Odd Laws Still on the Books
Tongue splitting, venomous snakes and the ear exception: real Delaware sections
Lists of strange state laws get passed around with no section number attached. Every one below has one, read from the Delaware Code.
Who handles this in Delaware: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Delaware directory.
| The law | What it says | Breaking it |
|---|---|---|
| The lawTongue splitting | What it saysCutting a tongue into 2 or more parts for a forked look is a crime for anyone but a licensed physician or dentist, and counts as practicing medicine and dentistry without a license. | Breaking itClass A misdemeanor, a class G felony on a second, and civil damages of at least $1,000 |
| The lawA venomous snake | What it saysNo permit is ever issued for a dangerous venomous snake not native to the state, outside research, zoos and circuses. | Breaking itUp to $500 and 30 days |
| The lawThe ear exception | What it saysThe age rule for body piercing does not cover the ear. | Breaking itSee the tattoo page |
Many laws that sound strange are town or county ordinances rather than state law; this page covers only the Code. Whether a particular act broke one of these sections is a question for a licensed Delaware attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- 11 Del. C. § 1114A — Tongue-splitting; class A misdemeanor; class B misdemeanor; class G felony; additional civil penalties
- 3 Del. C. § 7201 — Possession; permit required
- 11 Del. C. § 1114 — Body-piercing, tattooing or branding; consent for minors; civil and criminal penalties
- 3 Del. C. § 7203 — Penalties
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Delaware attorney.