These 7 Weird New Jersey Laws May Surprise You

While I was sitting in my car waiting for the gas attendant to fill my tank with 30regularcash on my way to work the other day, I sat back and soaked in how good it felt to not have to pump my own gas anymore after living in Central PA for three years. But as I sat there, it occurred to me that I didn't actually know why we don't pump our gas in New Jersey. I might have known a long time ago, but I forgot. So while I was looking it up, I went down a rabbit hole of  weird/obscure New Jersey laws that I never knew.  So after some digging, I've narrowed it down to these 7, most of which actually made me cock my eyebrow, or laugh.

1. Pumping your own gas is illegal in N.J.

Ok, so let's start with one we're all familiar with. We don't have to pump our own in New Jersey, because it's actually against the law. But do you know why? Because I didn't. This law dates back to 1949 with the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act, which was put into place as an act of public safety over concerns of fire hazards. Is this law outdated? Probably. But I'm sure I'm not alone when I say this is a law I thoroughly enjoy. I didn't learn how to pump my own gas until I was 24.

2. Pickles are illegal in Trenton on Sundays.

I think I'll go to a Trenton diner on Sunday and order a burger with a fat juicy pickle on the side so I can live on the edge.

3. Cats in Cresskill must wear bells as a warning to birds.

This one actually made me laugh! Cats in Cresskill NJ are required to give birds the courtesy of warning birds when they're about to get demolished.

4. It's illegal to slurp your soup.

Seems valid. Should be punishable by at least a week in jail. That, and chewing with your mouth open.

5. It's illegal for men to knit during fishing season.

Your guess is as good as mine.

6. It's illegal to wear a bull-proof vest while murdering someone.

Committing manslaughter, robbery, sexual assault, burglary, kidnaping, criminal escape while wearing a protective vest is illegal.  I mean... if the offender is already murdering someone.... Nevermind.

7. You can't boil bones on your property in Sea Isle City.

Because that makes you a witch, obviously.

Most of these are even funnier when you consider the fact that somebody, at some time, made it necessary for these laws to be put into place. Which one of these is your favorite weird NJ law?