12 Weird Laws in West Virginia That’ll Have You Wondering

Here are 12 Crazy laws in West Virginia that will make you rethink reality. Do you know that there is a law that allows men to have intercourse with animals under 40lbs? But, sleeping on the train is illegal. Find out more twisted West Virginia state laws below. 

Weird laws in West Virginia

1. No Falling Asleep in a Cheese Factory: In West Virginia, it is illegal to fall asleep in a cheese factory. While the reason behind this law remains unclear, it’s safe to say that nodding off amidst the aroma of cheese production is not permitted.
2. Limit on Roadkill Possession: West Virginia has a unique law that allows residents to collect and possess roadkill for personal use. However, there are restrictions. It is illegal to take possession of a deer killed by a motor vehicle between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
3. Whistling Underwater: Believe it or not, it is against the law to whistle underwater in West Virginia. While the practicality of whistling beneath the surface is questionable, this law remains on the books, likely as a quirky remnant of the past.
4. No, Wearing Hats that Obstruct View: To ensure public safety, West Virginia prohibits wearing hats that obstruct the view in theaters, places of amusement, or other public places. So, if your hat is particularly tall or obstructive, you might want to leave it at home before attending an event in the state.
5. Firing a Missile at a Train: While this law may seem obvious, it is explicitly stated in West Virginia’s legal code that firing a missile at a train is illegal. This regulation serves as a reminder that projectiles and locomotives do not mix.
6. Forbidden to Snooze on a Train: In West Virginia, it is illegal to sleep on a train unless you have a private compartment. Passengers caught dozing off in public areas of a train can potentially face legal consequences.
7. Prohibition on “Ridiculous” Hairstyles: In the town of Barboursville, West Virginia, there is an ordinance that prohibits individuals from wearing “ridiculous” hairstyles. While the exact definition of what constitutes a “ridiculous” hairstyle is open to interpretation, it remains an intriguing and unusual law.
8. No Revving Your Car’s Engine Near a Church: West Virginia prohibits revving your car’s engine within 200 feet of a church. This law aims to prevent unnecessary noise disturbances during religious services and events.
9. Limit on Fertility Clinic Operations: West Virginia has a law that restricts fertility clinics from operating within the state. This unique regulation means that individuals seeking fertility treatments may need to travel outside West Virginia to access such services.
10. Ban on Roadside Memorials: West Virginia has regulations in place that prohibit the placement of roadside memorials on public highways. While the intention may be to maintain road safety and prevent distractions, it can be seen as an unusual restriction on personal grieving practices.
11. Singing on the Streets at Night: West Virginia has an unusual law that bans singing on the streets at night. The intent behind this regulation and its enforcement are not well-documented, but it stands as one of the state’s peculiar statutes.
12. Deer Swimming Prohibition: West Virginia’s wildlife regulations take an unexpected turn with a law making it illegal to take a deer swimming.

West Virginia Laws

There are tonnes of weird laws in the U.S. then there are West Virginia laws like the following:

Swear Jar

West Virginia takes civilized communication to the next level. Do you know that you can be fined $1 if someone heard you swear in public?

Colors and Dress Code

It is illegal to possess a red or black flag in WV. You are also disallowed to wear hats inside a theater. Good luck hiding that bald spot in the dark!

Can you legally beat your wife in West Virginia

We all know it’s illegal but, if you are a resident of WV then, you can hit your wife on a Sunday morning in public on the courthouse steps and walk free of charge. 

Walking Your Pet

Not sure about a bear or a puma but it’s illegal to walk a lion, tiger, or leopard even on a leash because rules are rules in Alderson, WV. 

Roadkill

There is an ongoing debate on whether states should encourage consuming roadkill or not since drivers have begun to intentionally kill animals for food. West Virginia laws are Okay with consuming roadkill. There is an annual festival in Marlinton to celebrate this.

Stupid Laws in West Virginia

Are you up for a dose of dumb laws in WV, or do you want to jump straight to the quiz? 

Fun and Frolic

Nobody on a casual vacation would like to drown and die. Stupid laws in WV will restrict you if you have any other intentions. Do you know that you are not allowed to whistle underwater? 

You can also be jailed for half a year if you were to make fun of someone for entering a challenge. Firemen are allowed to flirt with women who pass through the firehouse. 

But, Why?

PDA and Adultery

Live-in couples can be jailed for a year if they were to associate lewdly with each other but you can walk away by paying $20 dollars for adultery. 

Three Is a Crowd

Never give anesthesia to women if you are a male doctor or dentist! WV law states that women can be put under anesthesia only if there is another person apart from the doctor/dentist in the room. 

Game of Knives

West Virginia is a stand-your-ground state, but its state laws on open carry include some rather unusual provisions. West Virginia state laws permit individuals below the age of 21 to openly carry switchblades but do not allow them to conceal these weapons.