15 Weird Laws in Louisiana

A woman scratching her head in confusion with an array of question marks on a chalkboard behind her

Louisiana is known for its good food, great music, a shared joie de vivre, and … weird laws? Louisiana’s legal system is based on the Napoleonic Code, as opposed to the rest of the country’s, which is based on English Common Law. What’s more, the unique history, culture, and wildlife of Louisiana have led to some truly unique laws on the books.

All of the following laws are still in Louisiana’s legal code, even though they’re not enforced. While breaking any of these probably won’t land you in hot water, in the unlikely event that they do, we recommend getting yourself a lawyer just in case.

Bestial Burglary

  1. Don’t take what isn’t yours

In Louisiana, we’re known for two animals more than maybe any others: alligators and crawfish. Maybe that’s why stealing either can land you in jail for up to ten years or carry a fine of up to $3,000.

Reptile Restrictions

A closeup of someone holding a baby alligator

2. Don’t tie your alligator to a fire hydrant

We’re not sure we want to know why this law was written, but it’s illegal to tie your alligator to a fire hydrant in New Orleans. 

3. No snakes at Mardi Gras parades

It’s a crime to have a snake within 200 yards of a Mardi Gras parade.

Breaking either of these laws could lead to a fine or even some jail time! Of course, we think the best option is just to leave your scaly pets at home.

Comestible Codes

While we Louisianans are known for our commitment to laissez-les bon temps rouler (letting the good times roll), we do have some restrictions on the books regarding food.

  1. No blood rituals
Two sandwiches on a ribbed wooden tray

Ingesting blood or other bodily fluids during a ritual of any kind is prohibited in Louisiana. People breaking this law could be fined up to $25,000, or spend up to 25 years in jail.

  1. Limits on funeral food

If you’re attending a Louisiana funeral, you’re only allowed three sandwiches at the wake by law. We’re not sure what caused this law to be enacted, but be sure to bring a snack if you’re in the second line.

  1. Feed your hogs gourmet garbage

In Jefferson Parish, they also care about what their food eats: garbage and other food fed to hogs must be cooked on the premises beforehand.

Mardi Gras Mandates

To say Mardi Gras parades are an annual Louisiana tradition is selling them short—Mardi Gras is an institution in the Pelican State, so it’s not surprising that we have laws in place to keep the parades safe for everyone.

However, there are also some parade prohibitions that just seem silly.

A mask and beads lying on a cement curb after a Mardi Gras parade

7. Throwing safely

It’s illegal to throw Mardi Gras beads from a third story window or at a parade float, presumably to prevent injuries from occurring from falling beads.

8. Prophylactic Prohibition

Float riders are prohibited from throwing condoms to the crowd.

9. Reporter restriction

During a Mardi Gras parade, TV reporters are not allowed to throw anything to the crowd. Why? Your guess is as good as ours.

10. Mask requirements

It’s illegal to wear masks in public in Louisiana, except on Mardi Gras—then, if you’re on a float, it’s required.

Plain Wacky Pronouncements

Of course, just like any state Louisiana has laws that are just plain strange.

  1.  False teeth assault

Biting someone with false teeth can be classified as aggravated battery, since false teeth count as a weapon, which is reasonable.

A voodoo doll with pins sticking out
  1. Cursing curfew

A law likely leftover from a time when folks had more sensitive ears, it’s illegal to use obscene language while on the telephone in Sulphur.

  1. No voodoo

Practicing voodoo within New Orleans city limits is a fineable offense, so try to keep any magic rituals to a minimum when visiting the city.

  1. Minor mayhem

Minors can’t go to businesses with coin-operated foosball machines in Jefferson Parish without being accompanied by an adult. Wanting to get a round of foosball in after school? Make sure to bring a parent!

  1. No more cowbell

Cowbells are banned in Carencro. We’re not sure why, but it sounds like someone in Carencro had a bone to pick with these bovine bells.

Confused About Louisiana’s Laws? Call Gordon McKernan!

The capital G logo for Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys in Louisiana

Even ignoring these ridiculous laws, the Louisiana legal code can be confusing. If you find yourself in need of legal help after any kind of accident, call Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys at 888.501.7888 for a free consultation.

We’ve practiced law in Louisiana for 679+ years of combined legal experience, so we know the law inside and out. When you’ve been in an accident and need a legal advocate, the Get Gordon team has your back. Call us today.