No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, chances are there’s at least one law passed in Washington, DC ,that leaves you scratching your head in disbelief. The ones you’re thinking of probably don’t involve Santa Claus, musical instruments, and dance contests. Learn about the strange and surprising laws that you may be breaking in Washington, DC. Let’s explore some of the bizarre laws in DC.
Quirky Civic Conduct
DC has a few unusual social etiquette requirements still on the books:
You can challenge someone to a duel, but if they turn it down, you can’t post a public flier calling them a coward for not accepting the challenge.
While DC can be a handful, its stunning monuments and picturesque sunsets are breathtaking. Feel free to take a photo, but do it quickly. Under DC law, you can’t take pictures in a public location for more than five minutes
Restricted Public Gatherings
Of course, in a city known for protesting, there are laws about public gatherings. This one is a little different than you might have expected: it’s illegal to spend more than 30 days in a row at a single location exercising your freedom of speech.
Bizarre Animal Laws
Washington legislators have a few interesting laws on the books about animals as well, such as:
Dogs cannot bark for longer than five minutes at a time if it disrupts the peace. Excuse me while I try to explain actions and consequences to Rufus—orange isn’t his color.
DC is big on freedom, and that extends to its squirrels. It’s illegal to harass or capture squirrels in the District. I’ll tell Rufus he can chase but not capture.
Dance Like No One’s Watching, or Maybe Not
If you love dancing at your leisure, DC might not be the city for you. The District has a few dance-related prohibitions:
It’s illegal to dance inside the Jefferson Memorial. While the law may seem confusing and outdated, five people were arrested for breaking this law in 2011.
Hopefully, you weren’t planning a dance marathon; DC law prohibits races, dances, contests, or anything of the sort are allowed to take place within a consecutive 24-hour period in D.C.
Miscellaneous Oddities
If the laws above weren’t enough, buckle up; it gets weirder:
Santa Claus might be known for spreading holiday cheer, but if that cheer is alcohol, you’ll be breaking the law. In DC, Mr. Claus can’t be used to advertise alcohol.
Music is a favorite form of entertainment in DC. Whether you’re hitting up the 9:30 Club or settling in for the orchestra at the Kennedy Center be on the lookout for lawbreakers. Under DC law, you cannot have more than one accordion or three people on stringed instruments playing in an establishment for entertainment.
Regan Zambri Long, PLLC
Whether you’re a lifelong DC resident or just visiting our nation’s capital, it’s important to know the laws that govern the District – even the peculiar ones. While some of these regulations may seem outdated or amusing, breaking them could still lead to real consequences. If you find yourself injured in DC, whether they involve bizarre statutes or serious injuries, the experienced DC personal injury attorneys at Regan Zambri Long are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our expertise work for you.
No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, chances are there’s at least one law passed in Washington, DC ,that leaves you scratching your head in disbelief. The ones you’re thinking of probably don’t involve Santa Claus, musical instruments, and dance contests. Learn about the strange and surprising laws that you may be breaking in Washington, DC. Let’s explore some of the bizarre laws in DC.
