The Pronunciation Rule
Visitors to Arkansas quickly learn there is a right way and a wrong way to pronounce the state’s name. The legislature long ago declared it must be said “Arkansaw.” If you wander in saying “Ar-kan-zas,” locals might not arrest you, but you’ll certainly get corrected—possibly by a very passionate local flirt who insists on teaching you proper state etiquette before the conversation even begins.
The Bathtub Wildlife Rule
Arkansas lawmakers once felt the need to clarify something that seems obvious: alligators do not belong in a bathtub. Apparently someone once thought their bathroom could double as a reptile spa. Today the law serves as a reminder that bathtubs are meant for people, soap, and maybe rubber ducks—not swamp predators.
The Teacher Hair Rule
In the early 1900s, school policies were strict about appearances. Female teachers who wore a fashionable bob haircut—a bold modern style at the time—could actually lose out on raises. Apparently, lesson plans, discipline, and education were important, but so was having the “correct” hairstyle.
The Street Flirting Law
In Little Rock, authorities once tried to regulate romance by banning public attempts to flirt on the street. Being a charming local flirt could technically earn you up to 30 days in jail. So if someone complimented your hat too enthusiastically, that sweet conversation might suddenly become a legal matter.
The Sandwich Shop Honking Law
Drivers in Arkansas had to follow a very specific rule: do not honk your horn after 9:00 p.m. near any sandwich shop or place serving cold drinks. Lawmakers apparently wanted late-night diners to enjoy their sandwiches in peace without a car and driver blaring a horn outside.
The Mosquito Problem
One Fayetteville ordinance once made it illegal to kill “any living creature.” Taken literally, that means even a mosquito buzzing around your head would be protected. Considering Arkansas summers, people might be tempted to grab extra mosquito repellent instead of risking trouble for swatting a bug.
The Sunday Cow Walk
Little Rock once prohibited walking cows down Main Street on Sundays. In other words, if you owned male cattle, you needed to plan their city outings carefully. Weekdays were apparently fine—but Sunday was no day for livestock sightseeing.
The McDonald’s Driving Rule
Traffic rules once warned drivers not to suddenly start or stop their vehicle near a McDonald’s. Whether you’re the car and driver of the fastest car in town or someone waiting for DoorDash McDonald’s pickup orders, sudden moves near the golden arches were discouraged.
The Dog and Rooster Noise Rules
Some Arkansas ordinances tried to keep the peace by regulating noisy animals. Dogs that barked too much could be considered a problem, even if they were the cutest dogs in the neighborhood who just wanted to shake a paw. Loud farm animals also fell under scrutiny, especially roosters, whose crowing had unofficial roosters hours that neighbors hoped they would respect.
The Sunday Blue Laws
Arkansas historically enforced strict blue laws, meaning many businesses were closed on Sundays. If you needed something non-essential—tools, clothes, or even certain groceries—you were expected to wait until Monday.
The Unmarried Living Rule
Older moral codes once discouraged unmarried couples from living together. These laws reflected social expectations of the time, though they’re now mostly remembered as relics of a different era.
The Livestock Testimony Law
One particularly strange agricultural rule allowed residents to take action if wandering livestock caused trouble. If three people testified that a rogue animal—like aggressive male cattle—had been running loose for three days, drastic measures could be taken to calm the situation.
To see laws in other states, click here.
