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12 Bizarre South Dakota Laws That Are Still Technically On The Books In 2025

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Welcome to South Dakota, the land of Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and some of the most hilariously bizarre legal statutes still enforced—or at least, still technically on the books—as of December 19, 2025. While most residents and tourists focus on the state's natural beauty and historical sites, a dive into the South Dakota Codified Laws reveals a fascinating, often confusing, and sometimes utterly ridiculous set of rules that offer a unique glimpse into the state's past. From regulations on hotel furniture to requirements for equine attire, these laws prove that sometimes, the strangest things happen in the legislative chamber.

The persistence of these unusual laws, many of which are decades old, serves as a quirky reminder that not every statute is repealed when it becomes obsolete. While the chances of being prosecuted for violating some of these are slim, they remain a source of local amusement and a warning to travelers: be sure your horse is properly dressed before you let it near a public fountain. This deep dive uncovers the most fresh and unique examples of South Dakota’s legislative oddities, categorized by their sheer strangeness.

Public Decorum and Bizarre Social Conduct Laws

South Dakota’s lawmakers, at various points in history, clearly had a keen interest in regulating public behavior, especially in places of lodging and business. These statutes often feel like they were written specifically to address one isolated, strange incident that happened decades ago, leading to some truly head-scratching rules on the books.

The Infamous Hotel 'Nooky' Law

One of the most widely cited, yet often misunderstood, South Dakota ordinances involves hotel rooms. The law is reported to state that all hotels must be equipped with twin beds, and those beds must be separated by a minimum of two feet. But the truly bizarre addition is the prohibition against "nooky" in the space between the beds. This specific statute is a testament to an era of strict moral codes attempting to regulate private behavior, even down to the distance between mattresses. While modern hotels rarely adhere to the twin-bed rule, the underlying sentiment of the law remains a humorous historical artifact.

Sleeping in a Cheese Factory is a Crime

In a law that has become somewhat legendary in the realm of strange state statutes, it is reportedly illegal to lie down and fall asleep in a cheese factory in South Dakota. While the law's origins are murky, it likely relates to historical public health or safety concerns within food production facilities. The thought of a weary traveler attempting to catch a few Z's amongst vats of cheddar is a comical image, but the law serves as a reminder of the state’s agricultural roots and the importance placed on food processing safety.

Eavesdropping is Strictly Prohibited

While wiretapping and surveillance laws are common, the South Dakota Code of Ordinances specifically prohibits eavesdropping. This law goes beyond modern electronic surveillance to potentially cover the old-fashioned act of listening in on a conversation. It is classified as a misdemeanor, highlighting a historical value placed on personal privacy and the sanctity of private conversations within the state.

The Law on 'Bizarre Costume'

A recent update in 2024 to Codified Law 22-24, which deals with public indecency, includes a mention of a person being in a "bizarre costume" or "the condition of being fettered." While the context of the law is serious, the specific mention of a "bizarre costume" in a modern amendment shows that the state legislature continues to grapple with defining public conduct in unusual terms, keeping the tradition of unique South Dakota statutes alive.

Equine Attire and Other Strange Animal Regulations

Perhaps no category of South Dakota law is stranger than those governing animals, particularly horses and stray pets. These laws range from the utterly nonsensical to the surprisingly specific, often focusing on the interaction between domestic and wild animals and public safety.

The Unwritten Rule of Pants for Horses

This is arguably the most famous of all South Dakota's bizarre laws: a horse is not allowed into a public fountain unless it is wearing pants. While this law is almost certainly a relic of a bygone era—if it was ever truly enforced—it has become a symbol of the state's legislative quirks. The image of a horse being fitted for a pair of trousers before getting a drink is a perfect example of an outdated law that continues to generate curiosity and amusement. This statute also highlights the historical importance of horses in the state’s development.

The Ban on Feral Pigs as Pets

While many states have restrictions on exotic animals, South Dakota has specifically banned the feral pig from being kept as a pet. This is a practical law aimed at protecting the state's agricultural industry and natural ecosystems from the destructive nature of invasive wild swine. The feral pig is one of the few animals, alongside the raccoon dog, that is explicitly illegal to own without a specific permit, underscoring the state's focus on controlling non-native species.

The Yankton Stray Animal Feeding Ban

In the city of Yankton, it is illegal to feed stray animals of any kind. This ordinance is often enforced and is not a relic; it is a modern effort by city officials to control the stray population and maintain public cleanliness. Police in Yankton have warned residents that feeding stray cats or other animals can result in a fine, making this a "weird law" that tourists and new residents can easily learn the hard way.

Driving Oddities and Modern Legislative Quirks

South Dakota’s approach to driving and vehicle safety contains a few surprising gaps and strict regulations that deviate from typical state laws. Furthermore, recent legislative changes show that the state's unique legal identity continues to evolve in the modern era.

The Dangling Object Law

South Dakota Codified Law 32-15 makes it a petty offense for any person to drive a vehicle upon a highway with "any object or gadget dangling between the view of the driver and the windshield." This law is a direct regulation against hanging items like air fresheners, fuzzy dice, or religious symbols from the rearview mirror. While other states have similar statutes, South Dakota explicitly codifies it as a petty offense, emphasizing a strict interpretation of maintaining an unobstructed view for safe driving.

The Lack of a Specific Eating-While-Driving Ban

Unlike many other states that are moving toward stricter distracted driving laws, South Dakota has no specific law against eating and driving. Technically, a driver can consume a meal while operating a vehicle without fear of a specific ticket, though they could still be cited for reckless or inattentive driving if their actions cause an accident or swerving. This legal gap is a surprising contrast to the state’s strictness on other minor vehicle obstructions.

Restrictions on Movies Depicting Police Officers Negatively

One of the more controversial and unusual statutes involves the restriction of movies that show police officers in a "negative light." This law is rarely, if ever, enforced today due to First Amendment protections, but its existence on the books is a striking example of historical legislative attempts to control media and maintain respect for law enforcement. For tourists, this is a strange statute to learn about, as it reflects a deeply conservative historical viewpoint on public image and authority.

2024 Medical Cannabis Employment Amendment

While not "bizarre," a significant and unique legal update came into effect on July 1, 2024, regarding the state’s medical cannabis law. The amendment permits employers to take adverse employment actions, including refusing to hire, based solely on a positive drug test for cannabis, even if the person is a registered medical cannabis patient. This modern legal quirk highlights a unique tension between the state's medical marijuana program and employer rights, making South Dakota one of the more restrictive states in this regard.

The Legacy of Quirky Legislation

The weird laws of South Dakota, from the need for equine pants to the regulation of twin beds, are more than just amusing anecdotes; they are legislative time capsules. They reflect the historical priorities of the state, including a strong emphasis on public morality, agricultural protection, and a unique approach to personal freedom and public safety. Whether you are a resident or a tourist, knowing these strange South Dakota statutes offers a fun and informative way to appreciate the state's distinctive legal history. Just remember to leave your feral pig at home, keep your rearview mirror clear, and for goodness sake, don't try to nap in a cheese factory.

12 Bizarre South Dakota Laws That Are Still Technically on the Books in 2025
weird laws in south dakota
weird laws in south dakota

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