The Weird Laws In Idaho That Tourists Accidentally Break Daily

Idaho is famous for its breathtaking mountains, world-class potatoes, and outdoor adventures that draw visitors from around the globe.

But beneath the beauty lies a collection of bizarre laws that many tourists unknowingly violate every single day.

From unusual fishing restrictions to strange city ordinances about smiling, these real statutes remain on the books and could technically land you in legal trouble if enforced.

1. No Fishing While Riding a Horse or Any Animal

Picture this: you’re exploring Idaho’s pristine streams on horseback, fishing rod in hand, ready to catch some trout. Stop right there! Idaho Code actually makes it illegal to fish while sitting on the back of any animal.

This law was created to protect sensitive fish spawning areas from being trampled by horses, mules, and other animals. The state wanted to preserve delicate stream ecosystems where fish lay their eggs.

Tourists riding through Idaho’s backcountry often don’t realize this rule exists. If you want to fish and ride, you’ll need to dismount first to stay on the right side of the law.

2. Unmarried Couples Face Jail Time for Intimacy

Believe it or not, Idaho Code § 18-6603 still criminalizes intimate relations between unmarried adults. This outdated statute classifies such behavior as a misdemeanor, with penalties reaching up to $300 in fines or six months behind bars.

Dating back to Idaho’s early statehood days, this morality law reflects Victorian-era values. Today, it’s almost never enforced, but technically remains active legislation.

Tourists visiting Idaho with romantic partners should know this peculiar law exists, even though prosecution is virtually unheard of in modern times. It’s one of those forgotten rules that lawmakers simply haven’t bothered removing from the books.

3. Sweeping Dirt Into Streets is Prohibited in Eagle

Cleaning your vacation rental in Eagle? Watch where you sweep that dust! The city’s code specifically forbids sweeping dirt or debris from your porch directly into the street.

Unlike some weird laws, this one actually makes practical sense. Eagle officials created this ordinance to prevent storm drain clogs and maintain clean streets throughout the community.

Tourists renting homes often clean porches without thinking twice about where the dirt goes. Sweeping into the gutter might seem harmless, but in Eagle, it could result in a citation. Always use a dustpan and dispose of debris properly to avoid any issues with local authorities.

4. Selling Imperfect Potatoes as Idaho Deluxe is Criminal

Idaho takes its potato reputation seriously; seriously enough to jail offenders! According to Idaho Code § 22-901, selling any potato labeled “Idaho Deluxe” that has rot, blemishes, or sun damage is illegal.

Violators face harsh consequences: up to six months in jail or fines reaching $5,000. The state protects its agricultural brand with strict quality standards.

Tourists buying potatoes as souvenirs rarely think about this law. But if you purchase “Idaho Deluxe” potatoes and later try reselling them at a roadside stand, you could technically break this statute if those spuds aren’t flawless. Idaho’s potato pride isn’t just marketing, it’s enforceable law!

5. Public Affection Cannot Exceed 18 Minutes

Honeymooning in Idaho? Better set a timer! State law limits public displays of affection to less than 18 minutes. Yes, someone apparently decided that 18 minutes was the precise cutoff for acceptable romance.

This archaic morality statute dates back decades when communities regulated public behavior much more strictly. Nobody knows exactly why lawmakers chose 18 minutes specifically.

Modern enforcement is essentially nonexistent, but the law technically remains active. Tourists enjoying romantic moments at scenic overlooks or parks could theoretically violate this strange time limit. While you won’t likely face arrest, it’s amusing to know Idaho once felt compelled to put a clock on love.

6. Pocatello Demands You Smile in Public

Having a bad day? Don’t show it in Pocatello! The city’s infamous “Smile Ordinance” prohibits pedestrians and drivers from displaying frowns, grimaces, or gloomy expressions that might damage the city’s reputation.

This quirky law was supposedly passed to promote positive community spirit. Pocatello wanted visitors to see happy faces everywhere they looked.

Tourists dealing with travel stress, bad weather, or simply having an off day could technically violate this ordinance. Imagine getting a citation for looking grumpy while stuck in traffic! While enforcement is rare today, the law remains part of Pocatello’s official city code, making it one of America’s strangest municipal regulations.

7. Remote-Controlled Hunting Equipment is Banned

Tech-savvy hunters, take note! Idaho Code § 36-1101 explicitly prohibits using computers or internet connections to remotely control weapons for hunting animals. No joystick safaris allowed here.

Lawmakers passed this statute after concerns emerged about websites offering remote hunting experiences. The practice raised serious ethical questions about fair chase hunting principles.

Tourists demonstrating high-tech hunting setups or even joking about remote hunting capabilities could inadvertently break this law. Idaho values traditional hunting ethics and wants hunters physically present during the hunt. This modern regulation ensures technology doesn’t replace the authentic outdoor experience that defines Idaho’s hunting culture and conservation efforts.

8. Seniors Over 88 Cannot Ride Motorcycles in Idaho Falls

Got a motorcycle-loving grandparent over 88? They’ll need to skip Idaho Falls! An obscure city ordinance imposes an age limit on motorcycle riding, specifically targeting seniors past their 88th birthday.

Why 88? Nobody seems to know the reasoning behind this oddly specific cutoff. The law appears to stem from outdated safety concerns about elderly riders.

Tourists traveling with older family members who enjoy riding could unknowingly violate this local code. While enforcement seems unlikely, the ordinance technically remains active. It’s one of those head-scratching regulations that makes you wonder what incident prompted lawmakers to create such a specific age restriction for motorcycle enthusiasts.

9. Cannibalism is Technically Legal in Idaho

Believe it or not, Idaho never passed a specific law making cannibalism illegal. While this sounds absolutely terrifying, don’t worry—you’re still protected by other laws. Murder, assault, and desecration of human remains are all very much illegal, which covers most situations you’d imagine.

Tourists stumbling upon this fact often feel shocked and confused. The gap exists simply because lawmakers never thought they needed to spell it out specifically. Most states rely on related laws to cover this taboo, and Idaho follows the same approach.

So technically, the act itself isn’t banned by name in Idaho’s legal code. However, getting to that point would break numerous other serious laws, making this legal loophole more of a quirky technicality than an actual concern for anyone visiting the Gem State.

10. Riding a Merry-Go-Round on Sundays Was Once Forbidden

Back in the day, Idaho took its Sunday rest laws incredibly seriously. Old blue laws prohibited all sorts of recreational activities on Sundays, including riding carousel horses at the fair. These laws came from religious beliefs about keeping the Sabbath holy and avoiding frivolous entertainment.

Tourists visiting Idaho’s charming small-town festivals might not realize this rule existed for decades. Families would have to skip the carousel entirely or wait until Monday to enjoy the spinning horses. Can you imagine telling excited kids they couldn’t ride because of the day of the week?

Thankfully, this law is no longer enforced today, and you can enjoy merry-go-rounds any day you please. Still, it remains a fascinating peek into Idaho’s more conservative past and reminds us how much times have changed across America.