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10 Of The Weirdest Laws In West Virginia

West Virginia is a state with a distinctive culture and a long history. Nonetheless, to outsiders, several of its laws might seem odd or even peculiar. These laws reflect the society that existed dating back to the 1970s. The issues that the legislators may seem very foreign to us while the same solved actual problems back in the days. An example is the law against hunting on Sunday, a practice which is not common today. Here are 10 of the weirdest laws in West Virginia:

1. Whistling underwater is prohibited

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According to West Virginia Code § 20-2-5, it is illegal to “make or cause to be made any loud or unusual noise or sound in the waters of this state by means of any device, including the human voice, so as to annoy, harass, or molest any person or wildlife.” This includes whistling or singing underwater. This is also for personal safety reasons. Whistling under water makes one lose a lot of oxygen making it harder to get the strength to swim out of the water.

2. It is illegal to use a ferret for hunting

West Virginia is not one of the several states that permit the use of ferrets for hunting rabbits and other small animals. “It is forbidden to possess, transport, release, export, or import any ferret for any purpose, except as permitted by the Director [of the Division of Natural Resources],” states West Virginia Code 20-2-1.

3. It is illegal to hunt on Sundays

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With a few exceptions and under specific conditions, hunting is not allowed on Sundays in West Virginia. The goal of this rule is to give people the freedom to engage in other activities on Sundays, such as attending church or spending time with family. They also limited the trading of certain goods. They are a part of the “blue laws” that promoted increased church attendance. It also strengthened the general populace’s piety.

Click to read more about 10 of the strangest laws in Virginia

4. It is illegal to shower while naked in any hotel room

A person may not “expose his or her person” in a hotel or motel room, according to West Virginia Law 61-8-14. This includes bathing or showering in your underwear. More often than not, most people shower naked. They are just trying to clean their bodies after all. Why this law was enacted is beyond me.

5. It is illegal to use a fake name online

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The use of a false name or identity online with the aim to hurt, threaten, or swindle another person is prohibited in West Virginia. Cyberbullying and other types of online harassment are prohibited by this law.

6. It is illegal to whistle or sing on a public highway

Whistling, singing, or making any other superfluous noises while operating or moving any wagon, vehicle, automobile, motorbike, motor-driven cycle, bicycle, or any other vehicle propelled by any power other than muscular power on any public highway is prohibited by West Virginia Code 17C-14-6. As they say, there is a lot of power in music. Utmost concentration is necessary while operating these vehicles. Slight distraction can lead to terrible accidents.

Click to read more about these 20 weirdest laws in Massachusetts

7. It is illegal to display a red or blue light on a vehicle

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West Virginia law prohibits the use of red and blue lights on vehicles, except for emergency vehicles and certain other authorized vehicles. This law is intended to prevent confusion with law enforcement vehicles. Further, most ambulances utilize the red and blue lights for easy identification on public roads while facilitating emergencies.

8. It is illegal to wear a hat in the theater

According to the law, “No person shall wear upon his or her head any hat, bonnet, or covering for the head which may obstruct the view of any person or persons during the performance in any theater, hall, opera house, or any such building where theatrical or other performances are given, when an admission fee is charged. “The goal of this law was to keep the theater in order. The point of being in a theater was defeated by some people’s headgear, which blocked the view of others.

9. There are tax regulations on soft drinks

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All bottled soft drinks and all syrups for soft drinks, regardless of where they were produced—in West Virginia or elsewhere—have been subject to a tax since 1951. This is as follows: a tax of one cent each sixteen and nine-tenths fluid ounce, or fraction thereof, or per half-liter, or fraction thereof, contained in each bottle of soft drink. You must comprehend the regulations that West Virginia imposes on businesses before starting one.

10. Living together of unmarried couples is frowned upon

If an unmarried couple engages in indecent and lascivious behavior while living together, they commit a misdemeanor and, if found guilty, must pay a fine of at least $50. They could spend up to six months in prison, depending on the judge’s discretion. If they commit the same offense again, they will face a sentence of not less than six months or more than twelve months in prison.

11. It is illegal to fly a red or w

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hite flag

It is against the law for anybody to possess or exhibit a red or black flag, as well as any other flags, emblems, devices, or signs of any kind, according to state legislation. This is specific if it shows a preference for or support for laws, institutions, or modes of government that are opposed to the letter or spirit of the state or federal constitutions, laws, principles, or institutions. Nevertheless, this decree was overturned in 2010.

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