7 Weird Pennsylvania Laws That Are Surprisingly Still on the Books
By Qutubuddin · Published Jan 2024
Pennsylvania is one of the original 13 colonies and its legal code reflects that age — layers of colonial-era statutes, Quaker-influenced moral codes, and industrial-era regulations that were never cleaned up. Below are seven laws I was able to verify, plus one myth worth correcting.
Fortune tellers must be licensed in Philadelphia
Philadelphia requires fortune tellers, astrologers, clairvoyants, and similar practitioners to obtain a city license before charging for their services.
Statute
Philadelphia Code § 9-4101
Enforcement status
Actively enforced — Philadelphia licenses and inspects fortune telling businesses
Why this law exists
Philadelphia's fortune telling licensing requirement dates to the early 20th century when the city was concerned about fraud targeting vulnerable residents. The licensing system was designed to create accountability for practitioners and give the city a mechanism to revoke licenses if fraud was documented. The law remains in force today.
Sleeping in your car overnight is prohibited in many Pennsylvania cities
Multiple Pennsylvania municipalities prohibit sleeping in a parked vehicle on public streets overnight. The specific rules vary by city.
Statute
Philadelphia Code § 12-2408 (vehicle code provisions); varies by municipality
Enforcement status
Actively enforced in Philadelphia and several other PA cities
Why this law exists
These ordinances were originally passed to address concerns about people living in vehicles on public streets. They have become more controversial in recent years as housing costs have risen and more people have been forced to live in their vehicles. Several Pennsylvania cities have faced legal challenges to these ordinances.
Dynamite is not allowed on fishing boats
Pennsylvania law prohibits the use of explosives, including dynamite, to catch fish.
Statute
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Code § 2503
Enforcement status
Actively enforced — fish and wildlife protection provision
Why this law exists
Dynamite fishing — using explosives to stun or kill fish — was a documented practice in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was highly destructive to fish populations and aquatic ecosystems. Pennsylvania's prohibition is part of a broader set of illegal fishing methods that also includes electric shock devices and certain types of nets.
It is illegal to catch a fish with your hands in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law prohibits catching fish by hand (a practice called "noodling" or "hand fishing") in state waters.
Statute
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Code § 2503
Enforcement status
Actively enforced — illegal fishing method
Why this law exists
Hand fishing or "noodling" is legal in some southern states but prohibited in Pennsylvania. The state's Fish and Boat Commission determined that hand fishing is difficult to regulate and can lead to overfishing of certain species, particularly catfish. Pennsylvania's prohibition is part of its broader effort to maintain sustainable fish populations.
Singing in a public place while intoxicated is a misdemeanor
Pennsylvania law makes it a summary offense to sing, shout, or make loud noise in a public place while intoxicated.
Statute
Pennsylvania Crimes Code 18 Pa. C.S. § 5505
Enforcement status
Actively enforced as a public drunkenness provision
Why this law exists
This provision is part of Pennsylvania's public drunkenness statute. The specific mention of singing and shouting reflects the law's origins in 19th century concerns about disorderly conduct in public spaces. The law is still used today, primarily in cases where intoxicated individuals are causing a disturbance.
Housewives cannot hide dirt under a rug — but this is a myth
This is one of the most widely shared "weird Pennsylvania laws" online. It cannot be traced to any actual Pennsylvania statute or municipal code. It is internet folklore.
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 years, sometimes attributed to Pittsburgh and sometimes to the state generally. No Pennsylvania statute or municipal code contains such a provision. It appears to be one of many fabricated "weird laws" that spread online without verification.
Fireworks are heavily restricted — even sparklers
Pennsylvania law restricts consumer fireworks significantly. Until 2017, even sparklers were prohibited for Pennsylvania residents (though not for out-of-state visitors). The law was amended in 2017 to allow some consumer fireworks.
Statute
Pennsylvania Fireworks Law 35 P.S. § 1271 et seq. (amended 2017)
Enforcement status
Amended in 2017 — some consumer fireworks now permitted with restrictions
Why this law exists
Pennsylvania had one of the strictest fireworks laws in the US for decades. The original law prohibited Pennsylvania residents from buying consumer fireworks in the state, but allowed out-of-state visitors to purchase them — creating the bizarre situation where Pennsylvania fireworks stores primarily served customers from neighboring states. The law was finally amended in 2017 after years of lobbying.
Legal disclaimer
These laws were verified using Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes official 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
Missouri
Bear wrestling regulations
New York
Tiger selfies and anti-mask laws
North Carolina
Bingo limits and grease theft felony
✍️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! 👨👧👧👧👦