June 20, 2025 | Chicago Personal Injury Blog
Each state has strange laws that are still in place, even though the laws are generally not enforced. Some of these laws are so odd that it is difficult to believe lawmakers would have had a valid reason for enacting the laws in the first place. Illinois is no exception.
Five of the strangest laws in Illinois that our legal team has discovered include:
1. Don’t Allow Your Pet to Smoke
Another strange law related to pets can be found in the Animal Control Act. According to the statutes, it is unlawful for someone to give a lit cigar to a cat or dog. It is baffling why lawmakers felt the need to include this law on the books. Regardless of their reasons, if you want to celebrate with your pet, choose pet treats instead of a lit cigar.
2. Coasting and Trick Riding on a Bicycle Prohibited in Mendota, IL
The Mendota City Code prohibits bicyclists from removing both hands from the handlebars or feet from the pedals to coast within the city limits. The code also prohibits trick riding and “acrobatic or fancy riding” on any street. We are unsure what “fancy riding” might consist of, but keeping your hands on the handlebars makes sense.
Bicycle accidents can cause severe injuries to riders. Keeping your hands on the handlebars and paying close attention to traffic can reduce the risk of a bicycle accident.
3. Clean Up Your Grass Clippings
Could you be arrested for mowing your grass and leaving the grass clippings in your yard? The Illinois Litter Control Act makes it illegal to litter throughout the state. Litter is defined as any discarded, unconsumed, or used waste or substance. The statute specifically lists “grass clippings” as an example of litter.
If you continue reading the statute, there is an exception if you own the property or are a tenant in lawful possession of the property. However, you can’t take your grass clippings and dump them on your neighbor’s property.
4. Stink Balls Are Illegal in Chicago
The Chicago Municipal Code prohibits someone from selling, offering to sell, or giving away a stink ball (a small, throwable object designed to release a foul odor). It is also illegal to have a stink ball in your possession. If you are considering a stink ball as revenge, it could be costly.
Violating this section can result in fines of $500 to $1,500 for each offense.
5. Making Faces at a Dog May Be Prohibited
The Illinois Animal Control Act has strict rules for dog owners. However, the statutes also prohibit some conduct against dogs, including “provocation.” Some counties include this to mean making faces at a dog.
Making faces at a dog could provoke it to attack. Dog owners can be held strictly liable for injuries caused by dog bites and attacks. However, provoking a dog in some way could be a defense to strict liability. Therefore, refrain from making faces at a dog to stay out of trouble with the law and avoid allegations of provoking a dog.
Other Strange Laws That May or May Not Be True
Some weird laws may be myths or fake. For instance, you may have heard that wearing flip-flops while driving is illegal. Contrary to belief, driving while wearing flip-flops is not illegal. The myth may have grown out of the expectation that drivers should wear appropriate shoes to avoid causing an accident because their shoes get caught in the pedals.
Other laws that may be fake include fishing on your wedding day or while wearing pajamas, which is unlawful. There is a fake law circulating that states it is illegal to eat in a building that is on fire. Some sources claim that state law requires women to refer to all unmarried men as “master” instead of “mister”; however, we did not locate a statute supporting this alleged law.
Even Strange Laws Can Be Enforced in Illinois
Regardless of whether we think a law is strange, it is still the law. At-fault parties may not agree with Illinois’ personal injury laws that hold them liable for injuries that are their fault. A Chicago personal injury lawyer can help injured victims pursue claims for economic and non-economic damages. Get help navigating a personal injury claim by scheduling a free consultation with an accident attorney at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers today.
Contact our Personal Injury Law Firm at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, IL, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
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