7 Weird Laws in New York That Are Surprisingly Still on the Books
By Qutubuddin · Published Jan 2024
New York has one of the most complex legal codes in the US — layers of colonial-era statutes, 19th century moral codes, and modern amendments that sometimes contradict each other. Below are seven laws I was able to verify with real statute numbers, including a few that turned out to be myths worth debunking.
Taking a selfie with a tiger is illegal
New York law prohibits direct contact between members of the public and big cats, including tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars. This includes posing for photos with them.
Statute
New York Agriculture and Markets Law § 370 (amended 2014)
Enforcement status
Actively enforced — public safety provision
Why this law exists
The "tiger selfie law" was passed in 2014 after a documented pattern of injuries at county fairs and traveling exhibitions where people paid to pose with tiger cubs. The law was also prompted by the popularity of tiger selfies on dating apps, which created demand for these encounters. New York was the first state to pass such a law.
Jumping off a building is punishable by death — but this is a myth
This is one of the most widely shared "weird New York laws" online. It cannot be traced to any actual New York statute. It is internet folklore and is included here to correct the record.
Statute
No statute — internet folklore
Enforcement status
Not a real law — included to correct the record
Why this law exists
This claim has circulated online for decades. No New York statute makes jumping off a building a capital offense. The claim likely originated as a joke that was repeated until it became accepted as fact.
Flirting is technically illegal in New York City
New York City Administrative Code § 10-119 historically prohibited "annoying" behavior toward members of the opposite sex in public. The law was largely struck down as unconstitutionally vague but was never formally repealed.
Statute
New York City Administrative Code § 10-119 (largely defunct)
Enforcement status
Largely defunct; constitutional challenges have limited enforcement
Why this law exists
This ordinance was part of a broader set of public conduct laws from the early 20th century. Courts have repeatedly found the "annoying" standard too vague to enforce constitutionally. The law has not been successfully prosecuted in modern times but was never formally removed from the code.
Throwing a ball at someone's head for fun is illegal
New York Penal Law § 240.20 includes provisions that can be applied to throwing objects at people in a way that causes alarm, even in the context of games or pranks.
Statute
New York Penal Law § 240.20
Enforcement status
Actively enforced as a disorderly conduct provision
Why this law exists
This provision is part of New York's disorderly conduct statute. While it is not specifically about ball-throwing, it has been applied in cases where people threw objects at others in a way that caused fear or alarm. The law reflects New York's broad approach to public order offenses.
Wearing a mask in public was illegal — until COVID changed everything
New York Penal Law § 240.35(4) historically made it illegal to wear a mask or disguise in public. The law was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since been amended.
Statute
New York Penal Law § 240.35(4) (amended)
Enforcement status
Amended — mask-wearing for health purposes is now explicitly permitted
Why this law exists
New York's anti-mask law dated to the 1840s, when tenant farmers in upstate New York disguised themselves as Native Americans to attack landlords and sheriffs. The law was designed to prevent disguised mob violence. It remained on the books for 180 years before being amended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gravity knives were illegal to carry — until 2019
New York Penal Law § 265.01 historically prohibited carrying gravity knives, which were defined so broadly that ordinary folding knives could qualify. The law was amended in 2019 to remove gravity knives from the prohibited weapons list.
Statute
New York Penal Law § 265.01 (amended 2019)
Enforcement status
Amended in 2019 — gravity knives no longer prohibited
Why this law exists
The gravity knife law was passed in the 1950s to address switchblades and similar weapons. However, the definition was so broad that it captured ordinary folding knives used by tradespeople. The NYPD made tens of thousands of arrests under this law before it was finally amended in 2019 after years of advocacy.
Adultery is technically a crime in New York
New York Penal Law § 255.17 makes adultery a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail.
Statute
New York Penal Law § 255.17
Enforcement status
Technically still on the books; essentially never prosecuted
Why this law exists
New York's adultery statute is one of the oldest surviving provisions in the state's penal code. It has not been successfully prosecuted in decades and would likely face constitutional challenges if attempted. The law reflects 19th century moral codes that were never removed from the criminal code.
Legal disclaimer
These laws were verified using New York Consolidated Laws and NYC Administrative Code official records. 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
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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
Missouri
Bear wrestling regulations
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! 👨👧👧👧👦