Washington Dumb Laws

Sasquatch Safety

In 1969, Skamania County, Washington, passed one of the nation’s most legendary laws: it made it illegal to kill Bigfoot. The ordinance classified Sasquatch as an endangered species, punishable by a fine and jail time if harmed. In 1984, the county updated the law, framing Bigfoot protection as a matter of cultural and scientific interest. While some saw it as a publicity stunt, locals viewed it as a statement of regional identity—and a way to keep cryptid hunters from running amok in the forests. Whether you believe in Bigfoot or not, the law remains a rare case of mythical creature protection entering formal code. Source

Hugging While Driving

In Washington, it is illegal to hug someone while driving if it interferes with the safe operation of a vehicle. This falls under the broader distracted driving laws. The statute may sound silly, but it’s not about being anti-affection; it’s about minimizing preventable accidents. The law doesn’t ban brief gestures, but if a hug compromises your ability to steer or watch the road, you could be cited. The same statute covers pet handling, applying makeup, and even eating. In short: keep your hands on the wheel and your heart in park. Source

X-Rays to Fit Shoes

Once a staple of mid-century shoe stores, X-ray fitting machines were used to show customers exactly how shoes fit over their bones. While the tech was impressive for its time, it exposed people to unsafe levels of radiation. Washington outlawed the practice due to these health risks. Today, it’s not just outdated—it’s illegal. This law stands as a historical marker of how consumer safety regulations caught up with scientific understanding. Source

Lollipop Limitations

The city of Lynden, Washington, once had a law that banned the sale of lollipops. The reasoning? They were deemed a “public nuisance,” possibly due to litter concerns or old-fashioned notions of decorum. While the law is no longer enforced, it remains one of Washington’s oddest past restrictions. The lollipop ban existed alongside other moral ordinances that shaped Lynden’s long-standing conservative values. Residents today mostly treat it as a historic curiosity, not a real threat to their sweet tooth. Source

Don’t Harass Carrier Pigeons

Washington law protects carrier pigeons, stating it’s illegal to shoot, steal, or harass one that is clearly banded and owned. This law dates back to the days when pigeons played an important role in communication and sport racing. Though they’re no longer used to deliver urgent wartime messages, some enthusiasts still raise homing pigeons today. The law remains on the books to deter interference with these birds—so if you see a pigeon with a little ID tag on its leg, let it be. Source