We like to think of ourselves as law-abiding citizens here in Virginia. But many people don’t know that there are several outdated and weird laws in Virginia. While some make sense (at least a little), most of the illegal things in Virginia will make you wonder how the issue ever became a legal matter in the first place. You’ll have a good laugh at some of the following weird laws in Virginia. Let’s just say it’s a good thing a lot of these aren’t strictly enforced.

1. Children trick-or-treating on Halloween.
Manuel Sanvictores/flickr
Yep, you read that right. Children are technically not supposed to go trick-or-treating on October 31st. Good luck explaining that to the little ones.
2. Hunting any animals other than raccoons on Sunday.
Adam Skowronski/flickr
Raccoons are fair game, but only until 2 a.m.
3. Do you have a mule? Well don't even THINK about washing it on the sidewalk.
Mangrove Mike/flickr
This one is considered illegal in Culpepper.
4. No matter how frustrated you may be, it's illegal to spit on a seagull.
Jo Naylor/flickr
One can only hope this is a law we can all live with.
5. A woman who is not wearing a corset or being escorted by a man after 6 p.m. is technically bending the law.
Wikipedia
Hmm...this one sounds just a bit on the outdated side. Don't you think?
6. Having a pet skunk.
Christa Gampp/flickr
Really...you don't have to tell us twice.
7. Short on parking spots? Railroad tracks are off limits.
Donnie Nunley/flickr
This one seems like a no-brainer.

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8. Skateboarding down the Main Street sidewalk is illegal in Victoria.
Tobi Gaulke/flickr
9. Using foul language in an argument with another person is strictly prohibited.
Chris Fithall/flickr
It's just good manners, right?!
10. It's illegal to keep the gate to your swimming pool open after you've finished using it.
Henry Burrows/flickr
Those who live in Frederick could get fined $2,500.
11. Failing to honk your horn when you pass another car.
Doug Kerr/flickr
Can you imagine how much nosier traffic would be if everyone honked the horn as they passed? This could also cause a little road rage.
12. Using certain walking sticks or canes in Virginia Beach is unlawful.
farrago510/flickr
13. Tickling a woman.
Karen Seifert/flickr
Don't even think about it!
14. Referring to any other brand of ham as "Smithfield."
Steven Lilley/flickr
That's right, we take our cured meats very seriously in Virginia. Unless it's been smoked and processed within the Smithfield area, you could get fined for trying to label a generic ham as "Smithfield."

What are your thoughts on these weird laws in Virginia? Have you ever broken any of the laws listed above? Do you know of any more weird laws that are still in existence? Or, maybe you know of some other fun facts about Virginia? Share your thoughts with us!

These weird laws in Virginia aren’t the only strange things about the state. There are several others! Click here to read about the weirdest places you can possibly go in the great state of Virginia.

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Weird Laws In Virginia

Daniella DiRienzo | August 27, 2021

What are some other strange things about Virginia?

When it comes to strange things about Virginia, there are quite a few, such as it’s the birthplace of fraternities and…streaking. The first fraternity came about in 1776, when Phi Beta Kappa was founded at the College of William and Mary. Rumor has it that years later, in 1804, George William Crump was the first American college student to be arrested for, you guessed it, streaking.

Are there any fun facts about Virginia?

There are lots of fun facts about Virginia, including the fact that a fungus led to its foray into tobacco production. The original settlers intended for Virginia to be a silk colony. However, the settlers were forced to switch gears when a fungus killed all the trees that the silkworms fed on. With the silkworms’ food source completely depleted, the settlers decided to plant tobacco. Proving to be a good decision, Virginia is one of the nation’s top tobacco producers.

What are some other illegal things in Virginia?

Surprisingly, the laws mentioned above aren’t the only weird laws in Virginia. There are several other illegal things in Virginia that will have you scratching your head. For instance, it’s illegal to sell lettuce and peanut brittle on Sundays. There are also a couple of Virginia cities with strange laws. One example is Richmond, where it’s illegal to flip a coin to determine who pays for coffee. Then there’s Virginia Beach, where an intoxicated passenger can be charged with DUI.

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