These laws are keeping The Fort funky. | Photo by @rose.lavilla
Fort Worth is known for a lot of things — friendly faces, award-winning barbecue, talented musicians, and some unusual laws.
The Lone Star State itself has several strange laws, many of which are outdated and absurd to the modern Texan. But nonetheless, they’re still enforceable.
Here are a few laws that are keeping The Fort funky.
It’s illegal to milk another person’s cow.
If you are thinking of milking someone else’s cow, it is suggested you mooove along. The 1925 Texas Penal Code prohibited the milking of another person’s cow or face a fine of $10.
The law was repealed in 1973, but current Texas law categorizes the act as a theft of personal property if the person doesn’t get permission.
Distributing raw milk within Fort Worth city limits is also illegal unless it’s being sold on the farm it was produced. The farm must have a Grade A Raw for Retail Permit from the state.
It’s illegal to drive in the left-hand lane unless you’re passing a vehicle.
Signs on multi-lane highways that read “left lane for passing only” aren’t just suggestions, they’re the law. The Texas Department of Transportation states that driving 20 mph below the posted speed limit and impeding the flow of traffic in the left-hand lane is punishable by a fine of up to $200.
It’s illegal to drive without windshield wipers, but you don’t need a windshield.
While you don’t legally need a windshield to drive a car in Texas, it is illegal to drive without windshield wipers. According to the Texas Transportation Code, the windshield is not an item of inspection and is not mentioned — but, the windshield wipers are. Maybe that’s why Jeep Wranglers are so popular here.
It’s illegal to cut through a parking lot to avoid traffic.
Cutting through a parking lot to avoid traffic congestion is a violation of the Texas Transportation Code if the vehicle does not stop and park. Crossing through a parking lot is punishable by a fine of at least $25. If it is a repeat offense, the fine could be between $100 to $200.
Events
Wednesday, Aug. 23
FLORIGAMIINTHEGARDEN | Wednesday, Aug. 23-Wednesday, Feb. 14 | Times vary | Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth | $12-$14 | Enjoy a new colorful, whimsical + kinetic outdoor sculpture exhibition by Santa Fe artists Jennifer and Kevin Box.
Thursday, Aug. 24
Maker of the Month | Thursday, Aug. 24 | 5-7 p.m. | Toro Toro, 200 Main St., Fort Worth | $15 | Enjoy a signature cocktail featuring spirits from a local distiller complemented with a food pairing.
An Evening with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band | Thursday, Aug. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth | $66 | The four-time Grammy Award winner and His Large Band will perform hits like “Cryin’ Shame” and “I Know You Know.”
Friday, Aug. 25
The “Farewell Tour” | Friday, Aug. 25 | 10 p.m. | Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth | $20 | End your night with live music from Dallas-born country artist Granger Smith.
Grand Opening | Friday, Aug. 25 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | PJ’s Coffee, 7048 Granbury Rd., Fort Worth | Free | The New Orleans-based coffee chain will celebrate its grand opening with free coffee and giveaways.
Saturday, Aug. 26
Brunch + Yoga | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 9-11 a.m. | The Sanford House Inn & Spa, 506 N. Center St., Arlington | $20 | Get your weekend started with a one-hour yoga flow, a mimosa, and 10% off brunch at the Sanford House.
Latte Art Throwdown | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 6-9 p.m. | Café Momento, 1200 6th Ave., Fort Worth | Free | Watch 32 latte artists battle it out for a chance to win the grand prize of $1,000 and a one-year supply of oat milk.
Dallas Cowboys | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 7 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, 1 AT&T Way, Arlington | $28-$205 | The Dallas Cowboys will face the Las Vegas Raiders in a pre-season game on their home turf.
Mark your calendars, Cracker Barrel will officially open at the Tanger Outlets on Monday, Sept. 4. The Southern country-themed restaurant will open at 15805 North Fwy. in Alliance. Various positions are available including servers, cooks, and guest services.
Biz
E-commerce distribution company McMaster-Carr Supply Co. plans to set up a new regional headquarters and distribution center in Roanoke. The company will invest ~$180 million in the local economy and create 250 jobs with an average annual salary of $85,000. In return, the city would provide about $18 million in incentives. (Dallas Business Journal)
Drink
Fort Worth-based La Pulga Spirits is now available at local bars, restaurants, and retail stores. The company recently acquired the 12-acre Pequeño Mexico flea market on the Northside and will soon break ground on a state-of-the-art Sotol distillery. Available products include Tequila Blanco, Tequila Reposado, and the Añejo Tequila.
Coming Soon
Southlake-born DeLucca Pizza plans to expand with two new locations in Alliance Town Center and Las Colinas. The restaurant is a combination of a pizzeria and a Brazilian-style churrascaria where servers will circulate the dining room with various meats. The eatery is expected to open in 2024. (The Dallas Morning News)
Cause
Rock band Metallica donated $35,000 to the Tarrant Area Food Bank following its two shows at AT&T Stadium over the weekend. The donation comes from the band’s All Within My Hands foundation and will help feed thousands of families.
Travel
‘Tis the season for holiday travel — DFW Airport expects to see 80 million passengers this year, about eight million more than last year. Fort Worth-based American Airlines is a big part of the growth, with additional international flights including new services to Shanghai and Barcelona that will begin next year. (Simple Flying)
Active
Two Granbury sisters will compete in a nationwide Mustang horse show next month at Will Rogers Memorial Center in hopes of bringing home the $10,000 prize. The competitors will be judged in different categories, including a freestyle performance. The competition will take place on Friday, Sept. 8 + Saturday, Sept. 9. (Hood County News)
Pets
National Dog Day is this Saturday, Aug. 26 — a day that aims to raise awareness about adopting animals in rescue centers. We’ve done some digging to highlight local animal shelters looking for purrfect parents to bring a fur baby to their furever home.
Biz
Stay informed about local businesses in Tarrant County with this newsletter. 817 Biz brings you bite-size business news in less than five minutes. Read: No fluff, no duplication, and no long-winded writing — just news you can use to be smarter and stay ahead of the competition. Add it to your inbox, it’s free.*
Finance
Every checking account should come with great perks — otherwise, what’s the point? Here’s one local option that checks all the boxes.*
Answered
🚽 A top commode-ity
Second Rodeo Brewing voted best bathroom in Fort Worth, according to our readers
Who doesn’t love the Burt Reynolds Playgirl centerfold? | Photo by Second Rodeo Brewing
We also asked our readers their thoughts on the top-rated Fort Worth bathrooms. Here’s what you said:
“Artwork at its very finest.” — @fwbeautybarberlounge
“Le Margot was my favorite bathroom.” — @aylintheagent
“Le Margot’s pink bathroom is the best.” — @thats.so.simpson
“Dolly always prevails.” — @truckyardatc
“Second Rodeo, I haven’t been to the others.” — @dimplednaptural
Drum roll, please. With 90 total votes, Second Rodeo Brewing was voted best bathroom in Fort Worth thanks to its sitcom-themed restrooms with artwork from “Friends,” “Seinfeld,” and even a special appearance from Burt Reynolds.
Congratulations, Second Rodeo Brewing. Your bathroom really is the crème de la commode.
Shop
Eat
Ready to tailgate? Our online shop, Six & Main, has you covered. Spice up your game-day burgers with Spicewalla’s 3-Pack Grill Lovers Collection.
Seasonal
Find your new favorite scents this fall from our candle brands such as Wixology and Corridor Candle Co. Shop now at Six & Main.
Active
Socks mysteriously eaten by your washing machine again? Yeah, us too. Try these women’s no-show socks — a bestselling sock with 50,000+ five-star reviews.
Kids
These pop-up soccer goals make the most of time outdoors with the kids or grandkids. Easily set them up, then just as easily put away and store.
Home
The piece of furniture we’re drooling over: this Poly & Bark leather ottoman pouf in cognac brown. Hello, soft leather and beautiful living room.
Grab your popcorn and lawn chairs, Movie Night in Burnett Park will return with a free showing of “Top Gun: Maverick” on Friday, Sept. 8 starting at 8 p.m.
Additional Friday movie nights will be on October 13, November 3, and December 1.
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