The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to begin repealing a quirky law that makes playing sports with a ball in certain public spaces illegal.
The law, part of Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 56.16, prohibits activities like playing catch or soccer on residential streets, sidewalks, and some park areas, with violators facing fines up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.
Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who initiated the motion to repeal, described the law as “uncommonly silly.” He noted that while the law dates back to at least 1945, its original intent is unclear. According to NBC Los Angeles, the law has rarely been enforced, with only a couple of tickets issued according to Los Angeles Police Department records.
The repeal process involves drafting an ordinance to remove the outdated section from the municipal code. The city attorney will handle this next step. As reported by LAist, while the law’s origins may be lost to time, it might have been intended to keep public areas clear. However, the more serious prohibitions in the code, such as those against firing weapons, remain covered under other sections.
The motion to repeal reflects a broader effort to update and remove antiquated laws that no longer serve their intended purpose. The City Council’s decision marks a step toward aligning local regulations with contemporary community values and practices.
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