Midland-Odessa’s Odd Laws Show Our Quirky History

We've all heard about strange or outdated laws in Texas.  Laws such as it being illegal to milk someone else's cow, or it being illegal to shoot a buffalo from a second-story hotel window.  While these may seem silly, trivial, or outdated, they are still technically laws regardless of whether they will be enforced or not.  Midland-Odessa is no exception when it comes to laws that make you either laugh or scratch your head in confusion.

Read More: The Texas Murder That Changed the Law

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Strange Laws In Midland-Odessa That Still Exist In 2025

• Midland Law: It is illegal to lets a horse stand idle for more than 30 minutes in downtown Midland without a permit.

While most people who live in Midland-Odessa drive motor vehicles, that was not always the case. While it is entirely possible to see a horse in downtown Midland, it's safe to say that this law is vastly outdated.

• Odessa Ordinance: It is illegal to roller skate on sidewalks located near a business center.

This law is pretty vague.  When this ordinance was put into place in the 1950s, Odessa was a much smaller city.  In 2025, it would be exceedingly difficult to roller skate on a sidewalk since businesses are practically everywhere.

• Midland County Regulation: Businesses cannot openly display a bathtub in their storefront window.

This law, which stems from the 1940s, was likely put into place due to some kind of morality or decency concern at the time.  In 2025, it just seems silly.

Honorable Mention

Some public records suggest that Ector County once had a law banning dances from being held after midnight unless accompanied by law enforcement.  Why this is or was a thing is beyond me; however, it gives off vibes like Odessa was once the small town in the movie Footloose.