DELAWARE - While Delaware is famously known as the "First State," its unique legal history and tax status have led to a list of things you cannot do there. From missing professional landmarks to quirky "blue laws" that remain on the books, here is what you won't find in Delaware.
DELAWARE - While Delaware is famously known as the "First State," its unique legal history and tax status have led to a list of things you cannot do there. From missing professional landmarks to quirky "blue laws" that remain on the books, here is what you won't find in Delaware.You Can't Pay Sales Tax
Delaware is one of only five states in the U.S. where you cannot pay sales tax. Whether you are buying a pack of gum or a new car, the price you see on the tag is exactly what you pay. This "tax-free" status has made the state a major shopping destination for residents of surrounding states such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
You Can't Root for a Major Professional Sports Team
Despite its proximity to major sports hubs like Philadelphia and Baltimore, Delaware is one of the few states without its own major professional sports team in the NFL, MLB, NBA, or NHL. Residents typically adopt teams from nearby cities, though the state hosts major events, such as NASCAR races at the Dover Motor Speedway, famously known as the "Monster Mile."
You Can't Serve Margarine in Restaurants (Without a Warning)
Under an old Delaware law, it is technically illegal for a restaurant to serve margarine unless it provides a clear warning to the customer. The law states that a notice must be displayed prominently on the menu or on a placard in clear view, as customers are legally entitled to know if they are not being served butter.
You Can't Hunt on Sundays (With One Exception)
Delaware maintains a "blue law" that prohibits hunting on Sundays. This restriction dates back to colonial times to ensure settlers prioritized attending Church. However, there is a legendary loophole: you can hunt on Sundays if you are specifically hunting foxes with a pack of tracking dogs. More recently, some additional exceptions have been added for deer hunting on specific lands.
You Can't Pawn Wheelchairs or Artificial Limbs
If you are a pawnbroker in Delaware, you are legally prohibited from accepting wheelchairs or artificial limbs as collateral. This law categorizes such items under "illegal transactions," and a violation can result in significant fines.
You Can't Get Married on a Dare
In a law designed to prevent impulsive decisions, it is illegal in Delaware to get explicitly married on a dare. Furthermore, if one party is on probation or parole at the time of the wedding without proper legal standing, the court may declare the marriage void.
