Todd Lasky | April 10, 2025 | Pennsylvania Law
Every state has its fair share of weird laws, and Pennsylvania is no different. Some laws seem weird today because they were put in place many years ago—even though they were for a legitimate reason at the time. Although they may no longer be enforced today, they were never taken off the books as the times changed. Other weird laws may sound odd, but they are still in place and still enforced. This article will explore some of the weirdest laws in Pennsylvania.
No Fortune Telling For Profit
Believe it or not, it is illegal to tell fortunes or predict future events for personal gain in Pennsylvania. In fact, Pennsylvania law makes this act a third-degree misdemeanor.
The law prohibits the use of:
- Cards
- Tokens
- Inspection of the head of hands
- Consultation with heavenly bodies
- Several other common methods used by typical fortune tellers
Additionally, any advertisement for these services may be used as evidence during prosecution, and witnesses can also testify against someone charged with this crime.
No Buying Cars on Sunday
Another law that is in place today in Pennsylvania that many people find weird is that you cannot buy a car on Sunday. According to 18 Pa.C.S. § 7365, no buying, selling, or trading of motor vehicles may take place on Sunday. The law does not require car dealers to close on Sunday, and potential customers may discuss the details of a deal. However, they will have to wait until Monday to close the deal.
No Riding in a Boat on the Highway
Pennsylvania law makes it illegal to ride in a boat on a trailer that is being pulled down the highway. The same law applies to mobile homes on trailers as well. At least this one makes some sense. This law is in place to keep citizens safe and avoid catastrophic injuries if the vehicle were to be involved in a car accident.
Remove Snow from Your Vehicle
This is a modern law that is enforced in Pennsylvania, and it is in place to keep drivers safe. This law requires that drivers clear snow and ice from their vehicles before getting on the road. Flying snow or ice can cause serious damage to other vehicles, and it could even cause a serious accident.
Some drivers simply clear the snow from their windshield before driving, but the law requires all snow and ice to be cleared from the windshield, roof, trunk, and other areas. If you get involved in an accident and are injured because another driver failed to follow this law, you could file a personal injury claim against that driver for both economic and non-economic damages.
No Tying Your Horse to the Parking Meter
Although this law might seem outdated, Pennsylvania is home to lots of horses and equestrian activities. However, do not attempt to ride into town and tie your horse to the parking meter—even if you paid for the space. While riding your horse on the roadway is legal in many areas of Pennsylvania, tying your horse to the parking meter is not.
Remember that if you are operating a vehicle and encounter a horse on the roadway, you must provide ample space when passing. If you have been hurt by a driver who failed to safely operate their vehicle around you and your horse, you could have a legal claim for damages.
No Bartering Infant Children
This may be one of the strangest Pennsylvania laws of all. There is a law on the books that prohibits anyone from dealing in humanity by “trading, bartering, buying, selling, or dealing in infant children.” While this might seem obvious, someone felt the need to codify this into law at some point. Strangely enough, a person found guilty of this offense is only guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor.
When Should You Contact a Pennsylvania Lawyer?
While many of these laws may sound silly today, some of them are still quite serious. If you have been hurt by someone who was not following the law, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon after your accident as possible to get help with your legal claim.
Contact Our Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.
