louisiana has a few weird laws within its legal code.

TSA enforces further restrictions for items containing lithium batteries. What to knowHouse bill proposes cutting billions from SNAP. How will low-income residents be impacted?Denka plant in Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’ stops production. Here’s what we knowWhy does Trump want to get rid of FEMA? How it could impact Louisiana hurricane responseTrump plans to reopen and expand Alcatraz to house detainees. Here’s what to knowPope Leo XIV, the first US-born, has ties to New Orleans. What to know about Robert Prevost

1. It’s illegal to be an alcoholic in Sulphur.
2. Cowbells are banned in Carencro.
3. Roller Skating on the sidewalk is prohibited in Abbeville.
4. Trick-or-treating is illegal for those 14 and older in Rayne.
5. It’s illegal to ingest blood or other bodily fluids during a ritual.
6. At funerals, you’re only allowed three sandwiches at the wake.
7. Practicing Voodoo is prohibited in New Orleans.
8. It’s illegal to tie your alligator to a fire hydrant.
9. Gargling in public is prohibited.
10. In Jefferson Parish, it’s illegal to feed hogs garbage unless it’s cooked first.
11. It’s illegal to have a snake within 200 years of a Mardi Gras parade.
12. Biting someone with false teeth can be classified as aggravated battery.
13. In Sulphur, it’s illegal to use obscene language on the telephone.
14. An old ordinance states that goatees are illegal unless you pay a special license fee in order to wear one in public.
15. Another old ordinance declares it illegal for a woman to drive a car unless her husband is waving a flag in front of the vehicle.
16. It’s illegal to dare someone to lay down on railroad tracks that are owned by someone else.
17. Fake wrestling matches are prohibited.
18. Minors aren’t allowed to go to businesses with coin-operated foosball machines unless they’re accompanied by an adult in Jefferson Parish.
19. It’s illegal to wear masks in public in Louisiana, except during Mardi Gras.
20. It’s illegal to steal someone else’s alligators and/or crawfish.
21. Snoring is prohibited unless all bedroom windows are closed and locked.
22. Making false promises is punishable by law.
23. Chasing fish in a city park is illegal in New Orleans
24. It’s illegal to ride a bike with only one hand in New Orleans.
25. It’s illegal to mock or heckle boxers during a match.
26. It’s illegal to shoot lasers at law enforcement officers.
27. Urinating in the water supply could land you up to 20 years in prison.
28. Taxi drivers are prohibited from making love in the front seat of their taxi during shifts.