There are some strange laws in almost every city and state in the nation. Not surprisingly, the state of California seems to have more than its fair share of head-scratching laws on the books.

The Golden State is home to hundreds of examples of strange, antiquated, overreaching, or just plain crazy laws - some of which surprisingly are enforced.

5 of California's Strangest Laws

This list is by no means exhaustive, just 5 of the dozens we've discovered.

#1: New in 2024, AB 1084 - Requires retailers to have a gender-neutral toy section.

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Hmmm. The Boomer in me is screaming: 'In my day, we had gender-neutral toys, we called 'em Sticks and Imaginations'. If it's not too much burden on retailers to be accommodating, I can see where this might be helpful to some folks. Still strange.

#2: The City of Walnut, CA, Prohibits Boys or Men Dressing as Women or Girls

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No man or boy shall dress as a girl or woman without a permit from the sheriff, except for amusement, show, or drama. So, are Drag Queens safe? And I wonder, why did this need to become a law? Had this become a regular issue in town? Nuts in Walnut!

#3: It is Illegal for Women to Drive Vehicles While Wearing a Housecoat.

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via YouTube
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My mind immediately goes to the question - is this 1966 and are most women still wearing housecoats? Where are they going when they leave the house in their housecoat? The name implies they're wearing these coats in and around the house. Perhaps this conflict of interest was the impetus for this strange CA law.

#4: The So-Called Anti-Griswold Rule: No Christmas Lights on Homes post Feb 2.

Brian Stephenson
Brian Stephenson
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The Groundhog may see his shadow, but he better not see Christmas Lights! Homeowners who have Christmas lights on their houses past February 2 may be subject to a fine of up to $250. I sorta like this weird law. I have a neighbor who still has a dozen lighted reindeer and demonic-looking elves on their lawn, lit up 24/7.

#5: In San Fran, a Person Classified as “Ugly” may not Legally Walk Down any Street.

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via YouTube
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Not totally without merit. I should double-check that ticket I got in San Francisco last summer that I assumed was for jaywalking. From now on, I'll mask up, avoid more tickets, and scare fewer children. (See this Vid HERE)

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