Most outrageous RI laws on the books

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  - Think you know the laws here in Rhode Island?

Eyewitness News did a little digging, and we've uncovered some of the most outrageous and funny laws on the books, including some that you may not even know about.

Some of these laws date all the way back to the 1800's. While they may seem a little ridiculous now, they had their place at one time.

• Interactive: Top 12 Most Outrageous Laws in RI

Next time you go to race a horse down I-95, you'd better think again. According to Rhode Island law, it is illegal to ride a horse on a public highway for the "purpose of racing or trying the speed of the horse."

"That's ridiculous! I was just about to do that," jokes college student John Fedek. "I've got some horses back home. I was going to bring them up." Alyssa Cipollone of Cranston said, "It doesn’t seem like anybody in their right mind would do that."

Here's one to remember the next time you're at the beach; according to state law, it's illegal to pick up seaweed and take it home with you. Unless, of course, you happen to live in Barrington.

"That's such a random law," said Chris Smith of Providence. "I don’t see why seaweed is so important that you can't take it."

So what gives? Why are these laws still on the books? Representative Scott Guthrie of Coventry said, "Originally they were probably put in there for a legitimate purpose. But as time goes on, I don’t think there's a need to have some of the older laws on the books."

How about this law; In Providence, no swine (pigs) are allowed.

"That’s crazy," said Alyssa Cipollone of Cranston. "I've never heard of that." "Who has a pig anyways?” asked Anthony Butler of Providence. "Like who keeps pigs in their home? I don't know why there would be a law."

The next time you're driving and want to pass a car on the left, according to state law, you have to make a loud noise like beeping before you pass them. "I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody do that before," said Chris Smith of Providence.

We asked Representative Guthrie how often lawmakers revisit these laws.

"Maybe we should start addressing them," he said. "And taking some of the statutes that are in place now that don’t affect the public, off of the books." He said he's going to take on the task himself, urging lawmakers to "look at the intent of the law to see if an older law fits into a newer purpose."

Some other notables that are no longer on the books, but gave us a good laugh; In Providence, it used to be illegal to sell toothpaste and a toothbrush to a customer on the same day - and in Newport, it used to be illegal to smoke a pipe after sunset.