Posted in West Virginia August 29, 2016 by

8 Crazy Laws in West Virginia That Will Leave You Scratching Your Head In Wonder

Law and order is important to society, of course, but some of the laws that are out there are just plain odd. Some of them made sense for their time and just need an update; others are so peculiar that it makes you wonder what sort of event inspired their existence. Here are some of the strangest laws in West Virginia, according to dumblaws.com.

1. Whistling underwater is prohibited.
HA! Designs - Artbyheather
I can't imagine why this law ever would have been needed.
2. When a railroad passes within 1 mile of a community of 100 or more people in it, they must build a station and stop there regularly to pick up and drop off passengers.
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad/Facebook
You can check out if this is enforced by going on one of the great train rides in West Virginia.
3. Roadkill may be taken home for supper.
Flickr/Anders Steen Nilsen
This law is celebrated with the annual Roadkill Festival in Marlinton.
4. It is illegal to snooze on a train.
You'll probably find that this is not enforced, but you won't want to snooze on any of West Virginia's scenic train rides.
5. A tax of 1 cent is levied for every 16 and 9 ounce containers of coke sold in a store.
Flickr/Mike Mozart
This law is still in effect, but strangely specific.
6. A person may not hold public office if he or she has ever participated in a duel.
WikiMedia Commons
I suspect this issue doesn't come up very often these days.
7. For each act of public swearing a person shall be fined one dollar.
WikiMedia Commons
It's basically like your mom's swear jar.
8. One may not walk a lion, tiger or leopard, even on a leash.
Flickr/Mathias Appel
This law is specific to the city of Alderson, so feel free to walk your tigers elsewhere.

For more about life in West Virginia, check out the 13 Best Decisions You Can Make In West Virginia.