The 8 Weirdest, Strangest, and Stupidest Laws in Maine

The ‘Pine Tree State’ has a set of laws in its Constitution that are so strange you’ll wonder how they ended up in the books. For instance, it’s illegal to park a vehicle in front of a Dunkin Donuts in South Berwick and dogs in the city of Waterboro must be kept on a leash that is no longer than eight feet in length.

Below is a list of eight strange laws in the state of Maine.

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1. Bring your shotguns to church

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the French, English and Native Abenaki fought over land in what is now Maine territory. They conducted raids against each other, taking captives for ransom or, in some cases, adoption by Native American tribes.

Things got so bad that the English settlers were required by law to carry a gun at all times including during church services just in case the Abenaki strike.

2. No gambling at the airport

If you and your friends fancy a game of poker while waiting for a flight at the Biddeford Municipal Airport, you may want to hold on to those cards. Biddeford law prohibits people from being intoxicated, disorderly or engaging in any form of gambling or committing any act constituting a nuisance at the airport.

3. City laws supersede federal and state laws.

In Ellsworth, Maine, laws that are found to be in conflict with state or federal ordinances or regulations the more stringent law shall prevail.

4. Don’t park in front of Dunkin’ Donuts

The city of South Berwick has an ordinance that makes it illegal to park a vehicle at any time on Main St. (West) In front of Dunkin’ Donuts to a point 25 feet south.

5. Don’t sell mercury thermometers in Freeport

This law from the town of Freeport in Cumberland County states that “A person shall not sell or supply (including online retail) mercury fever thermometers to consumers and patients, except by prescription.”

When starting a business in Maine, you need to understand the rules that the state imposes on businesses. Perhaps these guides on how to start an LLC in Maine and how to find a great registered agent in Maine can help you avoid any legal issues when opening or doing business in the state.

6. Don’t feed the deer

In the town of Wells, York County, no person, except for the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or his/her designee or the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or his/her designee is allowed to feed or bait deer.

7. No advertisements in cemeteries

Still in the town of Wells, as part of the town’s laws on prohibited acts, it is illegal for anyone to post any signs except those incidental to the operation of the cemetery, or erect placards or advertisements except historical markers in a cemetery area.

8. No roller-skating on sidewalks

Back to Biddeford, skating or riding a bicycle on any sidewalk within the town limits is prohibited. Anyone who is caught violating this law will be punished by a fine of not more than $10.00.

Sources

• Idiot Laws
• Stupid Laws
• Only in your state
• Strange Maine
• Awesome Jelly