Most people are familiar with laws against theft, assault, or driving under the influence, but Montana has some lesser-known regulations that might make you do a double take. Many of these unusual laws were written decades ago and have managed to remain on the books, even if their original purpose has long faded. While some make sense in a historical context, others leave you wondering what events led lawmakers to put them in place. Here’s a look at some of the strangest laws still in effect in Montana today.
No Sheep Allowed—Unless Supervised
Montana takes livestock safety seriously, and that includes an oddly specific rule about sheep transportation. It’s illegal to have a sheep in the cab of your truck unless a chaperone is present. While this law may seem odd, it likely originated as a way to ensure the safety of both the animal and the driver. With Montana’s deep agricultural roots, livestock-related laws aren’t all that surprising—but this one certainly raises questions about what might have happened to make it necessary.
Watch Where You Park Your Horse
While it might sound like a scene from an old Western, there’s actually a law prohibiting people from bringing horses or pack mules into a bar. Back when saloons were bustling with cowboys, some patrons rode their horses right inside, leading to chaos and damage. This law was introduced to keep taverns free of hooved intruders, ensuring that drinking establishments remained for people—rather than their four-legged companions.
No Fishing with a Lasso
If you thought you could get creative with your fishing techniques in Montana, think again. It’s illegal to use a lasso to catch a fish. This unusual law was likely implemented to prevent harm to fish populations, as roping them could cause injury or disrupt their habitats. While it’s hard to imagine anyone successfully pulling off this stunt, Montana lawmakers decided it was worth banning.
Unusual Hunting Restrictions
Montana is well known for its outdoor activities, including hunting, but not every method is allowed. One particularly strict law makes it illegal to hunt from an airplane. This rule was put in place to prevent hunters from spotting game from the sky and then swooping in for an easy kill. Not only would this give an unfair advantage, but it also raises ethical concerns and poses dangers to both wildlife and other hunters.
Odd Traffic and Vehicle Laws
Montana has a few driving laws that might seem a little over the top. For instance, operating a vehicle with ice picks attached to the wheels is strictly prohibited. While this might seem unnecessary, ice picks can have the potential to cause dangerous driving conditions, making this law a practical one.
Another odd regulation states that honking your horn outside of a sandwich shop after 9:00 p.m. is illegal. It’s unclear what prompted this law, but perhaps a noisy late-night honking problem led to its enforcement.
Strange City-Specific Laws
Some of Montana’s most peculiar laws are found in specific cities. In Helena, it’s illegal to throw objects across a street, a rule that was likely created to prevent accidents or property damage. Another one for Helena residents to be aware of is that they can face legal trouble if their sprinklers get pedestrians wet while walking on the sidewalk.
In Kalispell, pool tables must be visible from the street outside. The reasoning behind this law remains a mystery, but it likely dates back to regulations aimed at keeping an eye on gambling activity.
The Laws That Make You Wonder
Montana’s legal code is full of surprising regulations that leave plenty of room for speculation. From sheep supervision to outlawed fishing techniques, many of these laws seem to stem from real-life situations that lawmakers felt needed addressing at the time. While some are more practical than others, they all add to the state’s unique character.
Though most of these odd laws aren’t strictly enforced today, they serve as a reminder of Montana’s history and the unusual events that shaped its legal landscape. So next time you're driving through the state, remember to leave the sheep in the back of the truck, avoid honking outside a sandwich shop late at night, and keep your fishing gear lasso-free.