Understanding the 7 Most Weird Laws in Missouri

When you think about Missouri, you might picture the iconic Gateway Arch, scenic trails, or rich jazz history. While beyond its charm, Missouri has its fair share of quirky and downright weird laws that defy logic and practicality. Whether they’re remnants of an earlier era or still oddly enforced today, these laws bring plenty of laughs and head-scratching moments.

At Burger Law, we’ve rounded up seven of the most unusual laws in Missouri, some of which may surprise even locals. We’ll also explore how these quirky rules intersect with broader legal principles, including personal injury and automotive laws. It’s a fun reminder that even the strangest laws can teach us something about the legal world!

The Weirdest Laws in Missouri

1. It’s Illegal to Sell Cars on Sundays

Missouri law section 578.120 bans the sale of cars on Sundays. Known as a “blue law,” this quirky rule initially aimed to align business practices with religious traditions of Sunday rest. Interestingly, while churches are full of attendees on Sundays, car lots in Missouri sit idly by. This prohibition doesn’t extend to selling motorcycles, RVs, or boats, making it even more baffling. Businesses violating this law risk being charged with a Class C misdemeanor.

2. Running a Brothel? Beware of the Roommates Clause

Missouri’s infamous brothel law section 567.020 stirs up controversy even today. By the books, any residence with four or more women living together is technically classified as a brothel. Despite its absurdity, this outdated law has traditionally influenced university sororities, pushing against creating housing for female students to avoid legal complications. While not actively enforced, the existence of this regulation reminds us that laws don’t always age gracefully.

3. No Front-Yard Yard Sales in University City

If you live in University City and fancy earning some extra cash through a yard sale, consider this: section 215.2330 of the city ordinance states that yard sales must not take place in front of your home. You’re relegated to the backyard and restricted to hosting no more than two sales per year. No word yet on whether grilling in the backyard during the sale is permissible. However, you have a chance to improve relations with neighbors!

4. Minors and Trash Duty? Not If Alcohol Is Present

Missouri law forbids children under the age of 21 from taking out the trash if it contains any alcohol-related items, including empty cans or bottles. While this law aligns with broader alcohol possession restrictions, its enforcement is practically nonexistent, allowing most families to breathe easy and delegate trash duties without worry. That said, technically, you could face penalties if local authorities decide to enforce this obscure rule.

5. Milk Deliveries? Walk, Don’t Run

In Missouri, milkmen delivering bottles to homes must ensure they walk and not run while on the job. The logic? Running could potentially lead to shattering the fragile glass bottles once used for delivering milk. While rarely a concern in today’s era of milk cartons and delivery trucks, this law is a fun callback to simpler times—so give your (hypothetical) milkman a break and enjoy the nostalgia!

6. Firefighters Can’t Rescue Women in Nightgowns

While this sounds like something out of a strange historical drama, St. Louis firefighters were once forbidden from rescuing women wearing nightgowns unless they were fully clothed. Though outdated and not enforced in modern practice, this law highlights some of the unique societal attitudes of the past. Today, we can thankfully all agree that saving lives isn’t conditional on dress code!

7. Bachelor Tax

Here’s one for single men in Missouri. Dating back to 1821, single men aged 21 and above were required to pay an annual tax of $1. Known as a “bachelor tax,” the aim was to encourage marriage and population growth in the state. While no longer enforced, it’s amusing to consider how the pursuit of love could once be legally incentivized with taxes. For curious minds, $1 in 1821’s economy translates to about $23 today.

If You Need Help Understanding Weird Laws in Missouri, Burger Law Is Here

Laws can be weird. However, understanding them is key to protecting your rights and staying informed. At Burger Law, we go beyond the bizarre to help with real-world legal challenges like personal injury and car accident cases. Need help navigating Missouri’s legal system? We’re here to ensure your voice is heard.