Ever worry about breaking the law without even knowing it? Well… you might already be guilty. From fish-related felonies to cemetery do’s and don’ts, Ohio’s legal code has its share of eyebrow-raising rules — and Lorain has a few oddball ordinances of its own.
Here are 20 laws that’ll make you laugh, scratch your head, or double-check your backyard. 👀
🐟 1. It’s Illegal to Get a Fish Drunk in Ohio
Yes, this is (or at least was) an actual law. Don’t spike your aquarium — it’s considered animal cruelty, and Ohio doesn’t take kindly to intoxicated trout.
🐰 2. Selling Dyed Chicks, Ducklings, or Rabbits Is Banned
Ohio law prohibits selling live animals that have been artificially colored — especially around Easter. It’s meant to prevent animal mistreatment.
👠 3. Women in Ohio Can’t Wear Patent Leather Shoes in Public (Allegedly)
This one may be more urban legend than active law, but it’s said the shiny shoes could reflect upskirts — and were once considered indecent.
🚗 4. Honking Your Horn at Sandwich Shops After 9 PM? That’s a No-No
In some Ohio towns, it’s illegal to honk your car horn near a sandwich shop after dark. (Why? We’re guessing someone REALLY hated late-night subs.)
🛼 5. No Roller Skating on the Streets
Some older Ohio cities still have laws against roller skating on public roads. Safety or buzzkill? You decide.
🐕 6. You Must Have a Permit to Keep a Dog That’s Considered “Vicious”
Ohio has specific rules about owning certain breeds or dogs with a history of biting. Failing to follow them? Fines and possible confiscation.
💄 7. You Can’t Display Underwear on a Mannequin in Lima
This local ordinance once made national headlines. If you’re dressing a storefront mannequin in Lima, keep the lingerie out of sight.
🚲 8. You Can’t Ride a Bicycle Without at Least One Hand on the Handlebars
This might sound obvious — but yes, it’s codified in Ohio traffic law.
🛏 9. No More Than Four Women May Live in One House in Oxford
This outdated law was meant to prevent “brothels.” Today, it just sounds ridiculous.
📜 10. You Can’t Use or Carry Fake Degrees
Ohio bans the use or sale of fake academic credentials. Flashing a phony diploma could land you in real trouble.
And Now… Let’s Talk Lorain 🧭
Lorain might not be famous for fish laws, but it has its own set of quirky or overlooked rules you might not know about:
🎯 11. You Can Only Fire Guns on the Breakwaters — and Only at Ducks
Seriously. Discharging a firearm in city limits is illegal… unless you’re duck hunting from approved breakwaters and have the proper license.
🪦 12. Don’t Pick Flowers in a Cemetery
Lorain strictly prohibits removing flowers, climbing on monuments, or disturbing animals in any city cemetery.
🎆 13. No DIY Fireworks — Even on July 4th
Even though state law now permits consumer fireworks on holidays, Lorain voted to restrict them. You can only light them off during city-approved dates.
🌱 14. Grass Over 10 Inches Tall? That’ll Be a Fine
Letting your lawn get too wild can earn you a ticket. The city wants you to keep things trimmed.
🗑 15. Trash Bins Have a Curfew
In Lorain, you must bring in your trash cans promptly after pickup. Leave them out too long and you could face a citation.
💨 16. No Smoking in Public Spaces — Including Vapes
Lorain enforces Ohio’s indoor smoking ban — and includes vaping in public places and workspaces.
🐓 17. Backyard Chickens? Not Without a Permit
Lorain restricts keeping poultry in city limits. Some areas ban roosters outright. (No sunrise crowing for you.)
🚷 18. No Trespassing in Closed Parks After Dark
Lorain park curfews are enforced. Wander into a park after hours and you might get more than just a spooky vibe — you could get a ticket.
🧹 19. Street Sweeping Means Move Your Car
On designated days, your car better not be parked on the wrong side of the street — or it’s getting towed.
🧼 20. Don’t Wash Your Car on a City Street
It’s technically against city code to wash your vehicle in a way that sends soapy water down public drains. Wash responsibly, folks.
Final Thoughts: How Many of These Have You Broken?
We’re not saying you’re an outlaw… but you might want to check that your lawn isn’t overgrown and your trash bins are in by nightfall.
Got a favorite strange Ohio law? Or one we missed that’s specific to Lorain? Drop it in the comments — or better yet, confess to the weirdest one you’ve ever accidentally broken. We won’t tell. 😉
In ohio you can’t fish for whales on sundays