What’s the Most Googled “Is It Illegal…” Question For Your State?
Ever notice how often people type “Is it illegal…?” into Google? Using search data, we uncovered the weirdest “Is it illegal…?” questions searched for each state. These high-volume queries reveal what legal doubts and curiosities Americans are most eager to settle. Here are the most searched “Is it illegal?” questions for every corner of the country.
Key highlights:
- Nearly 3,000 people a month ask if talking to dolphins is illegal. (It’s not, but getting too close is.)
- Gambling confusion is rampant. Texas, California, and Georgia residents search gambling legality questions hundreds of times a month.
- The most Googled “Is it illegal…?” term about Massachusetts involves facial hair and a surprising restriction.
- The most-searched phrase about one state includes a donkey, a bathtub, and a bizarre rescue story from the 1920s.
U.S. Map – The Most Googled “Is It Illegal..?” Question by State
Each state has its own legal mysteries, and this map uncovers the strangest “Is it illegal…” questions people search for about every state in the U.S. Dive in to find out what peculiar questions are on everyone’s mind.
The Wildest “Is It Illegal..?” Questions Answered
Some of the most popular “Is it illegal…?” searches are so bizarre they sound like urban legends. From bathtub-bound donkeys to goatee regulations, these questions are being typed into Google hundreds of times a month. Whether rooted in old myths or real laws, they’re the kinds of queries that make you do a double take.
Alabama
Is It Illegal To Marry Your Cousin In Alabama?
Sweet Home Alaba—uhhh. This one’s a bit of a toe-curler. Thanks to a long-standing stereotype, Alabama often gets linked to cousin marriage. And apparently, folks really want to know the truth. This question racks up about 1,600 searches a month.
So, what’s the truth? Well… the answer is NO. Alabama law does not prohibit marriage between first cousins. The stereotype might be tired, but legally speaking, first cousins tying the knot in Alabama is totally allowed.
Arizona
Is It Illegal To Have A Donkey In Your Bathtub In Arizona?
This question gets searched around 200 times a month. It all stems from the popular claim that it’s illegal to have a donkey in your bathtub in Arizona.
The myth traces back to an old story: in 1924, a local merchant’s donkey liked to nap in an old tub. A flood hit and the donkey was swept in the tub, prompting a dramatic rescue. Lawmakers then passed a law banning donkeys from sleeping in bathtubs.
It’s a fun tale, but there’s no record of such a law in Arizona’s statutes. So no worries, if you’re looking to bathe a donkey, it’s perfectly legal to do so.
Massachusetts
Is It Illegal To Have A Goatee In Massachusetts?
Is it illegal to have a goatee in Massachusetts? Oddly enough, the answer is technically yes, unless you have a special license. Believe it or not, Louisiana has had a similar law on the books, requiring written permission for certain types of facial hair.
And that’s not the only bizarre law associated with Massachusetts. Roosters aren’t allowed in bakeries, hospital patients can’t be given beer, and false teeth must be removed during sex. But the goatee question really stands out, with 110 people a month Googling whether their facial hair could land them in legal hot water.
New Jersey
Is It Illegal To Slurp Your Soup In New Jersey?
Now, this is one of those questions we honestly can’t blame anyone for Googling. Who wants to hear someone aggressively slurping their soup in public? Turns out, enough people are bothered by it that “Is it illegal to slurp your soup in New Jersey?” gets searched over 100 times a month.
This curiosity likely comes from a myth. The word “slurp” does appear in NJ legislation, but not in the way people think. The only mention on record is a statute designating the third weekend of every October as “Shuck, Sip, and Slurp Weekend” to promote the state’s oysters, wine, and beer. So no, slurping soup isn’t illegal. It’s just annoying.
Idaho
Is It Illegal To Plant A Potato In Idaho?
The question “Is it illegal to plant a potato in Idaho?” gets searched about 60 times a month. Good news for spud lovers in Idaho: it’s not illegal to plant potatoes in the potato capital of the U.S.!
However, Idaho does have some serious potato pride and strict rules. You have to plant only certified disease-free seed potatoes to keep the state’s famous crop healthy and thriving. So, while you’re free to grow your own Idaho spuds, the state’s watching closely to keep those potatoes top-notch and disease-free. After all, Idaho’s soil is prime real estate for potatoes.
Alaska
Is It Illegal To Whisper In Someone’s Ear While They’re Moose Hunting In Alaska?
Believe it or not, the question “Is it illegal to whisper in someone’s ear while they’re moose hunting in Alaska?” is searched about 400 times a month. And yes, it’s actually illegal to whisper in someone’s ear while they’re moose hunting in Alaska.
This law is all about keeping things quiet and focused out in the wilderness. Moose have insanely sharp hearing, so any unexpected noise, even a whisper, could scare them off and ruin the hunt.
It might sound funny, but it shows just how seriously Alaskans take their hunting. Silence is golden when you’re tracking one of the biggest animals in North America.
The Top “Is It Illegal..?” Searches Nationwide
So what’s keeping Americans glued to Google nationwide? The most searched “Is it illegal…?” phrase is “Is it illegal to drive barefoot?”, with over 11,000 monthly searches. The answer? Totally legal in all 50 states, just maybe not the comfiest, or safest choice.
In second place, “Is it illegal to collect rainwater?” gets 4,700 monthly searches. 48 states say go for it, but Colorado caps it at 110 gallons per household, and Utah allows up to 2,500 gallons with a permit.
Then comes the curveball. “Is it illegal to talk to dolphins?” gets searched 2,900 times a month. That’s nearly 3,000 people wondering if chatting with marine mammals might land them in legal trouble. The truth is, talking isn’t the issue. The real problem is proximity. Federal laws restrict how close you can get to wild dolphins. So go ahead and say hello, just make sure you’re not swimming into a fine.
Is It Illegal to Gamble…? It Depends on Where You Live!
One trend we noticed across multiple states? People are especially confused about gambling laws. One of the most searched questions is “Is it illegal to gamble?”. That phrase gets around 210 monthly searches for Texas, 100 for California, and 80 for Georgia, respectively.
In Texas, most gambling is banned except for the lottery, horse racing, and charitable games. California allows casinos and a lottery but restricts online gambling, while Georgia permits only a few forms like the lottery. With rules this inconsistent, especially regarding US online gambling, it’s no wonder people are turning to Google for clarity.
Methodology
We used SEMrush, a digital marketing tool that tracks search engine trends, to identify the most Googled phrases beginning with “Is it illegal…in…” for each U.S. state. For consistency, we gathered data from the past 12 months and selected the highest-volume query in each state. While many states shared common concerns, we highlighted the most unique and strange results in our visual map and key sections.
The Verdict on America’s Weirdest Questions
From gambling laws to dolphin etiquette, the most Googled “Is it illegal…” questions say a lot about what’s puzzling Americans. Some are based on real legal gray areas. Others feel more like internet folklore, passed around until someone finally Googles it. Whether people are worried about bathtubs and donkeys or just curious about planting potatoes, one thing’s clear: when in doubt, we ask Google.
