Weirdest Laws In Washington

Nestled in the Pacific northwestern corner of the United States, Washington state boasts plenty of modern tourist attractions to rival its natural mountainous beauty. From Pikes Place Fish Market in Seattle to the scenic Olympic State Park, visitors to Washington will find plenty of opportunities to be entertained and awed. Home to three professional sports teams, three national parks, and dozens of state parks, millions of tourists flood the state every year to be entertained or awed by this state's geological wonders.

Washington is the home to giant corporations like Amazon and Starbucks but also brags of over half a million small businesses, making it attractive for not only tourists but to budding entrepreneurs (per Gaebler).

Just like every other state in the U.S., Washington has its share of weird laws that are still on the books and technically enforceable. What bizarre laws await you in your travels to the Evergreen State? Read ahead and enjoy what we've discovered.

In what might be one of the weirdest laws in the state of Washington, fake wrestling is a punishable offense. No mention of whether the WWE is considered "fake," or just well choreographed. You also need to be licensed to sell condoms. Whether there is state-mandated training for such a license hasn't been discovered.

In the United States, pay toilets have pretty much become a thing of the past. However, there are still laws in the state of Washington that govern their installation. In public places that have pay toilets, there must be an equal number of free toilets available. 

During the Roaring 20s and into the Great Depression, many folks would compete in "marathon" sessions of regular leisure activities, oftentimes publicly competing for cash prizes. Marathon dancing, flagpole sitting, and roller skating are just a few that were the subject of public competitions. Not in Washington, though. These were made illegal after injuries were reported (via Stupid Laws). 

Whatever you do, don't remove the manufacturer's tag from a mattress or pillow in this state. An old law fined violators up to $500. 

There appears to be no shortage of laws in the state of Washington that are meant to protect children. Stupid Laws tell us that anyone under the age of 18 needs to have the permission of a parent to throw a tear gas canister. 

There's also a state law that makes it unlawful to sell any comic book to a minor that might incite them to "violence or other depraved acts" (via Stupid Laws). The city of Olympia has a law on the books that bars anyone under the age of 18 from entering a pool hall. Another weird law meant to protect children is one that bans lollipops. No worries, as jawbreakers are still acceptable, though.

And finally, enticing a girl away from the Maple Lane School for Girls is a misdemeanor offense. Violators will be subjected to a fine and/or time in a county jailhouse. 

Only in Your State gives us some of the weirdest laws passed in small towns in Washington. For example, in the tiny town of Everett, you are not legally allowed to display an image of a person who is hypnotized or appears to be hypnotized. Stupid Laws points out that in the town of Wilbur, you cannot legally ride a horse that is considered ugly. No word on if the attractiveness of a horse is decided by a lone person or by an elected committee.

In the town of Walla Walla, it's against the law to give any bird a noxious or intoxicating substance. This one makes you wonder whether someone spiked the water in a neighbor's birdbath. According to Weird Facts, strippers are not allowed to be within 4 feet of any customer in Spokane County. This same county also forbids spitting on city sidewalks, kneeling in public walkways, and wearing a life jacket near the Spokane River.

If you're in Lynden, you're not supposed to be able to consume alcohol and dance in the same place of business. And if you are about to shuck peanuts on a city street in the town of Bremerton, know that doing so will get you fined.  

Many folks enjoy fishing. But if you are considering using a rock to catfish, you might want to reconsider your plans. Hurling a projectile to aid in catching this species of fish will result in a fine. If you are thinking about stowing away in a neighbor's outhouse to catch a few Zs, you will want to get their permission first. Sleeping in one without the rightful owner's consent is against the law statewide.

Blue laws still seem to be on the books in Washington state. Here, you are not allowed to buy a mattress on Sundays (via Only in Your State). Meat is also prohibited from being bought or sold on this day.

And if you're thinking of purchasing that smart TV, better check to see what day of the week it is before you head to the department store. Conducting this transaction on Sunday could be a misdemeanor (via Stupid Laws).

For those who have had the pleasure to travel to Seattle, you probably noticed that it's the home of a good number of unique characters. This city is also the home of some of the most unique (and weird) laws in the state. If you are riding a bus, you cannot carry a fishbowl or aquarium with water in it, lest the sloshing bothers other passengers (via Stupid Laws). If you are a woman thinking of sitting on a man's lap on a bus or train ride, you'll need to place a pillow between the two of you. Violators will be facing a jail sentence of up to six months. 

Speaking of busses, spitting on the bus will also get you a fine in this great city, as will setting fire to your neighbor's property without their permission. Finally, Seattle prohibits the concealing of any weapon that is over 6 feet long. Better carry that broad sword and blowgun where everyone can see it, buddy.

A great state with a lot of great opportunities for residents and visitors alike, Washington remains a popular state in the U.S. But like most states, the laws here might need to be updated and revised a little more frequently.