The Funniest and Strangest Oklahoma Laws

Oklahoma’s known for a lot of things, some famous, some just plain funny.

We’ve got some of the most underrated landscapes in the country, a history that’s bigger than our years as a state, and people who still wave at strangers just because it’s polite. Small-town charm still runs strong in every corner of the Sooner State, from the Panhandle plains to the rolling hills of the east. We’ve got good food, wild weather, and sports fans who treat Friday nights like national holidays.

But alongside all that pride and tradition, Oklahoma also has a few laws that’ll make you scratch your head.

Oklahoma’s Most Famous Weird Laws

Let’s start with the classic: Did you know it’s technically illegal to make ugly faces at a dog? Yep. In Oklahoma, that’s considered a real offense. In theory, you could be fined or even jailed for offending a four-legged friend.

And while we’re at it, let’s talk about whaling. It’s outlawed here too, even though the only “whale” you’ll find in Oklahoma is the big blue one parked along Route 66 in Catoosa. Good luck explaining that one to a tourist.

These are just a few examples of the weird and wild laws that somehow survived from another era. Every state has a few odd rules lying around, but Oklahoma’s collection might take the cake. Some are rooted in old territorial codes, others were passed to handle one oddly specific incident a hundred years ago.

Small-Town Rules That Time Forgot

Then there are the urban legends, like the rumor that in Lawton, it’s illegal to wash your underwear in a birdbath. I can't find the exact statute, but if you know the local Lawton politicians, something this stupid isn't outside the realm of possibility.

It’s also just the tip of the iceberg. Some towns have rules on where you can keep your livestock, when you're allowed to whistle, or how late you can ride a horse through downtown. It makes Oklahoma unique.

So next time you’re looking for a laugh, dive into Oklahoma’s legal oddities. You might just find a law that makes you wonder what exactly happened here back in 1909.