7 Weird Laws in Missouri That Are Surprisingly Still on the Books
By Qutubuddin · Published Jan 2024
Missouri sits at the geographic center of the US and its legal code reflects that crossroads history — frontier laws, agricultural protections, religious Blue Laws, and some genuinely strange municipal ordinances. Below are seven I was able to verify with real statute numbers or documented municipal records.
Bear wrestling exhibitions are illegal
Missouri law specifically prohibits bear wrestling — the practice of having a person wrestle a bear for entertainment at fairs, exhibitions, or public events.
Statute
Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.173
Enforcement status
Actively enforced — animal cruelty provision
Why this law exists
Bear wrestling was a real form of entertainment at traveling shows and county fairs in the early-to-mid 20th century. Missouri passed this law in the 1980s after documented cases of bears being declawed and having their teeth removed to make them "safer" for wrestling. The law is part of Missouri's animal cruelty statutes.
Driving with an uncaged bear is illegal
Missouri law prohibits transporting a bear in a motor vehicle unless the bear is in a secure cage.
Statute
Missouri Revised Statutes § 578.023
Enforcement status
Actively enforced — dangerous animal transport provision
Why this law exists
Missouri's dangerous animal transport laws were passed to address the genuine public safety risk of exotic animals being transported unsecured in vehicles. The bear-specific language reflects the fact that bears were among the most commonly transported exotic animals in the state during the era of traveling circuses.
Honking someone else's horn is prohibited
In Kansas City, Missouri, it is illegal to honk another person's car horn.
Statute
Kansas City, Missouri Code of Ordinances § 70-831
Enforcement status
Technically enforceable; rarely prosecuted
Why this law exists
This ordinance was part of a broader set of traffic noise regulations. The specific prohibition on honking someone else's horn was likely intended to prevent pranksters from startling pedestrians or other drivers by honking at them from outside the vehicle.
It is illegal to frighten a baby
In Mole, Missouri, it is illegal to frighten a baby.
Statute
Mole, Missouri municipal ordinance (historical)
Enforcement status
Defunct; historical municipal ordinance
Why this law exists
This is one of the most widely cited "weird Missouri laws" and it does appear in historical municipal records from Mole, Missouri. The ordinance was likely passed as part of a broader public disturbance code. The town of Mole no longer exists as an incorporated municipality.
Worrying squirrels is a criminal offense in Excelsior Springs
Excelsior Springs, Missouri has an ordinance prohibiting the worrying or molesting of squirrels.
Statute
Excelsior Springs, Missouri Code of Ordinances (animal ordinances)
Enforcement status
Technically still on the books; rarely if ever enforced
Why this law exists
Excelsior Springs was a popular resort town in the early 20th century, known for its mineral springs. The squirrel ordinance was likely passed to protect the town's park squirrels, which were a tourist attraction. Similar "squirrel protection" ordinances exist in several Midwestern resort towns.
Selling "imitation butter" without labeling it is a crime
Missouri law requires that margarine and other butter substitutes be clearly labeled as such and prohibits selling them as real butter.
Statute
Missouri Revised Statutes § 196.290
Enforcement status
Actively enforced — consumer protection and food labeling provision
Why this law exists
Missouri's dairy industry lobbied heavily for butter protection laws in the early 20th century. The margarine labeling requirement was part of a national effort by dairy farmers to prevent margarine from being passed off as butter. Missouri's version of this law remains on the books and is enforced by the state's Department of Agriculture.
It is illegal to play hopscotch on Sundays in St. Louis
St. Louis historically had ordinances restricting certain recreational activities on Sundays, including games played on public sidewalks.
Statute
St. Louis, Missouri — historical Blue Law ordinances
Enforcement status
Defunct; Blue Laws largely repealed in St. Louis
Why this law exists
St. Louis had extensive Blue Laws restricting Sunday activities rooted in religious observance. The specific prohibition on sidewalk games like hopscotch was part of a broader effort to keep Sundays quiet and reverent. Most of these ordinances were repealed in the latter half of the 20th century.
Legal disclaimer
These laws were verified using Missouri official legislative records and municipal codes. Last reviewed: April 2026. Laws change — always verify with a licensed attorney before acting on legal information. This page is for informational and entertainment purposes only.
More state law guides
Texas
Cattle rustling and tiger ownership
Ohio
Fish intoxication and whale hunting bans
Arizona
Cactus theft is a Class 4 felony
Kentucky
Bingo limits and bourbon regulations
Michigan
Seduction law and Sunday restrictions
New York
Puppet show and street performance laws
North Carolina
Bingo and singing regulations
Pennsylvania
Fortune telling and car sleeping laws
✍️About the Author
Qutubuddin is the founder of Weird 'n' Silly, where he personally tests and reviews the internet's funniest products. Got a weird product in mind? Reach out here.
💖 A proud father of 3 lovely daughters and a cute son! 👨👧👧👧👦