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Strange but true: Laws in America’s tourist hotspots

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Image: Tingey Injury Law Firm

Image: Tingey Injury Law Firm

Laws and regulations in America

Strange but true: Laws in America’s tourist hotspots

Did you know that characters like Elmo and Elsa can’t freely roam around Times Square while working? Or that it’s forbidden to scatter a loved one’s ashes at Walt Disney World? These are just a few of the rules you probably didn’t see coming, but ones you’ll want to keep in mind if you ever find yourself there.

In Times Square, street performers like Elmo or Elsa can’t roam freely since 2016. They must stay inside designated painted zones if they expect tips or offer services. Stepping outside these areas can lead to fines or even arrest. The reason? It keeps the space more orderly and easier to navigate for visitors and reduces aggressive behavior and harassment.

There are local laws and health codes that actually restrict the spread of the ashes of cremated people in Disney World. This law came up because there were so many families throwing their family members' ashes that employees started to complain about having to clean them up.

Did you know that in the Sunshine State, it is illegal to sing while wearing a swimsuit? Although it seems irrational, it was a regulation established in the early 20th century, and nowadays you won't be arrested or banned for breaking it; there is no need to worry.

This matter was more closely tied to the local laws of Sarasta and Naples, cities with a heritage of beach hot spots, where authorities wanted to prevent inadequate performances.

Inspired by Mark Twain’s 1865 story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County", frog jumping competitions are held every year in California’s "Frogtown", Angels Camp.

One important rule is that when frogs die at any point in the competition, their bodies must be destroyed as soon as possible, and they are prohibited from being eaten or used for any other purpose.

In New York, an old law says shoe shining must stop after 1 p.m. on Sundays. It comes from "blue laws," mainly from the 19th century, which meant to keep Sundays quiet for religious observance. There is an exception for people working in hotels, who are allowed to continue. Today, this old-fashioned rule is outdated and rarely enforced.

If you’re an advertiser looking to place a billboard in Hawaii, you’ll run into strict rules. Back in 1927, a group of influential women who founded the Outdoor Circle Club pushed for restrictions on outdoor advertising to promote the "urban beautification" of Hawaii, and achieved their objectives.

Since then, billboards have been largely banned across the state, as they’re seen as out of place in its natural landscape. Only a few exceptions exist, such as official public notices and signs at places where goods are sold.

Chapter 126 of Rehoboth Beach’s municipal code declares that no person is allowed to sleep, lie down on the boardwalk or on benches, including those in pavilions at the end of streets or on nearby streets, since the early 2000s. The Civil Citations specifies that pretending to sleep is also prohibited… even if you claim you’re ‘just resting your eyes’!

Imagine it’s your first visit to the Grand Canyon, AZ, and you pull out your new drone to get the perfect shot. Well, that is actually not permitted since 2014. Launching, landing, and operating drones is strictly prohibited to protect wildlife, natural landscapes, and to keep visitors safe.

On the Las Vegas Strip, you’re allowed to walk around with a drink in hand since the 2010s, but there’s a catch: glass containers aren’t allowed, so everything has to be in plastic. There are also rules against aggressive solicitation, so no one should be pressuring you for money. It might seem strict at first, but with so many people around, these rules help keep the area safer.

According to Section 486 of the Municipal Code of San Francisco, it is illegal to feed pigeons on the streets, sidewalks, and public parks. This restriction dates back to the early 2000s. But why? Pigeon droppings are acidic and can affect the facade of buildings. Also, pigeon overpopulation can spread diseases and attract rodents.