Strangest North Carolina Laws That Still Exist
No More Than 2 Sessions of Bingo
Starting off the list of weird laws, per § 14-309.8, Bingo can only be played twice a week, and you’ve got to wait a full 48 hours between your games. Each session is capped at five hours because, let’s face it, even Bingo needs a nap. The Bingo police, also known as ALE Special Agents and the Bingo Administration, are on patrol to keep everything in check. If you’re a charitable organization itching to shout ‘Bingo!’ you’ll need a Charitable Bingo License. Remember, this isn’t Vegas—it’s Bingo with a conscience! Oh, and no drinking either.
No Singing Off Key
It isn’t written in the law books, but the North Carolina Supreme Court once had to deal with a case of… bad singing. William Linkhaw, a member of the Methodist church and the Bad Singing Club, was indicted by his church for his musical crimes. Linkhaw, from Lumberton, took his case to the North Carolina Supreme Court, where the judge decided that the price for his singing was a single penny for ‘disturbing the peace.’ The court overturned this ruling a year later after Linkhaw appealed. Even the law has some sympathy for tone-deaf singers!
Stealing $1000 Worth of Grease is a Class H Felony
As of 2022 if you’re caught stealing a kitchen grease container, you’re in hot oil. For grease worth $1000 or less, it’s a Class 1 misdemeanor—a greasy slap on the wrist. But if you swipe grease valued at over $1000, you’re looking at a Class H felony. It’s also illegal to damage these grease containers or to slap your label on someone else’s container, claiming it as your own. All this falls under § 14-79.2 Waste kitchen grease; unlawful acts and penalties.
Shacking Up? Not So Fast!
In this neck of the woods, it’s illegal for couples to sneak into the same hotel room under false pretenses! If you’re caught pretending to be husband and wife for ‘immoral purposes,’ it’s a big no-no. The laws in North Carolina state, ‘Any man and woman found occupying the same bedroom in any hotel, public inn, or boardinghouse for any immoral purpose, or any man and woman falsely registering as, or otherwise representing themselves to be husband and wife,’ will be hit with a Class 2 misdemeanor. So, unless you’re legally married, don’t think about pulling a fast one!
Not So Silly (String)
In Mount Airy, North Carolina, Sec 10-14 of the Code of Ordinances lays down the law on party pranks: Silly String and Snap-N-Pops are strictly off-limits! If you’re caught using or selling these play items within city limits, you could end up with a misdemeanor. So, if you’re planning a party, leave the Silly String and Snap-N-Pops at home.
Sad Hours
Have you ever noticed that ‘Happy Hour’ in North Carolina just means discounted food? According to North Carolina’s ABC Rule 2S.0232 (b), bars and restaurants can’t offer drink specials unless they’re available all day long. So, your dream of half-price cocktails from 5 to 7 p.m. isn’t happening here. And forget about ‘Ladies’ Nights’. it’s illegal for places to offer special deals to only part of the population.
No Borrowing Your Neighbors’ Dog… Or Mule. Or Horse.
In North Carolina, if you’re thinking about borrowing your neighbor’s horse, gelding, mare, mule, or even their dog without asking, think again! According to § 14-82, it’s illegal to take someone’s animal without their knowledge. Depriving the owner of their special or temporary use of their pet or livestock will land you a Class 2 misdemeanor. So, unless you want to trot your way to court, always ask before you saddle up or leash up someone else’s friend!
Raking in a Felony
Finishing off the list of weird laws in North Carolina, keep an eye out for pine straw thieves! It’s illegal to steal or help someone steal pine needles or pine straw from another person’s property, as long as the owner has put up the right signs saying ‘Hands off!’ If you’re caught attempting to swipe some pine straw, you’re looking at a Class H Felony. Unless you want to turn your yard time into a hard time, leave those pine needles where they are!