9 Quirky Virginia Laws You’d Never Believe Existed
Have you ever wondered what strange rules might be hiding in your state’s law books? In Virginia, a few old or surprising laws still pop up. Whether you live there or you’re just passing through, these lesser-known rules offer a glimpse into the state’s unique history and customs. And, luckily for all of us, they’re no longer enforced or mostly no longer enforced.
You might never need to worry about being fined for cussing in public or keeping a pet skunk, but it’s still fun to learn about these quirky codes lurking behind the scenes.
1. Watch Your Age on Halloween
In the city of Chesapeake, there’s a rule that sets a limit on how old you can be to go trick-or-treating. According to the Chesapeake Code, children over the age of 14 are considered in violation of the law if they go door to door in costume seeking candy. While it’s rarely enforced, the law was created to curb teen pranks and keep things peaceful on Halloween night.
Even though many Virginians don’t think twice about older kids joining in the fun, the ordinance still exists. Folks sometimes debate whether it spoils the holiday spirit or protects little ones from spooks and mischief. Either way, if you’re a tall 15-year-old who loves candy, it might be safest to hit the store for a bag of sweets rather than risk a run-in with the local code.
2. Watch Where You Spit
Spitting on sidewalks or in public areas might not seem like a big deal. However, some cities in Virginia have ordinances that can get you in trouble if you do it. For example, in Waynesboro, City Code 18.2-322 prohibits spitting on public sidewalks, floors of public buildings, and other similar places.
Why such a rule? Health and cleanliness. Long ago, when diseases like tuberculosis were a bigger threat, these bans were put in place to keep the spread of germs under control. Today, they might seem a bit old-fashioned, but they show how public health concerns have shaped local laws over time.
3. No Public Swearing
Most Americans think twice about letting an angry word slip out in polite company. But in Virginia, it was actually against the law to use profane language in public until 2020. According to the original Virginia Code § 18.2-388, anyone caught “profanely cursing or swearing” could be charged with a Class 4 misdemeanor. For the record, the swearing law was lumped into a law about public intoxication; in 2020, lawmakers removed the “swearing” part.
This law was originally designed to encourage good manners and discourage rowdiness in public spaces. But even before 2020, it was overshadowed by more pressing matters. Nevertheless, it’s still fun to imagine getting a ticket just for shouting a four-letter word at the top of your lungs.
4. Sunday Hunting Restrictions
If you love the great outdoors, you might be surprised to learn that Virginia once had a full ban on Sunday hunting. This rule was relaxed in 2014, allowing limited Sunday hunting with a few conditions. One big exception is that hunting is still not allowed within 200 yards of a place of worship on Sundays.
The original reason for this law was to make sure people had a day of rest and worship without the sound of gunfire. Even though the rule has loosened, many hunters remain careful about how they plan their weekend trips. It’s a good example of how tradition and modern life collide when it comes to older laws.
5. Fornication Ban (Repealed in 2020)
For a long time, Virginia had a law that made consensual sex between unmarried adults a misdemeanor. While it wasn’t often enforced, it stayed on the books for decades. This changed in 2020 when lawmakers finally decided to strike down the old law.
People sometimes joked that the state was stuck in colonial times with rules about “private behavior.” Though it’s now gone, the ban shows how old traditions can live on in state codes until someone decides enough is enough. It also reminds us that even outdated laws may stay hidden if no one challenges them.
6. You Must Honk Before Passing
In Virginia, you might be surprised by a rule found in older versions of the driver’s manual: drivers were required to honk their horn before passing another car on the road. While this might sound silly today, it was meant to warn drivers in front that someone was about to go around them.
Modern drivers often rely on turn signals or just a quick check of mirrors. Yet the idea behind the honking rule was to reduce accidents when roads were narrower and had fewer signs. Even though many people don’t honk before passing anymore, you can still find echoes of this older road custom in today’s guidelines.
Thankfully, the honking law was amended in 2020. So, you no longer have to worry about getting pulled over if you don’t honk before passing someone in Virginia.
7. No Pet Skunks Allowed
Keeping a cute skunk as a pet might sound unusual, but some people do fall in love with these black-and-white critters. In Virginia, though, you’re out of luck. State laws ban private ownership of skunks because they can carry rabies, which is a serious concern.
Wild animals pose health risks, and skunks are seen as potential hazards if they bite or spray someone. Still, this law has an interesting place among more normal pet rules. If you really want a skunk friend, you’ll have to visit a licensed wildlife facility—just don’t try to sneak one home.
8. Fortune Tellers Need a Permit
Ever thought of setting up a crystal ball and offering tarot readings? In some parts of Virginia, you can’t just open a fortune-telling business without a special permit. Local governments can charge fees and require background checks for anyone offering psychic or fortune-telling services. For instance, in Fairfax County, fortune tellers must pay for a license under local rules found in the Fairfax County Code.
These rules date back to times when people worried about fraud (and let’s face it—that continues to be a concern today). The permit process helps officials keep an eye on anyone who might scam curious customers. It also shows how the law tries to balance personal freedoms with consumer protection, even in something as mystical as fortune telling.
9. Keep That Music Down
If you like cranking up the tunes while driving, be aware that many Virginia cities have noise ordinances. In some areas, playing music too loudly in your car can result in a fine, especially if someone complains. The city of Alexandria, for example, includes specific rules about noise levels in its Municipal Code.
Loud music can disturb neighborhoods and lead to disagreements among residents. These laws might seem strict, but they help keep peace and quiet for folks who prefer calmer surroundings. So, check the noise rules in your Virginia town if you’re planning a dance party.
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