Wait… That’s Actually Illegal in Arizona? 5 Laws You Have to See
The Mohave Insider
5 Strange Arizona Laws That Actually Exist
ARIZONA — You’ve probably heard that it is illegal in Arizona to allow a donkey to sleep in a bathtub.
It makes for a good Arizona story, but the famous “donkey in a bathtub” law is generally regarded as an urban legend rather than a current Arizona law.
Arizona does, however, have some laws — and local city ordinances — that sound almost as unusual.
Here are five that actually have a basis in Arizona law.
1. You Can’t Just Dig Up a Saguaro and Take It With You
See a giant saguaro in the desert and think it would look good in your yard?
Think again.
Arizona law regulates the removal and transportation of protected native plants. A person generally cannot take, transport or possess a protected native plant removed from its original growing location without the required state permit. Arizona law also establishes specific requirements for saguaros. (Arizona Legislative Website)
Taking protected plants from private or state land without the landowner's permission can even constitute theft, with penalties depending on the value of the plants involved. (Arizona Legislative Website)
In other words: that giant cactus is not a free Arizona souvenir.
2. Spitting in Public Is Prohibited in Goodyear
This one is local rather than statewide.
Goodyear has long had a city-code provision prohibiting spitting on public sidewalks and crosswalks, public paths and roads, public grounds or parks, and inside public buildings. The provision has historically been cited as Goodyear Code §11-1-15. (Enjuris)
Apparently Goodyear decided: keep it classy.
3. Feeding Garbage to Pigs Requires a Permit — With One Interesting Exception
Arizona law says a person generally cannot feed garbage to swine without first obtaining a permit. (Arizona Legislative Website)
But there is a very specific exception.
The law does not apply to someone who feeds only their own household garbage to pigs they are raising for their own use. (Arizona Legislative Website)
So your garbage + your pig + raising it for your own use?
Arizona law has an exception for that.
4. Arizona Really Has a “Stupid Motorist Law”
That isn't its official name, of course.
Arizona Revised Statute §28-910 deals with motorists who drive onto roads temporarily covered by rising water when the roadway has been barricaded because of flooding.
If the vehicle becomes stranded and emergency crews have to rescue the driver or passengers, the driver can be held responsible for emergency-response expenses. Liability under the statute can reach up to $2,000 for a single incident. (Arizona Legislative Website)
It's commonly referred to as Arizona's “Stupid Motorist Law.” (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV))
With Arizona's monsoon season, this is one strange law that has a very serious purpose:
Turn around, don't drown.
5. Fortune-Telling Has Been Prohibited in Avondale
Another strange one comes from the West Valley.
Avondale's city code includes provisions concerning fortune-telling, palm reading, palmistry, and hypnotism. The ordinance has been cited as making compensated fortune-telling and palmistry a misdemeanor and restricting hypnotism, with exceptions involving certain medical, dental, and educational uses. (Enjuris)
So if you want someone to tell you what your future holds, you may want to check the local code first.
Arizona Has Some Interesting Laws
The longer you live in Arizona, the more you realize there is always something new to learn about the Grand Canyon State.
Some of the strange “laws” shared online are completely made up. Others are based on old ordinances, local city codes or very real Arizona statutes.
From protected saguaros and pigs eating garbage to flooded roads and fortune-tellers, Arizona certainly has its share of unusual rules.
Which one surprised you the most?
Editor's Note: This article is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes and is not legal advice. State statutes and municipal ordinances can be amended, repealed or renumbered. Readers should consult the current Arizona Revised Statutes or applicable city code when determining whether a law applies to a particular situation.
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