Kansas: Dumb Laws from the Sunflower State
The Midwestern state of Kansas is home to the rolling Great Plains and a thriving aviation and agriculture industry. Despite its reputation as a down-to-earth state, Kansas is also home to some dumb laws you might be inclined to disbelieve.
Persons may not “screech” their tires while driving
Not only does the state of Kansas value its wide open spaces, it also values its peace and quiet. This concept is the only possible reason why it is still illegal to “accelerate or speed a vehicle in such a manner or to turn a corner in such a manner as to cause… tires to screech” on city streets within the state. Those who violate this silly law are guilty of committing a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500, 30 days in jail, or a combination of both.
You must keep your yard in shape
Hand in hand with Kansas’ pride in its natural landscape are several variants on laws stating that residents must keep their yards in good shape. Such laws, which are common in cities throughout the state, typically make it unlawful to allow weeds to remain in residential yards because they are considered a nuisance. These laws require homeowners, landlords, and tenants to comply with weed removal regulations on both public and private property.
It is illegal to spit on a sidewalk
Not only must residents of Kansas keep a tight rein on the weeds in their yard, they must also respect public property. It is expressly forbidden by law to spit on the sidewalk in several cities, including Topeka and Dodge City. Furthermore, these laws often forbid spitting not only sidewalks, but in alleyways, on streets, and even on the floors of public buildings as well.