Only in America: 22 Eyebrow-Raising Things You Can Legally Do

The United States is known for its freedoms, but some of the things that are legal here might surprise you. We have so many quirky local ordinances and federal laws that allow activities that would be illegal in most other countries.

Here are 22 things you can legally do in America that might raise some eyebrows internationally.

1. Drink Alcohol at 18 in Some States

In 29 states, minors are allowed to possess alcohol for a ‘family exception,’ which may include specific location restrictions. Additionally, 19 states permit alcohol consumption by minors under a ‘family exception,’ with or without location restrictions^(ref). For example, in Wisconsin, those aged 18-20 can legally drink in a bar or restaurant with a parent, guardian, or spouse who is 21 or older present.

2. Marry Your First Cousin

First cousin marriages are legal in 20 states and the District of Columbia^(ref). Some states, like New York, allow first cousin marriages under specific conditions. However, 24 states prohibit marriages between first cousins, including Virginia. Six states permit first-cousin marriage only under certain circumstances.

3. Own a Flamethrower

Flamethrowers are federally unregulated and legal in most states. Only Maryland has completely banned flamethrowers, while California requires a permit for possession^(ref). 

4. Collect Rainwater

Rainwater collection is legal in most states, but many have some level of restrictions. Some states, like New Mexico, even offer incentives for rainwater collection^(ref). It’s important to check local laws as regulations can vary.

5. Go Topless in Public

In many cities and states, it’s legal for both men and women to be topless in public. As of 2019, six states (Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Kansas, and Oklahoma) have made it legal for women to go topless in public due to a federal court ruling^(ref). Other cities like New York City, Austin, TX, and Portland, OR, have also legalized public toplessness. 

6. Gamble Online

Online gambling is not federally legal in the US, but it is legal in some states. As of 2024, six states (Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) allow online casino gambling^(ref). Additionally, 24 states and the District of Columbia allow online sports betting.

7. Carry a Concealed Weapon without a Permit

As of March 7, 2024, 29 states allow constitutional carry or permitless carry. The most recent additions are Louisiana (effective July 4, 2024) and South Carolina (effective March 7, 2024)^(ref).

8. Ride in the Back of a Pickup Truck

Hopping in the bed of a pickup is legal for adults in 20 states, including Alaska, Montana and West Virginia. Another 29 allow it with restrictions ^(ref).

9. Drive through a Red Light (Sometimes)

In some states like Pennsylvania, Illinois and Kentucky, motorcycles can legally run a red light if the weight sensor doesn’t trigger after a certain time. This avoids them having to wait indefinitely ^(ref).

10. Hunt Feral Hogs from a Hot Air Balloon

Texas law allows hunting feral hogs and coyotes from hot air balloons. The law was passed in 2017 to help control the destructive feral hog population ^(ref).

11. Own a Kangaroo

Keeping exotic pets like kangaroos is surprisingly legal in some states ^(ref). But they make terrible house pets, so maybe it’s better to stick to a dog.

12. Get Married by Proxy

In Montana, California, Colorado and Texas, you can legally get married without being physically present ^(ref). One or both parties can have a proxy stand in for them. Perfect for deployed military members.

13. Collect Roadkill

About 27 states, like Washington, Oregon and Pennsylvania, allow people to collect and eat roadkill^(ref). Waste not, want not! Permits and restrictions apply.

14. Own a Machine Gun

Fully automatic weapons made before 1986 are fair game under federal law^(ref). But they are very expensive and require an extensive background check. Some states have additional bans.

15. Pump Your Own Gas

As of 2024, New Jersey is the only state where it’s completely illegal for drivers to pump their own gas. Oregon, which previously banned self-service, now allows it at half of the pumps in most areas. All other states permit self-service gas pumping.

New Jersey’s ban dates back to 1949 and remains in place due to a combination of safety concerns, job preservation, and cultural identity^(ref).

16. Drink in Public

Public drinking laws vary widely across the United States. Some cities, like New Orleans, allow open containers of alcohol in public spaces, typically requiring plastic cups^(ref). Las Vegas permits open containers in certain areas, such as the Strip. Savannah allows one open container up to 16 ounces in its historic district. 

17. Vote in Elections after Death

Turns out, your voting rights don’t always end when your life does. In 9 states, absentee ballots cast by voters who die before Election Day are counted^(ref).

18. Shoot Whales for Science

Indigenous Alaskans in Barrow are allowed to hunt a limited number of bowhead whales each year for subsistence and research. It’s illegal for everyone else^(ref).

19. Grow Hemp in Your Backyard

The 2018 Farm Bill made it federally legal to grow hemp, which has very low THC content^(ref). But you may need a state license first.

20. Bring Your Gun to Church

Concealed carry in churches is legal in at least 20 states, often with the church’s permission. In some states like Louisiana, you don’t even need a permit^(ref).

21. Collect Fossils & Artifacts

On Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, you can collect reasonable amounts of common invertebrate fossils and plant fossils for personal use without a permit^(ref). Just don’t take them from national parks!

22. Be a Professional Cuddler

Believe it or not, you can make $60+/hour just by cuddling with strangers^(ref). Professional cuddling is a growing industry meant to provide platonic touch and companionship. Certification is recommended but not required.