The 8 Weirdest, Strangest, and Stupidest Laws in Nevada

The Constitution of the ‘Battle Born’ State was created in 1864 at a convention on July 4 in Carson City (the capital of Nevada). It became effective on October 31 after a public vote, and on that same date, President Abraham Lincoln declared Nevada to be a state.

Over the years, the state legislature has enacted a lot of laws aimed at protecting and improving the lives of Nevada citizens. However, there are a couple of laws in the books that are quite peculiar. For instance, in Eureka, it is illegal for men with moustaches to kiss women and it is prohibited to pawn your dentures in Las Vegas.

Some of these laws were enacted back in the early 19th and 20th centuries and have remained on the law books till today despite them not being followed. Below is a compilation of eight strange laws from the state of Nevada.

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1. The month of May is dedicated to the prehistoric camel

According to Nevada law 236.075, the month of May is designated as Archeological Awareness and Historic Preservation Month in the state. The Governor has the authority to issue (annually) a proclamation encouraging the observance of Archeological Awareness and Historic Preservation Month. 

The proclamation may, without limitation: “Recognize the importance of specific historic, archeological and cultural sites in which the fossil remains of several extinct animals have been found, including ground sloths, mammoths, prehistoric horses and American camels.”

2. Las Vegas officially recognizes ‘cat fanciers’

To be a cat fancier in Las Vegas, you need to own up to six feline friends that are exhibited in recognized cat shows and feline events. You have to participate in at least one cat show every year for you to be registered as a cat fancier. However, your application may be revoked if your cat is spayed or neutered.

3. Traffic misdemeanors

Nevada has some of the toughest traffic rules in the country. In most states, a bulk of their traffic offenses are classified as infractions. The offender pays a fine and gets a few points on their license. However, in Nevada, traffic offenses are classified as criminal misdemeanors. This means you could be jailed for a traffic offense and if you are a visitor in the state, your conviction can have serious consequences for your employment or professional license in your home state.

4. No swearing in Sin City

For a city that was formed on the backdrop of organised crime, speakeasies and illicit casinos, Las Vegas has had more to worry about than just a foul mouth. However, the municipal authorities found it necessary to ban the use of profane, vile or obscene language on the streets of the city.

5. Moustache smooches are illegal

Back in the 1800s, male facial hair was frowned upon by society, sometimes for religious reasons. Municipal officials in the town of Eureka took the beard-hating a step further by banning moustaches. This law is still on the books.

6. Marriage on demand

Yes, you can really run off to Nevada and get hitched in Las Vegas. The state has no waiting periods for civil marriages and there is instant access to marriage licenses. This makes the Silver State the number one destination for couples who want to tie the knot speedily.

7. No chairs on the sidewalks

According to the Reno municipal code Sec. 8.12.045, “No person shall place or maintain any chair, bench or permanent seat on any street, alley or sidewalk, except as provided for in Titles 4 and 5 and section 8.12.015, or as otherwise authorized by the city without first obtaining written permission from the city council.”

8. You can’t pawn off your dentures

Not sure why you would want to buy used dentures but apparently it was an actual business activity in Nevada until state officials put a stop to it through an edict. Don’t worry about crossing the border to New Mexico to cash in on your false teeth as it is illegal there as well. 

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

Sources

• MuniCode: Las Vegas Code 7.04.140
• Justia: Nevada Revised Statutes NRS 236.075
• MuniCode: Las Vegas Code 10.40.030
• Nevada Legislature: Domestic Relations
• Stupid Laws
• askadamskutner.com