The Fearless Fave Five: Crazy Texas Laws

There are some laws in Texas that seem a bit strange. There are some laws in Texas that seem a little crazy. Then there are those laws that have been on the books for years that make one want to scratch their head and ask why.

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For those new to the Lone Star State, before you go passing judgment, try to understand when the laws were written, why they were written, and what lawmakers were trying to accomplish. As for the real downright crazy laws, I believe they were written by legislators who were trying to help a friend, cattle rancher, business owner, and/or family member.

Thank the good Lord above that a lot of these laws are not enforced today, and many of them are being overwritten or updated. I personally believe that for the most part, legislators are trying to be honest and helpful. However I believe strongly that the laws of Texas must apply to everybody.

Let’s take a look at "My Fearless Fave Five Crazy Laws of Texas"

1. No Concealed Carry of Wire Cutters
While carrying a concealed firearm is perfectly legal in Texas, you are not allowed to carry wire cutters in your pocket in Austin. This law was written at a time when ranchers challenged open ranges and fencing regulations. Instead of enforcing the trespassing laws, this law was an attempt to prevent ranchers from cutting each other’s fences.

2. No Eating Your Neighbor’s Garbage
One thing to remember is that raccoons are exempt from this law. Yes, it is illegal to eat your neighbor's garbage. While we don't know the reasoning for this law, there are a lot of towns in Texas where consuming your neighbor's trash is illegal and considered trespassing.

3. No Shooting Buffalo or Wild Game from the Balcony
I can understand why this law is in effect. It would be quite disturbing trying to sleep in on a Saturday while your neighbor in the room next to you at the Motel-6 is taking a shot from your second-floor balcony at a buffalo. It is believed this law has been on the books since the mid-1800s. In case you were wondering, yes, it is illegal to shoot from any other floor too.

4. Paying Your Ticket Is a Guilty Plea
In other states paying a simple traffic ticket is not an admission of guilt. However, that does not appear to be the case in the Lone Star State. When you go in and pay your traffic ticket to resolve the citation, in Texas, it technically waives your right to a hearing, as paying it is taken as a guilty plea.

5. No “Odor Emissions” in the Elevator
I love this law, because I believe they wrote it for me. However, this law is only enforceable in Port Arthur and its surrounding communities. Let's make this perfectly clear: it is illegal to “release an obnoxious odor while enclosed in an elevator." This is why I never dine at Mexican food restaurants when in Port Arthur.
Source: Arnold & Itkin Trial Lawyers - Crazy Texas Laws