How well do you know Washington state law? Lasers, pigeons and a hug ban

Think you know Washington state law? Think again.

The Evergreen State has some legislation that may surprise you.

Some of the laws were enacted at the turn of the 20th century, and some have been updated over the years. All are currently in the Revised Code of Washington.

Here are four odd rules for Washington residents:

Can you hug while driving in Washington state?

The Revised Code of Washington goes over “rules of the road” for drivers on highways and streets across the state.

One such rule prohibits people from hugging while driving. The rule went into effect in 1979.

Under state law, you’re not allowed to “embrace another person” in a manner that “prevents the free and unhampered operation” of your vehicle.

Violating this rule is considered prima facie evidence of reckless driving, the Revised Code of Washington says.

Is shining a laser at someone illegal?

You cannot legally use a laser to intimidate or threaten someone in Washington state.

That rule about unlawful laser discharge went into effect in 1999.

It’s a crime to “knowingly and maliciously discharge a laser” at someone, especially it comes with a “substantial risk of an impairment or interruption,” according to Washington state law.

You’ll also not allowed to shine a laser at someone who’s driving, state law says, “impairing the safety or operation of (the) motor vehicle by negatively affecting the driver.”

Second-degree unlawful discharge of a laser is considered a gross misdemeanor.

Can I put someone else’s name on a petition?

The Revised Code of Washington prohibits misconduct when signing a petition.

This includes writing someone else’s name or the name of a fictional person on a petition.

You’re also not allowed to make any false statements concerning your age, citizenship, residence or other qualifications when signing.

The rule went into effect in 1909 and was updated as recently as 2011.

If you’re caught using a fake signature, you could be convictd of a misdemeanor.

Is injuring or killing pigeons against Washington law?

Harming a carrier or racer pigeon is a crime in Washington state.

Only the owner of a carrier or racing pigeon can “knowingly shoot, kill, maim, injure, molest, entrap or detain” that bird, state law says, protecting pigeons that carry identification.

Injuring or slaying someone else’s pigeon is a Class 1 civil infraction.

This law was enacted in 1987.

This story is based on previous coverage originally published in September 2023.

This story was originally published March 25, 2026 at 5:00 AM.