9 Weird Rules in Washington Tourists Keep Breaking Without Even Knowing

You plan a smooth trip, then a small-town ordinance trips you up. I travel across Washington often, and I keep a running list of rules that surprise visitors. Some still see light enforcement, others just linger on the books, but all can shape a day out. Read on and save yourself a puzzled chat with a park ranger or a local cop.

1. Don’t hug while driving

I see couples on road trips get caught by this one. Washington law prohibits a driver from embracing another person if it interferes with control of the vehicle. RCW 46.61.665 spells it out and police can use it when they spot distracted driving. I keep my hands on the wheel and ask my passenger to hold the snacks, not me.

The rule aims at safety, and that goal makes sense on I-5 or a winding US 2 pass. If you ride up front, keep limbs tidy, and do not lean across the driver. If you drive, avoid playful hugs or holding someone’s phone for a selfie. Officers also cite people for texting and other distractions, so it fits the same pattern.

I love a scenic cruise through Washington, but I plan stops for photos and affection. That quick pause will save stress later and keeps the trip relaxed.

2. No using X-ray or fluoroscope machines to fit shoes

You might spot a retro foot scanner as decor in a heritage shoe shop. Washington stopped stores from using fluoroscope X-ray machines decades ago after health agencies flagged radiation risks. Medical historians and consumer safety archives back up the concern.

The devices once promised perfect fit but lacked dose controls and training. Today shop owners keep them unplugged as curiosities. I always ask before taking photos, because some stores prefer you skip touching the relic. You will still get a precise fit with modern tools like Brannock devices and 3D scans that do not use radiation.

If someone offers to power up a vintage unit, say no. The ban protects staff and shoppers and aligns with broader public health rules. Washington still values footwear craft, just not with outdated machines. It is part of the state’s quiet safety culture.

3. Harassing Bigfoot is illegal in some counties

Skamania County treats Sasquatch with surprising seriousness. The county adopted an ordinance in the late 1960s declaring Bigfoot an endangered species and updated it to discourage harassment or hunting. Nearby, other jurisdictions reference the legend in safety messaging. I treat it like any wildlife rule.

Do not chase, bait, or stage stunts that send people off trail. Rangers already deal with rescue calls on the Columbia River Gorge due to risky behavior. I love a quirky roadside photo, but I keep it on established paths and respect signage.

The ordinance reminds visitors to act responsibly in forests where search and rescue resources are finite. It also celebrates regional lore that draws curious travelers. If you hike in Washington, keep your group on marked routes, pack out trash, and leave the myth undisturbed. The story adds charm, not a free pass to act reckless.

4. You may be technically prohibited from selling lollipops in some towns

Lynden carries a quirky bit of code that once treated lollipops as a safety risk for kids. The ordinance reflects an older era of public health thinking and still pops up in lists of strange laws. I asked a local clerk once, and they smiled and sold me chocolate instead.

You will probably find lollipops anyway, because practice rarely matches the text. Still, I enjoy learning how these rules shaped town life. They often came alongside school safety drives and shop guidelines. When I write about Washington, I always note how small towns protect families in their own ways.

If you collect odd souvenirs, ask before filming or staging pranks around candy displays. Store owners appreciate respect, and they will share local history when you listen. The charm of Lynden lies in its careful streets and sweet shops, rules and all.

5. Intentionally exposing others to a contagious disease

Washington law treats willful exposure to a contagious disease in public as a misdemeanor. Health departments point to this during outbreaks when people ignore isolation guidance. I travel often, so I carry masks and hand sanitizer, and I reschedule plans if I feel unwell.

It keeps everyone comfortable in crowded markets and buses. The standard focuses on intent and reckless behavior, not routine sniffles. Still, I watch local advisories because rules shift with public health updates. Seattle and other cities post clear guidance near transit hubs and visitor centers.

Respect for these notices helps events and small businesses stay open smoothly. If you need care, urgent clinics offer quick advice on staying within the code. Washington balances freedom to move with community wellbeing, and that earns trust. Tourists who plan ahead avoid fines and protect their trip.

6. Don’t intimidate with a laser

Pointing lasers at people or aircraft creates real harm. Washington agencies warn that aiming a laser in a threatening way can lead to charges, and federal rules add serious penalties for aircraft incidents. I leave novelty pointers at home and use phone flashlights instead.

Security staff at arenas and festivals may confiscate devices if they see risky behavior. Local news reports show why. Pilots and drivers can lose sight for a moment and cause a crash. Stadiums post rules on prohibited items and include lasers on the list.

Street performers also ask visitors to avoid pointers during shows. I stick to simple lighting and enjoy the scene. You can still capture vibrant city photos without gadgets that bother others. Washington protects night skies and keeps its events safe for families and travelers.

7. No buying meat on Sunday in remnants

Old blue laws limited Sunday commerce, and some remnants mention meat sales. You probably will not see enforcement, but the history lingers in archives and local summaries of outdated rules. I view it as a cultural footprint rather than a travel obstacle.

Grocers operate normally, and staff focus on food safety and hours posted by management. When I plan a cabin weekend, I still shop ahead on Saturday for peace of mind. These laws arose from rest day traditions that shaped early trade patterns. They also intersected with public order rules that many towns later revised.

If you hear a local joke about not buying steak on Sunday, they are nodding to that past. Washington keeps modern retail hours, yet the stories make great conversation starters with longtime residents. Ask politely and you will hear vivid memories of how Sundays felt decades ago.

8. Don’t display a hypnotized person in a store window

Everett wrote a rule against placing a hypnotized or allegedly hypnotized person in a shop window. City codes protect bystanders from distress and keep sidewalks clear when crowds gather. Performance artists sometimes plan publicity stunts, and this line draws a boundary.

I always get permits and ask city hall about demonstrations before filming. Staff respond quickly and share practical tips on traffic, noise, and safety. The point is simple. Street theater belongs where it does not clog doorways or confuse passersby.

Local retailers appreciate that clarity. I enjoy Everett’s creative streak, and I find venues that welcome shows without causing trouble. If you tour Washington to record quirky content, this small detail helps you avoid a citation. Respect the window, book a stage, and let the audience choose to step inside.

9. No throwing rocks at fish to catch them

Fishing rules in Washington emphasize humane methods and resource protection. Regulations prohibit taking fish by throwing rocks, along with other non-sporting tactics. I keep a current copy of the Washington Sport Fishing Rules or use the official app before I cast.

River conditions change, and some waters require selective gear or seasonal closures. Wardens focus on education first, yet they expect anglers to know the basics. If you travel with kids, this makes a fun lesson on ethics and conservation. It also keeps streams calm for everyone nearby.

I bring approved gear, pinch barbs where required, and pack out line scraps. Staff at local shops share updates on runoff, hatchery releases, and access points. You get better results and peace of mind. Washington’s fisheries stay healthy when we fish clean and follow the code.