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Strange but True: Exploring the 15 Weirdest Laws Still on the Books in Washington

The state of Washington is renowned for its scenic landscapes, energetic cities, and forward-thinking culture. While some of its strange regulations, some of which stretch back decades or even centuries, are still in effect. They might be weird today but they did serve a purpose back in the days. The legislators were in fact in their right minds. Here are 15 of Washington’s strangest laws that are still in force:

1. It is illegal to pretend to have a wealthy spouse

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To “knowingly make a false statement regarding the marital status of that person or of any other person” is a severe misdemeanor, according to RCW 9A.64.020. To get credit, money, or property is the goal here. It includes lying about having a wealthy spouse to get loans or other financial advantages.

2. It is illegal to kill a Sasquatch

Killing a Sasquatch, often known as Bigfoot, was made unlawful by a Skamania County ordinance in 1969. The law imposes a maximum prison sentence of one year and a maximum fine of $1,000. The Skamania County Board of Commissioners carried out this.

Since then, the ordinance has been modified and abolished in parts. The updated ordinance became effective on April 2, 1984. The animal was designated as “an endangered species” and a “Sasquatch Refuge” was established by the amended ordinance. Whatcom County, which is close by, also passed a resolution designating the county as a sasquatch protection and refuge region.

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3. It is illegal to buy a mattress on Sunday

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On Sundays or legal holidays, it is forbidden to “sell or deliver any new or used bedding or furniture,” according to RCW 19.60.010. The goal of this law is to encourage Sabbath observance. This was part of the blue laws. On Sundays, they curtailed commerce and regular activities. The main goal of this being to increase church attendance. Moreover, it was done to raise piety among individuals.

4. It is illegal to attach a vending machine to a utility pole

It is forbidden to “hang any metal or glass product or vending machine to any utility pole, lamp post, or other similar device,” as stated in RCW 70.93.060. The goal of this law is to stop damage to power poles and other types of public property.

The law also shifted liability from utility pole providers to individuals who attached vending machines to utility poles. Hence any damage that occurred as a result of this was the vending machine owner’s fault.

5. It is illegal to catch fish with your bare hands

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Although it’s a well-liked hobby in Washington, catching fish with your bare hands is prohibited. “No person shall take fish from the waterways of this State by any method other than angling with one line and one hook,” states WAC 220-56-305. When handled with bare hands, some fish varieties, like catfish, give off shocks. In addition to killing them with shocks, this fishing technique also obliterates their eggs.

6. It is illegal to walk around with a concealed weapon longer than six feet

According to RCW 9.41.250, it is illegal to “carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument” in a concealed manner, unless the weapon is less than six feet in length.

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7. It is illegal to use X-rays to fit shoes

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Shoe businesses used X-rays to gauge how well customers’ shoes fit in the early 20th century. However, due to health issues, this practice was outlawed in 1957. Using X-rays for anything other than medical diagnosis or treatment is now against the law. Extra radiation exposure from using x-rays to fit shoes puts people at risk for health problems like cancer. This method of shoe fitting was popular since it offered an exact alternative to gauging shoe sizes.

8. It is illegal to attach a vending machine to a fire hydrant

RCW 70.93.050 forbids the connection of “any metal or glass product or vending machine” to a fire hydrant, much as the statute forbids doing so with a vending machine on a utility pole.

The following are prohibited from being attached to utility poles in Washington: advertising signs, posters, vending machines, or any other similar objects that jeopardize the life of electrical workers. However, an attachment may be positioned up to twelve feet above the ground if the utility company grants authorization.

9. It is illegal to paint polka dots on the American flag

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It is forbidden to “deface, degrade, or cast scorn upon any flag, standard, or ensign of the United States,” as stated in RCW 9.86.010. This includes dotting the American flag with polka dots. Flags represent a state’s authority.it deserves a degree of respect. Any alterations made to the American flag is not only unacceptable, it is also illegal.

10. It is illegal to harass a service dog

Harassing or interfering with a service dog or its handler is prohibited in the state of Washington. This law aims to safeguard the safety and rights of disabled individuals who depend on service animals. A service dog promotes greater independence in the life of a disabled person. According to the definition given in the Americans with Disabilities Act, service dogs are “individually trained dogs that do labor or execute activities for people with disabilities.”

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11. It is illegal to play a musical instrument in a public park without a permit

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Without a permit, it is unlawful to perform musical instruments in a public park in Seattle. The goal of this law is to stop noise pollution. Also, it guarantees that parks continue to be serene and enjoyable for all. Therefore, before anyone takes up their instrument in a public park they must have visited the relevant offices and obtained permits beforehand.

12. It is illegal to ride an animal on a sidewalk

Riding an animal on a sidewalk is prohibited by Washington state law. The goal of this law is to stop accidents. Also, it guarantees that pedestrians can still use sidewalks safely and easily. The reasoning behind this is the fact that animals such as horses are volatile and unpredictable. Any small distraction or disturbance on such animals can lead to accidents and resultant harm to road users.

13. Candidates for an office should not buy beer

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It is prohibited for any candidate running for a public office to buy alcoholic beverages for anyone save his or her immediate family. This applies to transactions occurring on any property that the state has granted a license for during the hours that the polls are open on the day of the election.

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14. Avoid walking around if you have a contagious disease

Every person who willfully exposes himself to another person or an animal that has a contagious or infectious disease is guilty of a misdemeanor, according to Washington law (RCW 70.54.050). This applies if a person is in a public place. The law is not strict if a person behaves in a manner not dangerous to the public health. The same applies if the exposure is done without prior knowledge or unintentionally.  

15. It is illegal to be a soothsayer in Oregon

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The practice of future prediction is prohibited in Yamhill, Oregon. Don’t make forecasts about the future or make predictions about the upcoming elections, even if you’re just having lunch at the neighborhood café.