The 8 Weirdest and Strangest Laws in Colorado (2024)

There is much to be proud of in the Centennial State. The alpine mountains, high plains, deserts with huge sand dunes, and deep canyons are surely a sight to behold. Apart from the scenic beauty, the state has a couple of bizarre and baffling laws that are capable of leaving you equally awed.

For instance, did you know that in Denver, Colorado, it is illegal to lend your vacuum cleaner to your next-door neighbor and the city also forbids anyone from driving a black vehicle on Sundays…What!

Below is a list of strange laws from the state of Colorado. Some applicable statewide and others are specific to certain localities.

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1. No couches on porches

The city of Boulder has banned the use of upholstered chairs, upholstered couches, and mattresses, in any outside areas such as front, side or rear yards and any covered or uncovered porch located in or adjacent to any of the yards mentioned.

2. Puppies must be licensed

Any person who is harboring any dog or potbelly pig over three (3) months of age within the city of Alamosa must obtain a license from the city.

3. Don’t mutilate the rocks

According to Colorado Article 13 – Recreation Land Preservation laws, it is illegal for any person to willfully mar, mutilate, deface, disfigure or injure beyond normal use any rocks, trees, shrubbery, wildflowers or other features of the natural environment in recreational areas of the state.

4. Don’t throw missiles at cars

Another one from the city of Alamosa. It is illegal to knowingly project any missile at or against any vehicle or equipment designed for the transportation of persons or property.

5. More light in bars

The Municipality of Arvada requires bar or restaurant owners to have sufficient lighting to read the text inside them. Perhaps the guides on how to start an LLC in Colorado and how to find a great registered agent in Colorado can help you avoid any legal issues when opening or closing a business in the state.

6. No hurling boulders in Boulder

You are not allowed to hurl, throw or move any rocks or boulders on any public property within the city of Boulder. However, this law does not apply to city employees.

7. No bawdy houses in Alamosa

Alamosa city code Sec. 11-76 states, “No bawdy house, house of ill-fame, house of assignation or the place for the practice of fornication or commonly ill-governed or disorderly house shall be kept or maintained within the limits of the city or within three (3) miles of the outer boundaries.”

8. You can insult a police officer until he/she asks you to stop

In Boulder, you are not allowed to taunt, insult, harass or annoy a person in a manner likely to provoke a disorderly response. However, if the person at whom the insults are aimed is a police officer, then there is no violation of this law unless the officer asks you to stop but you don’t.