Colorado’s Comically Outdated Laws That Are Still on the Books

Are you a resident of Colorado? Have you ever wondered if there are any old and outdated laws still in effect in the state? Well, it turns out that Colorado has a few of those comically outdated laws that are still on the books. While they may have made sense at one point in time, these laws are now just plain silly. Let’s take a look at five of Colorado’s most amusing outdated laws.

1. You Can’t Keep Chickens in Your Backyard in the City

While chickens may be a common sight in rural Colorado, did you know that it’s illegal to keep them in your backyard if you live in the city? According to the Denver Municipal Code, it is unlawful to keep or harbor any chickens, ducks, geese, or other fowl within the city limits. However, this law is not strictly enforced, and many urban farmers continue to keep a few hens in their backyard for fresh eggs.

2. It’s Illegal to Ride a Horse While Under the Influence

In Colorado, it is illegal to ride a horse while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. While this may seem like a no-brainer, the law is actually quite old and was put in place to prevent cowboys from getting drunk and causing trouble while on horseback. The law is still on the books today, although it is rarely enforced.

3. It’s Illegal to Tamper with a Public Road or Highway

Did you know that it is illegal to tamper with a public road or highway in Colorado? This law was put in place to prevent individuals from making unauthorized changes to public roads and highways, which could pose a danger to other drivers. However, the law is quite broad and could be interpreted to mean anything from painting a mural on a highway overpass to repairing a pothole without permission.

4. You Can’t Play Pinball Unless You’re Over 18

In Colorado, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to play pinball. This law dates back to the 1950s when pinball was seen as a form of gambling and was often associated with the mafia. Today, pinball is no longer associated with organized crime, and the law is rarely enforced. In fact, many pinball arcades in Colorado allow children of all ages to play.

5. It’s Illegal to Throw Missiles at Cars

While it may seem like common sense not to throw missiles at cars, this law is still on the books in Colorado. The law was put in place to prevent individuals from throwing rocks or other objects at passing cars, which could cause serious accidents. However, the law is quite broad and could be interpreted to mean anything from throwing a snowball at a passing car to launching a rocket at a parked vehicle.

Colorado has its fair share of outdated and comically amusing laws that are still on the books. While these laws may have made sense at one point in time, they now seem ridiculous and are rarely enforced. However, they serve as a reminder of how much things have changed over the years and how laws can become outdated and irrelevant over time. So, the next time you’re in Colorado, remember not to tamper with any public roads or highways, and if you’re under 18, don’t play pinball!