Stupid Laws from Iowa

Tanning bed facilities must warn of the risk of getting a sunburn.

A board was created to regulate among other things, hearing aids. It includes two appointees by the governor who are supposed to represent the general public.

Ministers must obtain a permit to carry their liquor across state lines. (Repealed)

Doctors who treat a person with gonorrhea must report this to the local board of health and include the disease's "probable origin". (Repealed)

All boxes used to pick hops must be exactly 36 inches long. (Repealed)

It is a violation of the law to sell or distribute drugs or narcotics without having first obtained the appropriate Iowa drug tax stamp.

A man with a moustache may never kiss a woman in public.

One-armed piano players must perform for free.

Kisses may last for no more than five minutes.

Liquor stores may not place advertisements for beer outside the store. No reference is made to any other type of alcoholic beverage however. (Bettendorf)

Any hotel in the city limits must have a water bucket and a hitching post in front of the building. (Dubuque)

The fire department is required to practice fire fighting for fifteen minutes before attending a fire (Fort Madison)

The "Ice Cream Man" and his truck are banned. (Indianola)

Horses are forbidden to eat fire hydrants. (Marshalltown)

One must obtain written permission from the City Council before throwing bricks into a highway. (Mount Vernon)

No person may pick a flower from a city park. (Mount Vernon)

All softball diamond lights must be turned off by 10:30 PM. (Mount Vernon)

Within the city limits, a man may not wink at any woman he does not know. (Ottumwa)