The Top 5 Weird Texas Laws That Sound Crazy, But Are They Real?

Are These Texas Laws Fact or Fiction

Everywhere I look when I am reading through social media, the news emails, or the texts I get, I keep seeing these weird and crazy laws in Texas. However, my curiosity gets the best of me and I start wondering: how many of these are real, and how many are either outdated, unenforceable or just downright not true?

While I can make sense of a lot of these because no sitting, sleeping, or loitering on the sidewalk is meant to keep a clear passageway out of high pedestrian traffic areas, and in some cases, vacation towns don't want their homeless cluttering up their streets.

Let’s take a look at my top five weirdest laws in Texas that tend to pique my interest. Like the selling of certain body parts, while I was born with one arm I would never consider selling an arm but what if I could sell one eyeball for half a million dollars is that legal? Let's find out, are they fact or fiction?

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1. Criminals Must Give 24-Hour Notice Before Committing a Crime

Verdict: FICTION
This is one of the most widely spread myths about Texas law. Supposedly, criminals are required to inform their victims in writing at least a day before committing an offense. In reality, no such law exists. Texas takes crime seriously, no warnings are required. This one is pure urban legend.

2. It's Illegal to Lasso a Fish in Texas

Verdict: FACT (But Why?)
Yes, it is technically illegal to catch a fish using a lasso in Texas. While it sounds absurd, this law likely exists to prevent overfishing or improper hunting methods. But let’s be honest, has anyone ever successfully lassoed a fish? If so, they deserve a trophy, not a fine.

3. You Can’t Take More Than Three Sips of Beer While Standing

Verdict: FICTION
This one often pops up on “weird laws” lists, but there’s no actual law in Texas prohibiting you from taking more than three sips of beer while standing. That said, public intoxication is still a crime, so if you’re taking more than three sips in a row and causing a ruckus, you might have bigger problems.

4. You Can’t Sell Your Eyeballs in Texas

Verdict: FACT
This one is weird but true! Under Texas Penal Code Section 48.02, it is illegal to sell human organs, including eyes, hearts, kidneys, lungs, and livers. Hair and blood, however, are fair game. So if you were thinking of selling an eye to make some quick cash, think again.

5. You Need a Permit to Walk Barefoot in Some Texas Cities

Verdict: FACT (Sort Of)
While Texas state law doesn’t require barefoot permits, some local city ordinances used to mandate a permit for health and safety reasons. The good news? Almost all of these outdated laws have been repealed, so go ahead, kick off your boots and let those toes be free.

My Final Thoughts

Some Texas laws are real, some are myths, and others just make us scratch our heads and wonder why in the world would this even exist.