Think you know all about jail? Think again. Prison life comes with a bunch of weird rules that might shock you. From banned colors to strange shower habits, inmates must follow some pretty odd do’s and don’ts. These rules can make life behind bars feel like a whole different world.
In this article, I’ll take you through 16 of the strangest rules in prison.
1. No Orange Clothes Allowed
In some prisons, you can’t wear orange. This rule exists because orange is the color of inmate uniforms in many jails. If visitors wore orange, it would be hard to tell them apart from prisoners. This could cause confusion and security problems. So, if you’re planning a prison visit, leave your orange clothes at home.
2. Forget About Hugging
Physical contact with visitors is often very limited in prisons. In many places, you’re not allowed to hug or kiss your loved ones. Some jails only allow a quick handshake at the start and end of a visit. This rule helps prevent the passing of contraband between visitors and inmates. It’s tough, but it’s meant to keep everyone safe.
3. No Pigeon Feeding
You might think feeding birds is harmless, but not in prison. Inmates are often banned from feeding pigeons or other birds. This is because birds can be used to carry messages or small items in and out of the prison. Also, too many birds can create a mess and health issues. So, prisoners have to resist the urge to share their bread with feathered friends.
4. Mandatory Toilet Paper Rules
Believe it or not, some prisons have strict rules about toilet paper. Inmates might be given a set amount each week and can’t ask for more. Some places even have rules about how to hang the toilet paper roll. These odd rules exist to prevent waste and stop inmates from using too much paper to clog toilets. It’s a small thing that becomes a big deal in jail.
5. No Sleeping Under The Bed
In some prisons, you’re not allowed to sleep under your bed. This might sound weird, but there’s a reason. Guards need to see inmates at all times for safety, and sleeping under the bed makes it hard for them to do quick checks. Some prisoners try this to hide or feel safer, but it’s usually against the rules. Stick to sleeping on top of the bed in jail.
6. Specific Shower Times
Shower time isn’t whenever you want in prison. Many jails have set times when inmates can shower. You might only get a few minutes and have to shower with others watching. This rule helps save water and keeps things organized. It also stops inmates from using the shower as a place to do things they shouldn’t.
7. No Kool-Aid Hair Dye
Prisoners can get creative with beauty tricks, but many jails ban using Kool-Aid as hair dye. Inmates sometimes try to use the drink mix to change their hair color. This can make it hard for guards to recognize them. It can also stain prison property. So, if you’re in jail, you’ll have to keep your natural hair color. No funky blue or red hairstyles are allowed.
8. Limited Possessions
In prison, you can’t keep many things. Most jails have strict rules about what inmates can have in their cells. You might be allowed only a few books, some toiletries, and maybe a radio. Everything else is considered contraband. This rule keeps cells tidy and makes it harder to hide forbidden items. It’s a big change from the outside world where we can own lots of stuff.
9. No Painting Your Cell
You can’t redecorate your cell in prison. Painting walls or sticking up posters is usually not allowed. This rule keeps cells looking the same, which makes it easier for guards to spot any changes. It also stops inmates from hiding things behind decorations. Your living space in jail will likely be plain and boring. No home makeover shows in prison!
10. Strict Bedtime Rules
Lights out in prison isn’t just a suggestion – it’s a rule. Many jails have set times when inmates must be in bed with lights off. You can’t stay up late reading or chatting. This helps keep the prison quiet at night and makes it easier for guards to watch everyone. It might feel like being a kid again, but bedtime is serious business in jail.
11. No Perfume Or Cologne
Most prisons don’t allow inmates to have perfume or cologne. Strong smells can cover up other odors, like drugs or alcohol. Some inmates might be allergic to fragrances too. This rule also stops prisoners from trading or selling scents. So, in jail, you have to stick to your natural smell. Deodorant is usually okay, but fancy fragrances are a no-go.
12. Limited Writing Materials
Writing in prison isn’t as simple as grabbing a pen whenever you want. Many jails limit how many pens or pencils an inmate can have. Some even collect writing tools after each use. This is to stop inmates from using pens as weapons or to pass secret messages. You might have to sign out a pen just to write a letter home.
13. No Touching Money
In many prisons, inmates aren’t allowed to touch real money. Instead, they use a system of credits or special prison money. This rule stops prisoners from hiding cash or using it for illegal trades. All purchases, like from the commissary, are done without physical cash. It’s a whole different way of thinking about buying things. No piggy banks in prison!
14. Specific Walking Paths
Some prisons have rules about where inmates can walk. You might have to stick to certain paths or walk on specific sides of hallways. This helps guards keep track of everyone and prevents inmates from passing things secretly. It might feel silly, like following lines on the floor, but it’s a serious rule. No wandering around freely in jail.
15. No Shoelaces Allowed
In many jails, inmates can’t have shoelaces. This might sound odd, but it’s for safety. Shoelaces can be used as weapons or to harm oneself. So, prisoners often wear slip-on shoes or shoes with Velcro. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference in prison life.
16. Scheduled Teeth Brushing
Believe it or not, some prisons have rules about when you can brush your teeth. There might be set times for using toothbrushes and toothpaste. This stops inmates from using these items to make weapons or hide things. It also keeps bathrooms from getting too crowded.
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