Be sure you never wear underwear that whistles, if you live in West Virginia. That is not the only law in the state that some online deem to be stupid. There are many other laws in the state that some online call stupid.
Almost anywhere, there are people ready to tell you that you are not using good manners if you wear a hat inside. Some deem the West Virginia law, however, which says you can be fined for doing so to be stupid. According to the text of the law, it is illegal to wear a hat, bonnet, or covering for your head if you attend a performance in an opera house, theater, hall, or any building where public performances are given and an admission is charged. The law specifically states that if such a covering for your head blocks the view of the performance for another person and you do not remove it when requested, you are guilty of a misdemeanor.
If you have ever participated in a duel you may not hold public office in West Virginia.
Another law requires if a train passes within one mile of a community with more than 100 people living in it, a railroad station to be built in the community. By law the train must then drop off and pick up passengers in each such community.
Another West Virginia law that some deem to be stupid says that someone may be jailed for up to six months for mocking someone who does not accept a challenge. The law says that someone may not in print use “reproachful or contemptuous language” of someone who refused to fight in a duel, or who refused to accept a challenge. According to the law, someone who does so has committed a misdemeanor. The law states that someone convicted of such an offense will be jailed for up to six months or fined up to $100.
You are breaking the law in the state if you sleep on a train.
You can be fined in West Virginia for swearing in public. The law specifically calls for someone who swears or is drunk publicly to be fined $1 for each time he is guilty of such an offense.
It is illegal in West Virginia to own a red or black flag.
By law, you are allowed to take road kill home to eat. The law was passed to help clean up roads not routinely maintained by the Department of transportation.
Doctors or dentists in West Virginia may only place a woman under anesthesia if a third person is present.
Children may not attend school if they have the smell of wild onions on their breath.
There are many strange laws in various cities and counties in West Virginia.
In Alderson, it is illegal to walk a tiger, leopard, or lion. You are breaking the law by doing so, even if you use a leash.
In Huntington, if you are a fireman, do not flirt or whistle at a woman who passes the firehouse. You will be breaking the law if you do.
In Nicolas County, any clergyman who tells a joke or humorous story during a church service is breaking the law.
Citations:
Dumb Laws in West Virginia, no author listed, dumblaws.com
Stupid Laws in West Virginia, no author listed, stupidlaws.com
