Delaware’s a small state, but we’ve got a knack for being a little controlling. Of course, I’m just talking about the state itself, and not in any way referring to its residents… I digress. Here are a few of the strangest laws on the books in the First State.
- In Rehoboth Beach, you’re not allowed to whisper in church… or within 300 feet of a church.
Flickr / Mike Mahaffie The law was meant to discourage and prevent disruptive behavior during worship. Also banned in church: profanity and rude behavior.
- Check your calendar before racing horses on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Flickr / Tennessee Wanderer Up until 1973, it was illegal to host any horse races on Sunday. The relaxation of the law banned the sport on just two days - Easter, and Good Friday.
- Forget about pretending to sleep on a boardwalk bench!
Flickr/ Robert Burkaiewicz I know that was a big part of your summer plans, but it’s technically against the laws. The jury is still out on actually sleeping on the boardwalk benches, but you might want to avoid that as well, lest you be accused of pretending to sleep.
- Six-year-old girls are only allowed to run around and play if they are fully clothed.
Flickr / Duluoz Cats Social commentary aside, it’s probably better for everyone if bathing suits or clothes are worn on Delaware beaches - unless designated otherwise.
- You aren’t allowed to change clothes in your car.
Flickr / Mike Mahaffie Perhaps the lawmakers were worried about accidental indecent exposure. Regardless of the origins of the law, it’s still enforced.
- Public bathrooms aren’t changing stations.
Flickr / Sam Howitz It’s illegal to change into or out of your bathing suit in a public bathroom, so don’t forget to bring a cover-up with you, and maybe some towels for your trip home.
Many of these laws make sense – particularly in the beach towns. Are there any other strange Delaware laws on the books in your town? Tell us in the comments below!
Flickr / Mike Mahaffie
The law was meant to discourage and prevent disruptive behavior during worship. Also banned in church: profanity and rude behavior.
Flickr / Tennessee Wanderer
Up until 1973, it was illegal to host any horse races on Sunday. The relaxation of the law banned the sport on just two days - Easter, and Good Friday.
Flickr/ Robert Burkaiewicz
I know that was a big part of your summer plans, but it’s technically against the laws. The jury is still out on actually sleeping on the boardwalk benches, but you might want to avoid that as well, lest you be accused of pretending to sleep.
Flickr / Duluoz Cats
Social commentary aside, it’s probably better for everyone if bathing suits or clothes are worn on Delaware beaches - unless designated otherwise.
Perhaps the lawmakers were worried about accidental indecent exposure. Regardless of the origins of the law, it’s still enforced.
Flickr / Sam Howitz
It’s illegal to change into or out of your bathing suit in a public bathroom, so don’t forget to bring a cover-up with you, and maybe some towels for your trip home.
For more weird Delaware facts, check out 9 Insane Things That Happened In Delaware You Won’t Find in History Books.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
