Ordinary Items Illegal in Certain States Across the U. S.
The United States of America is a unique place that sometimes does things differently from other parts of the world. Some things that are totally common in Europe are banned there, while dangerous items such as guns are part of American culture. Here’s a little rundown of some of the most unusual items that are banned in certain US states.
Shark Fins
Shark fin soup is considered a delicacy in some cultures, but many states ban the sale or possession of shark fins to protect endangered species. Conservationists argue that finning is cruel and wasteful, and you probably won’t find a lot of people who disagree with them now that the world has swung towards protecting sharks.
Lawn Darts
Old-school lawn darts, the ones with heavy metal tips, were banned nationwide decades ago after too many serious injuries and the highly publicized death of a little girl. People were supposed to destroy ones they already owned, but some survive to the present day.
Kinder Surprise Eggs
These little chocolate eggs with toys inside seem innocent enough, but the USA actually bans them because of choking hazards. Some states enforce it more strictly, so if you bring them back from overseas, customs may snatch them. Many people raise eyebrows at this, but the law is the law.
Flavored Vapes
Vape flavors that taste like candy or fruit are banned in several states, including California and New York. Lawmakers argue they’re designed to hook young people, while supporters say adults deserve to have lots of different flavors. The debate probably won’t end anytime soon.
Raw Milk
Depending on where you live, buying raw milk is either completely legal or totally forbidden. Some states allow it if you buy directly from a farm, while others ban it outright for safety reasons. Advocates claim it has health benefits, but regulators worry about bacteria.
Silly String
Did your parents hate Silly String when you were growing up? Well, believe it or not, some states have strict regulations on the stuff, banning it during big public celebrations like Halloween or parades. Why? It’s messy, clogs up drains, and apparently causes no end of trouble for cleaning staff.
Multistate Lotteries
You can’t play in multistate lotteries in the states of Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah. Some of those states frown on gambling, while others believe a lottery would take away from the gambling that’s already there. Of course, you can always just cross state lines and buy a lottery ticket.
High-Phosphate Detergents
In some states, you’ll find bans on laundry and dishwasher detergents with high phosphate levels. Why? They cause water pollution that feeds harmful algae blooms. It’s just another step towards ensuring that the planet is kept healthier for future generations.
Fireworks
The state of Massachusetts completely bans the sale of fireworks. People who love the Fourth of July hate this, but others point to how fireworks terrify and harm pets – and plenty of humans, especially veterans, don’t like fireworks either. Other states strongly restrict, but don’t ban, fireworks.
Single-Use Plastic Bags
Remember when you took your groceries home in plastic bags and then just threw the bag away? What a waste! Now, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington all ban single-use plastic bags.
Radar Detectors
If you’re the type who likes to know when cops are around, watch out - radar detectors are banned in certain states and Washington, D.C. Police argue they encourage speeding, and they’ll give you a big fine if you’re caught with one where you shouldn’t be.
Horse Meat
While it’s rare in the USA, some states explicitly ban the sale or consumption of horse meat. It’s mostly a cultural and ethical choice, since eating horse is taboo for many Americans. But bear in mind that in other parts of the world, it’s considered nothing out of the ordinary.
Certain Knives
Knife laws vary wildly from state to state. Switchblades, butterfly knives, or even large hunting knives can be totally fine in one place and illegal in another. Collectors often get tripped up when traveling across borders. Always check the local laws!
Spray Paint Sales to Minors
While you can walk into a hardware store in some states and grab a can of spray paint, some other states ban sales to minors entirely. The concern is graffiti and inhalant abuse, but it creates awkward situations for arty teens just trying to finish a school project.
Cat and Dog Hair
New York is a weird place with some weird bans. One of them is, you’re prohibited from selling cat or dog hair in the state. Of course, there are precious few situations when you’d want to buy that in the first place, but there you go.
