Photographer Shows How to Break 50 of the Strangest Laws Across the U.S.

Weird Laws Photography by Olivia Locher

In Alabama, it’s illegal to have an ice cream cone in your back pocket.
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When you picture breaking the law, it’s probably not for something as innocuous as wearing skinny jeans. But in Delaware, it’s technically illegal to wear pants that are “form fitting” at the waist. The weird laws don’t stop there, though. In Alabama, don’t even try to hide that ice cream cone in your back pocket—it’ll land you in trouble! Chronicling this surprising side of the U.S. penal code is photographer Olivia Locher, who depicts these sorts of regulations in her series I Fought the Law.

In stylish, satirical pictures, Locher proves that the truth is often stranger than fiction. Her research into unusual laws in all 50 states has provided the creative fodder for curious scenes like a man on a bicycle in a swimming pool as well as a portrait of a woman who has a quarter in her ear. Utterly bizarre, the amusing photos will make you wonder, “How can that be a law?” But aside from the humor, the project is a serious reminder that hundreds of rules are made every year, including many that we don't know about. Some of the laws seen here are no longer in effect, but at one time, they did—or still continue to—affect our daily lives.

Since beginning the series in 2014, I Fought the Law has been turned into a book that’s now available for pre-order through Amazon.

Photographer Olivia Locher illustrates weird laws across the U.S. in her series I Fought the Law.

Portraits of Weird State Laws by Olivia Locher

In Nebraska, it’s illegal for a parent to perm their child’s hair without a state license.

Weird Laws Photography by Olivia Locher

In Rhode Island, it’s illegal to wear transparent clothing.

Portraits of Weird State Laws by Olivia Locher

In Maine, it’s unlawful to tickle women under the chin with a feather duster.

Weird Laws Photography by Olivia Locher

In Utah, no one may walk down the street carrying a paper bag containing a violin.

Portraits of Weird State Laws by Olivia Locher

In Delaware, it’s illegal to wear pants that are “form-fitting”around the waist.

Portraits of Weird State Laws by Olivia Locher

In Wisconsin, it’s illegal to serve apple pie in public restaurants without cheese.

Weird Laws Photography by Olivia Locher

In Texas, it’s illegal for children to have unusual haircuts.

Weird Laws Photography by Olivia Locher

In Pennsylvania, it’s illegal to tie a dollar bill to a string and pull it away when someone tries to pick it up.

Weird Laws Photography by Olivia Locher

In Ohio, it’s illegal to disrobe in front of a man’s portrait.

Weird Laws Photography by Olivia Locher

In Tennessee, hollow logs may not be sold.

Portraits of Weird State Laws by Olivia Locher

In Hawaii, coins are not allowed to be placed in ones ears.

Portraits of Weird State Laws by Olivia Locher

In California, nobody is allowed to ride a bicycle in a swimming pool.

Portraits of Weird State Laws by Olivia Locher

In Delaware, it’s illegal to serve perfume as liquor.

Olivia Locher: Website | Instagram
h/t: [Kottke]

All images via Olivia Locher.

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Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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