Malcolm L. MacGregor | September 9, 2026 | Personal Injury Blog

What Are the 5 Weirdest Laws in Pennsylvania?

Every state has a few laws that seem out of place in the modern world; Pennsylvania is no exception. The Keystone State is home to some surprisingly odd rules that you might not expect, many of which were written decades ago for reasons that made sense at the time. 

While most of these laws are rarely enforced today, they have never been officially taken off the books. Here are five of the strangest laws worth knowing about. 

1. Fortune-Telling for Profit Is a Criminal Offense

Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 7104, telling fortunes for money is a third-degree misdemeanor in Pennsylvania. The statute has been in effect since 1861 and covers a broad range of practices, from predicting the future with cards to selling charms or so-called “love potions.” Prosecutions are rare in modern times, but the law has never been repealed. 

That is why many fortune-telling businesses post signs that read “for entertainment purposes only.” The original purpose behind the statute was to protect consumers from fraud, and it technically still carries a penalty of up to one year in jail.

2. You Cannot Buy a Car on Sunday

Pennsylvania is one of a shrinking number of states that still bans car sales on Sundays. The restriction is a leftover from old “blue laws” that once prohibited most commercial activity on the Sabbath. Though most of those rules have been repealed over the years, this one has survived. 

Dealerships can open their doors on Sundays, and you are also free to walk the lot and talk pricing, but the transaction itself cannot be completed until another day of the week.

3. Catching Fish With Your Bare Hands Is Prohibited

Fishing in Pennsylvania comes with its own set of surprising restrictions. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission only allows fish to be caught using approved equipment, such as rods and nets. Grabbing one out of the water with your bare hands could result in a fine. 

On top of that, anglers cannot use certain live fish as bait, including:

  • Goldfish
  • Koi
  • Comets
  • Common carp

These regulations were put in place to protect aquatic ecosystems, but they still catch newcomers to the sport off guard.

4. Hunting a Swimming Animal Is Off-Limits

Hunters in Pennsylvania face a rule that may sound unusual but is specifically addressed under the state’s hunting laws. Pennsylvania law prohibits hunters from taking big game while it is swimming. This restriction applies to animals classified as big game under state law, rather than every animal or form of wildlife that happens to enter the water.

Pennsylvania law also places restrictions on using dogs to hunt big game. Hunters generally cannot use dogs to hunt, pursue, or take big game, although state law contains limited exceptions for certain activities.

5. You Cannot Ride in a Boat Being Towed on a Highway

Per 75 Pa.C.S. § 3706, no one is allowed to sit inside a boat or trailer while it is being towed on a highway, no matter how short the trip. This one may sound like common sense, but it exists because the situation has actually come up. Unlike most of the other entries on this list, this statute is still actively enforced and clearly serves a practical safety purpose.

Contact McDonald & MacGregor, LLC To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Scranton Personal Injury Lawyer

Some of these laws might seem like relics from another era, but the broader legal system in Pennsylvania is very much up to date. Whether it involves a car accident or an unsafe property condition, state law covers a wide range of situations that can directly impact your daily life. Knowing your rights is not just useful for trivia.

If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligent behavior, setting up a free consultation with an experienced Scranton personal injury attorney at McDonald & MacGregor, LLC is one of the best steps you can take. Reach out today to learn more about your legal options going forward. 

We proudly serve Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, and surrounding areas.

McDonald & MacGregor, LLC
220 Penn Ave Suite 320, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 209-7062