08/19/2026
Pennsylvania's Dumbest Laws: Fact or Fiction?
Every state has its share of strange laws, and Pennsylvania is no exception. Social media is filled with lists claiming it's illegal to sing in the bathtub, sleep on top of a refrigerator, or scare a pigeon. The problem? Many of these "laws" are completely made up or were repealed decades ago.
That said, Pennsylvania does have a few laws that seem unusual by today's standards.
Here are some of the most interesting ones.
1. Fortune-Telling for Profit
Believe it or not, Pennsylvania law still makes it a crime to falsely claim you can tell fortunes or predict the future in order to obtain money or other property. The law wasn't intended to target harmless entertainment or carnival acts—it was enacted to prevent fraud and protect people from being scammed.
2. No Catching Fish with Your Bare Hands
If you've ever watched someone "noodle" for catfish, don't try it in Pennsylvania. State fishing regulations generally prohibit catching fish by hand. Anglers must use lawful methods established by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
3. A Child's Bedroom Must Be Near a Bathroom
One of the stranger regulations requires that a child's bedroom be located within 200 feet of a toilet or bathtub in certain residential settings. While it sounds odd when taken out of context, the rule was adopted as a safety and accessibility standard rather than an arbitrary restriction on homeowners.
4. Former Duelists Need Not Apply
Perhaps the most outdated law of all appears in the Pennsylvania Constitution. Anyone who has participated in a duel—or knowingly acted as a second in one—is disqualified from holding certain public offices, including Governor. While duels have long disappeared from modern society, the constitutional provision remains.
Have questions about Pennsylvania law? Unlike dueling, that's something we handle every day. Contact Manaras Law at 610-212-8794 for experienced legal representation.