Washington DC can be a strange place, which means living in Washington DC is an experience all its own. The area is full of lawmakers and politicians, politics and policies. In the place where laws are made, you would think that it would have logic, right? Not quite. Just like any other place, there are some weird laws in Washington DC. It’s true, and to prove it, we scoured the books for weird laws in DC and we did not come up empty handed. We found 15 extremely weird laws in Washington DC that are sure to leave you scratching your head!

1. "One may not take photographs for more than 5 minutes in a public location.”
Flickr/Zorah Olivia
This law gets broken probably every day, every where. Stop Instagramming and move along! We know, it's easier said than done since there are so many beautiful places in Washington DC.
2. “Women cannot be employed to dance with men.”
Flickr/Krisztina Konczos
Watch out dance teachers, DC is coming for you!
3. “Santa Clause may not be used to sell alcohol.”
Flickr/c_j_ryan
As tempting as it would be to buy a beer from Santa, it’s just not possible. This is unfortunate because most people only ask for beer from Santa. Don't get the wrong idea, though. There are still plenty of ways to have fun during Christmas in Washington DC.
4. "It’s illegal to conduct or participate in a race, dance, or other contest for longer than 12 hours in any consecutive 24-hour period."
Flickr/Quinn Dombrowski
Let’s not tell DC about Pride Weekend.
5. It’s against the law to post a public notice calling someone a coward for refusing to accept a challenge to duel.
Flickr/Chuck_Maurice
To be clear, we’re not sure if dueling is illegal. But calling someone out for not dueling most definitely is.
6. “It’s possible to get a parking ticket for parking in your own driveway.”
Flickr/Charleston’s TheDigitel
Driving in the district is hard enough but as it turns out, you can get a ticket if your car is not completely pulled into your driveway.
7. “While you can exercise your right to freedom of speech (including lecturing or preaching to a public audience), you may not do so for more than 30 days in a row at a single location.”
Flickr/Tommy Knott
This explains so much as to why very little gets accomplished in Washington DC.
8. "It is unlawful for small boys to throw stones, at any time, at any place in the District of Columbia."
Flickr/Mrhayata
It's unclear as to whether or not small girls can throw stones., but to be safe, let's just avoid throwing rocks all together.
9. “No Dancing Within the Jefferson Memorial”
Flickr/m01229
You can have your dance party at the Lincoln Memorial but not at The Jefferson. Weirdly enough, people have actually been arrested for this. What about other memorials in DC? Well, the word is still out on the rest of the famous landmarks in Washington DC.
10. “One may not operate a surfboard while on a hallucinogen”
Flickr/Wyncliffe
The question would be why would you have a surfboard when there are barely any beaches in Washington DC?!
11. "You are legally forbidden to marry your mother-in-law in Washington, D.C."
Flickr/Robert Kinter
Saving families from awkward family reunions forever.
12. "One may not whistle in the bathroom."
Flickr/Kate Ter Haar
You can sing, but not whistle. And of course, keep a lockdown on the dancing.
13. "No boxing contest shall be conducted, and no contestant shall engage in a contest, between opposite sexes."
Flickr/MartialArtsNomad.com
We won’t be able to see Rhonda Rousey and Floyd Merriweather duking it out any time soon, at least not in DC.
14. "An establishment may not allow more than one accordion to be played for entertainment."
Flickr/waferboard
Does anyone ever really need more than one accordion?
15. "According to the U.S. government, it’s against the law to disseminate a false weather report."
Flickr/Random Retail
Imagine how many meteorologists would be jailed for overhyping the snow, particularly during any one of the more intense winter storms in Washington DC.

So, have you broken any of these weird laws in Washington DC? If so, which ones? Were you aware of all these weird DC laws? On the flip side, do you know of any other inexplicable things that are illegal in Washington DC? Whatever you have to say, we want to hear it, so share your thoughts with us!

Believe it or not, the area’s oddball factor doesn’t end with these weird laws in Washington DC. Washington DC is wonderfully weird! Not so sure? We thought you might need some convincing, which is why you’re sure to love these quirky roadside attractions in Washington DC.

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Weird Laws In Washington DC

Daniella DiRienzo | January 06, 2023

Aside from weird laws in Washington DC, are there any other weird places in the area?

There are quite a few weird places near Washington DC. Here are some of the weirdest places you can visit near Washington DC:

  • Eastern Island Head in Baltimore, Maryland
  • Flying Saucer Library in Hyattsville, Maryland
  • Giant Watering Can in Alexandria, Virginia
  • Meade Pyramid in Fredericksburg, Virginia

 

What are the best things about living in Washington DC?

  • There are lots of perks that come along with living in Washington DC, including:
  • Access to Public Transportation
  • Rich History and Culture
  • Great Attractions and Activities
  • Lots of Diversity

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