We’re not just talking about dumb laws… we’re talking about dumb rules that are so bad they have to be called out.
Do you think there are dumb laws in America?
There are plenty of dumb laws in America. Some of these laws are very old, while others are relatively new.
Several dumb laws in America need to be changed. In this article, we will share my thoughts on some of the dumbest laws in America.
I hope you enjoy it!
Dumb Law 1: The “Cigarette Tax.”
If you live in one of the states where cigarettes are taxed at $0.00 per pack, then congratulations. You are living under what I like to call the “ciggie tax.”
You see, most states charge an excise tax for all tobacco products, including cigars and chewing tobacco. This means that if you buy a pack of cigarettes, your state collects money from you, which is added to the cigarette price.
This results in higher prices for consumers, resulting in less revenue being collected by each state’s government.
The reason why this is such a dumb law is that it doesn’t accomplish anything. It does not stop people from smoking or encourage them to quit. Instead, it only takes money away from the state.
It might seem like a small amount of money, but it adds up when you consider how many millions of dollars the government makes off of taxes on cigarettes.
Dumb Law 2: Alcoholic Beverage Control
Alcoholic beverages are legal in every state except Utah. However, the way alcohol is sold varies from state to state. For example, there are two types of alcoholic beverage control boards – wholesale and retail.
Wholesale distributors must purchase their products through a board-approved distributor. These boards set the minimum price that wholesalers can sell their products for.
Retail stores do not have to go through any board approval process before selling their products. They get a license to operate as a business and start making sales.
These boards are known as ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL BOARDS. There are currently 39 ABC Boards operating within the United States.
Dumb Law 3: Food Stamps
In the United States, food stamps are a form of assistance given to low-income individuals who qualify based on specific guidelines.
Food stamp recipients use their benefits to pay for groceries. If you don’t believe me, check out the video below.
Dumb Law 4: Minimum Wage
The minimum wage has been around since 1938. Since its creation, the federal minimum wage has never been raised.
However, the real problem comes into play when looking at what happens when employees make more than the current minimum wage.
According to the National Employment Law Project, employers tend to cut hours rather than raise wages. This is mainly due to the fact that they would have to hire additional workers to cover the increased labor costs.
Dumb Law 5: Drug Prohibition
Drug prohibition was first enacted during the early 1900s. At that time, drugs were seen as evil substances.
Today, drug prohibition is still going strong. According to NELP, over 80% of Americans support ending drug prohibition.
Prohibition hasn’t worked. Not only have drug abuse rates remained steady throughout history, but so have crime rates.
Dumb Law 6: Child Labor Laws
Child labor laws were created during the late 1800s. They were designed to protect young children from dangerous working conditions.
However, child labor laws have become outdated. Today, children work long hours without receiving proper compensation.
For example, according to the Department of Labor, nearly 4 million American kids between the ages of 14 and 18 work in industries requiring safety equipment.
Dumb Law 7: Gun Control
Gun control is another area where things haven’t improved much over the years.
Many states allow citizens to carry concealed weapons. In most cases, you do not need a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
Many states also allow people to carry firearms without restriction openly. Although carrying guns maybe legal, the method of transportation used does impact police response times.
Dumb Law 8: Speed Traps & Red Light Cameras
Speed traps are one of the biggest problems facing motorists. Police officers set up radar or speed cameras to trap speeding drivers.
Trac violations are just one of the ways these programs generate revenue. Photo radar, red-light cameras, and handheld devices all help law enforcement increase trac citation revenues.
Dumb Law 9: The Patriot Act
The USA PATRIOT ACT restricts civil liberties under the guise of security. It gives broad powers to the government and police to spy on civilians.
Dumb Law 10: Daylight Savings Time
Daylight savings time began in 1918. Before then, people stayed awake later in the fall/spring to conserve energy.
Although this act conserves energy, some people claim that it doesn’t make sense to change clocks twice per year.
Dumb Law 11: Prison Overcrowding
Prison overcrowding is a significant issue within our justice system. Many prisons across the United States are overcrowded.
This causes many inmates to receive harsh punishment such as solitary confinement. These punishments can cause an inmate’s mental health to deteriorate.
Dumb Law 12: Poll Taxes
A poll tax is a form of taxation paid by voters. However, the practice of charging poll taxes has been outlawed for decades.
Dumb Law 13: Insider Trading Laws
Insider trading refers to buying stocks before they go public. Although insider trading is illegal, it continues to happen because of the lack of regulation.
Dumb Law 14: Minimum Drinking Age
In 1919, the U.S. Congress passed the Volstead Act, which made alcohol illegal. Because of this, the minimum drinking age in the U.S. was established as 21.
Dumb Law 15: Homestead Acts
Homestead acts were first introduced during the mid-1800s. These acts allowed farmers to claim the land as their own if they lived on it for five years.
Dumb Law 16: Alcohol Advertising Ban
Advertising alcohol is completely banned in the state of Washington. Any advertising ban creates a massive problem for businesses.
Dumb Law 17: Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana is becoming more accepted each day. According to statistics, “over half the states have legalized the medical use of cannabis.”
Dumb Law 18: Child Support Enforcement
Child support agencies collect money from deadbeat parents who don’t pay child support. This leads to many children living in poverty.
Dumb Law 19: Prohibition
Prohibition was enacted in 1920. During this time, alcohol consumption increased dramatically.
Dumb Law 20: Speeding Tickets
Speeding tickets cost 100 billion dollars a year. That’s equal to about 5% of the entire federal budget!
Dumb Law 21: False Swearing
You cannot swear falsely in court. If you lie, you could face perjury charges.
Dumb Law 22: Military Draft
Conscription into military service is mandatory for men aged 18-26. Conscripts serve three years in the army.
Dumb Law 23: Illegal Immigration
Illegal immigration is rampant. On any given day, approximately 400,000 immigrants cross the border illegally.
Dumb Law 24: Capital Punishment
Capital punishment is a method of execution where a prisoner loses their life through lethal injection.
Dumb Law 25: Slavery
According to the Emancipation Proclamation, “All persons held as slaves shall be freed.”
Which law do YOU nd most ridiculous?