Illinois has some absurd state and city laws still on the books. Here are a few of the funniest ones.
Those under 21 can drink legally, but they must be enrolled in a culinary program to do so.
In Des Plaines, wheelbarrows with "for sale" signs may not be chained to trees.
In Decatur, it's against the law to drive a car without a steering wheel.
In Joliet, you must contact the police before entering the city in an automobile.
It's against the law to urinate on a street sign in Normal.
The Normal law was enacted after the famous "beer riot" in the early 1980s.
In Champaign, one may not pee in his neighbor's mouth.
Don’t ever order a bottle of water at a Bloomington bar and attempt to walk out of the place with it.
In Galesburg, no person may keep a smelly dog.
It's illegal to make soap in Normal, unless you have a soap-making license.
In Lincoln, you can be ticketed if you park more than 12 inches from the curb.
Mispronouncing is a misdemeanor in Joliet.
Town fathers in Joliet, reflecting the pet peeve of hearing their town's name mispronounced 'Jolly-ETTE' when all local folk know it’s pronounced 'Joe-lee-ETTE', made pronouncing it Jolly-ette a misdemeanor, punishable by a $5 fine.
It's against the law in Bloomington to feed the birds if you live within a mile of the downtown square.
In Morton Grove, you could not own a handgun (until a 2008 repeal).
The handgun ban in Morton Grove, enacted in 1981, was repealed in 2008. (Chicago Tribune)
In Galesburg, no bicyclist may practice "fancy riding" on any city street.
There's a $1,000 fine for beating rats with baseball bats in Galesburg.
In Galesburg, it is illegal to burn bird feathers.
In Kenilworth, a rooster must step back 300 feet from any residence if he wishes to crow.
In Kirkland, bees are not allowed to fly over the village or through any of the streets.
In Moline, ice skating during the months of June and August is prohibited.
In Horner, it is against the law to use a slingshot unless you are a law enforcement officer.
In Chicago, it is forbidden to fish while sitting on a giraffe's neck.
It is illegal to hang "obstructions" from the rear view mirror, including fuzzy dice, air fresheners, GPS units, etc.
Kites may not be flown within the city limits of Chicago.
In Evanston, it is unlawful to change clothes in a car with the curtains drawn, except in case of fire.
