The 8 Weirdest and Strangest Laws in Connecticut (2024)

Connecticut is popularly referred to as the ‘Constitution State’, a reference to the Fundamental Orders of 1638–39 which represent the framework for the first formal government, written by a representative body in Connecticut.

The state constitution has changed drastically over the last 200 years including the addition of laws necessary to maintain stability and control over the state’s growing population. However, some laws seem a little crazy and would leave you wondering how they made it into the books.

Here is a collection of eight strange laws from the state of Connecticut.

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1. Silly string is banned

In the mid 1990s, a group of children ran up to a police officer and sprayed him with silly string during the Annual Apple Harvest Festival in the town of Southington. The lawman was not impressed and to prevent such acts from happening again, the town council placed a ban on the sale of the product.

2. Don’t store town records in liquor stores

According to chapter 545 of the Connecticut Liquor Control Act, “town or probate records shall not be kept in any room in which alcoholic liquor is sold, nor in any room from which there is direct access to a room in which such liquor is sold.” This ordinance was later repealed on October 1, 2002.

3. No whistling in salons

The city of Waterbury in New Haven (CT) prohibits beauticians from humming, whistling or singing while working on clients. Perhaps these guides on how to start an LLC in Connecticut and how to find a great registered agent in Connecticut can help you avoid any legal issues when opening or closing a business in the state.

4. Horses with tail lights

In the Willimantic borough in Windham County, horses are not allowed on the streets and highways at night unless the animal has a “bright” red taillight securely attached to its rump.

5. Don’t discharge a gun while on a public highway

Any person who discharges a firearm from a public highway, risks being fined $100. This law, however, does not apply to any law or conservation enforcement officer in the performance of his/her duty.

6. Fire truck speed limit

The city of New Britain in Hartford County prohibits fire trucks from exceeding 25 miles per hour. This law applies even during emergencies.

7. No alcohol after 8 pm or on Sundays

Chapter 545 and Section 30-91 of Connecticut law makes it illegal to sell alcoholic beverages on Decoration Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day, Sundays or Christmas. If you own a liquor store, you are also not allowed to dispense alcohol before 8 am or after 8 pm.

8. Arcades must not have more than four amusement devices

This ordinance from the town of Rocky Hill in Hartford County states “no person shall have in any place within a permanent structure open to the general public more than four mechanical amusement devices.”