Kentucky treats jaywalking as largely illegal under pedestrian safety laws, requiring crossings at designated areas, with violations often leading to fines or liability in accidents. Littering qualifies as criminal littering, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 fines and/or 12 months in jail. Many daily habits unknowingly breach obscure statutes, from clothing choices to waste disposal.​
Jaywalking Rules
Pedestrians must yield to vehicles when crossing outside crosswalks, making jaywalking a frequent violation that impacts accident liability under comparative negligence rules. While not always a statewide criminal offense, local ordinances enforce it strictly in urban areas. Exceptions exist in low-traffic scenarios, but ignoring signals or walkways risks citations.​
Littering Penalties
Knowingly throwing litter on public or private property, highways, or waters without permission constitutes criminal littering. Repeat offenders may face court-ordered cleanup for at least four hours alongside fines. Discharging sewage or hazardous materials into public waters escalates penalties up to $25,000 per day.​
Everyday Oddities
Tossing dirty wash water into streets violates sanitation rules in places like London. Women weighing 90-200 pounds cannot wear bikinis on highways without police escort or a club, per an old statute. Handling reptiles during religious services incurs $50-$100 fines.​
Local Curiosities
In Fort Thomas, animals cannot “molest cars,” banning pets from interfering with vehicles. Marrying the same person four times is prohibited statewide. Catching certain fish with a bow and arrow remains illegal, though some species are exempt.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.hardincountyky.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3242)
[2](https://wbkr.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-littering-laws-and-fines-in-kentucky/)
[3](https://www.morrisbart.com/blog/strange-louisiana-laws/)
[4](https://www.brandonjbroderick.com/kentucky/pedestrian-laws-kentucky-what-know)
[5](https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2025/10/24/kentucky-jaywalking-laws/86838464007/)
