Colorado’s legal landscape is peppered with quirky laws that range from the bizarre to the practical, challenging common perceptions about life in the Centennial State.
At a Glance
- Many strange Colorado laws found online are often misinterpretations or fabrications
- Throwing snowballs is technically illegal in Aspen, Colorado
- Boulder prohibits keeping upholstered furniture outdoors
- Car dealerships in Colorado cannot sell vehicles on Sundays
- Pueblo residents must maintain weeds on their property below ten inches in height
Separating Fact from Fiction in Colorado’s Legal Oddities
Colorado, known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, also boasts a collection of unusual laws that often capture public attention. However, it’s crucial to approach these claims with skepticism, as many purported strange laws are actually misinterpretations or complete fabrications. For instance, contrary to popular belief, there is no law in Sterling requiring cats to have tail lights. Such myths often spread rapidly online, creating false impressions about the state’s legal system.
While some peculiar laws are indeed myths, others are very real and reflect the unique challenges and cultural aspects of life in Colorado. In Boulder, for example, the municipal code allows for insulting or taunting police officers, with an interesting caveat. According to Boulder’s municipal code, Sec. 5-3-6:
“If the person to whom such insult, taunt, or challenge is directed is a police officer, there is no violation of this section until the police officer requests the person to cease and discontinue the conduct” – Source
This unusual provision underscores the balance between free speech and maintaining public order, reflecting Boulder’s unique approach to law enforcement interactions.
Snowballs and Catapults: Aspen’s Peculiar Prohibitions
Perhaps one of the most intriguing and widely discussed laws in Colorado pertains to snowball throwing in Aspen. Despite the town’s reputation as a winter wonderland, it is technically illegal to throw snowballs within city limits. This law falls under a broader ordinance that prohibits throwing various projectiles at people, vehicles, or buildings in public spaces. While it may seem counterintuitive in a ski resort town, the law likely aims to prevent potential property damage or personal injury.
In a similar vein of seemingly odd prohibitions, Aspen’s municipal code also makes it illegal to fire a catapult at a building. While the practical applications of this law may be limited in modern times, it serves as a reminder of the sometimes archaic nature of local ordinances that remain on the books.
Practical Oddities: Furniture, Cars, and Weeds
Not all of Colorado’s unusual laws are purely whimsical. Some address practical concerns unique to the state’s environment and culture. In Boulder, for instance, there’s a specific ordinance regarding outdoor furniture:
“upholstered furniture not manufactured for outdoor use” – Boulder General Offenses under Title 5, Chapter 4, 5-4-16
This law prohibits keeping upholstered furniture outdoors unless it’s being moved, picked up as trash, or sold. While it might seem strange at first glance, this regulation likely aims to maintain the city’s aesthetic appeal and prevent potential health hazards associated with waterlogged furniture.
Another practical yet unusual law affects car sales across the state. Colorado Revised Statute § 12-6-302 states:
“no person, firm, or corporation, whether owner, proprietor, agent, or employee, shall keep open, operate, or assist in keeping open or operating any place or premises or residences, whether open or closed, for the purpose of selling, bartering, or exchanging or offering for sale, barter, or exchange any motor vehicle, whether new, used, or secondhand, on the first day of the week commonly called Sunday” – Source
This law effectively bans car sales on Sundays, though auto accessories and repair services can still operate. Such regulations often have historical roots in “blue laws” designed to preserve a day of rest, but they persist due to a combination of tradition and industry lobbying.
In Pueblo, Colorado, residents face strict regulations regarding weed control on their properties. Section 7-4-2 of Pueblo Colorado’s Code of Ordinances mandates:
“It shall be unlawful for any owner of land to permit weeds in excess of ten (10) inches in height to grow, lie or be located upon such land. It shall be unlawful for the owner of land not to cut, destroy or remove from such land all weeds in excess of ten (10) inches in height” – Source
This ordinance specifically targets weeds like Canada thistle and Russian thistle, while exempting flower gardens and vegetable plots. Such detailed regulations reflect the state’s commitment to maintaining its natural beauty and controlling invasive species, even if it means micromanaging lawn care.
Sources:
- Weird Colorado Laws Found on the Internet (Part IV)
- Weird laws in Colorado, including one against throwing snowballs
