10 Surprising Texas Laws You Probably Didn't Know About

The Outlandish and Unexpected Side of Texas Laws

When you think of Texas, images of vast ranches, cowboys, and country music may come to mind. However, this state is also home to some truly bizarre and unusual laws that will leave you scratching your head. From outdated regulations to peculiar restrictions, here are ten surprising Texas laws you probably didn’t know about.

1. No Eye-Poking in El Paso

In El Paso, it is illegal to engage in any form of eye-poking, be it intentional or accidental. While it seems like common sense not to poke someone in the eye, it makes you wonder what prompted the need for such a specific law.

2. Don’t Even Think About Owning Too Many Socks in Beaumont

Beaumont residents need to be careful about their sock collection as it is against the law to own more than three pairs of socks per household. This law may leave you pondering why the city council decided to regulate something as innocent as socks.

3. Keep Your Donkeys Out of the Bathtub in Temple

Yes, you read that correctly. In Temple, it is illegal to bring your donkey into the bathtub. While it’s unclear why this law was put in place, it certainly adds a touch of quirkiness to the city.

4. No Whistling Near a Cheese Factory in Milwaukee

While not exclusive to Texas, this law is too peculiar to leave out. In Milwaukee, it is prohibited to whistle near a cheese factory. Whether it’s to prevent cheese contamination or simply to preserve the serenity of the cheese-making process, we may never know.

5. Don’t Shoot Buffalo from a 2nd Story Hotel Window in Lubbock

If you find yourself in Lubbock, it’s essential to remember not to shoot buffalo from a second-story hotel window. While hunting buffalo from a hotel room seems like an unlikely scenario, someone must have felt the need to make it illegal.

6. No Vacuuming After 6 PM in Abilene

In Abilene, you better have your vacuuming done early as it is illegal to vacuum your house after 6 PM. This law may have been put in place to prevent noise disturbances, but it definitely adds a unique twist to your cleaning routine.

7. Keep Your Alligator on a Leash in Port Arthur

If you happen to own an alligator in Port Arthur, make sure you keep it on a leash. While it’s unlikely that anyone would actually walk their alligator down the street, this law reminds us that anything is possible in the Lone Star State.

8. No Whips on Sundays in Houston

On Sundays in Houston, leave your whips at home. It is illegal to carry a whip or any other instrument that could be used to flog or cause harm to another person. Perhaps this law was put in place to maintain peace and tranquility on the day of rest.

9. Don’t Shoot Buffalo from a Moving Vehicle in San Antonio

San Antonio residents must refrain from shooting buffalo while driving. Whether this law was created to protect the buffalo population or prevent reckless behavior, it certainly adds an interesting twist to your road trips.

10. It’s Illegal to Sell Your Own Eyes in Texas

Last but not least, Texans are prohibited from selling their own eyes. While it’s unclear why someone would want to sell their own eyes, this law serves as a reminder that common sense isn’t always so common.

So there you have it, ten surprising Texas laws you probably didn’t know about. While some may seem absurd, they add a touch of uniqueness to the Lone Star State. Whether you’re visiting or residing in Texas, make sure to keep these laws in mind to avoid any unfortunate encounters with the legal system.