No lollipops while driving? These rumored Washington state laws may not be true

From a ban on hugging while driving to rules about lasers and carrier pigeons, Washington state has a handful of weird laws.

However, there are numerous misconceptions about legislation in the Evergreen State.

Some rumors about odd laws are outdated, while others are entirely fabricated.

Which weird Washington laws are real, and which are widespread falsehoods?

Here’s what you should know:

Is hunting Bigfoot banned in Washington state?

While many believe hunting Sasquatch is outlawed in Washington, that’s not entirely true.

Only two Washington state counties have actually made it illegal to hunt the famed cryptid.

In 1969, the Skamania County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance making any “premeditated, willful and wanton slaying” of Bigfoot-like creatures a felony.

The Whatcom County Council passed a similar resolution in 1992 officially declaring the county a “Sasquatch protection and refuge area.”

In the rest of Washington state, it’s legal to hunt and search for Bigfoot.

Is it really illegal to drive with a lollipop in Washington?

Many people claim there is a law prohibiting lollipops while driving — or a complete ban on the sugary treats.

There’s no such law is in the Revised Code of Washington.

The myth can be traced back to old regulations on candy sales.

However, there is little evidence that eating lollipops was ever specifically prohibited in vehicles.

Does Washington state law prohibit shopping on Sundays?

Lists of odd laws in the Washington state often refer to purchase restrictions prohibiting buying meat or mattresses on Sundays.

While so-called “blue laws” banning businesses from operating on Sunday were common across the country many decades ago, the majority have since been repealed

Although these blue laws were repealed in Washington state in 1966, it would be several decades before restaurants and bars could sell liquor on Sundays, Peter LeSourd wrote in an essay for the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

There are currently no restrictions on Sunday shopping in Washington state.

Is biting off someone’s leg banned in Washington state?

Online rumors have spread that Washington state specifically prohibits biting off someone else’s leg as a form of assault.

While such an act would surely be considered assault, the Revised Code of Washington doesn’t list that specific crime.

Under state law, numerous acts can be considered first-degree assault, including inflicting “great bodily harm.”

Does Washington state outlaw lying about having rich parents?

Some report you cannot falsely claim to have wealthy parents in Washington state.

When it comes to fraud, the Revised Code of Washington does not mention statements regarding parental wealth. However, it is possible this could have been a provision at a prior time.

Historically, lying about your family’s financial status could have provided fraudsters better opportunities to secure loans or other benefits.

Currently, it is legal in Washington state to misrepresent how much money your parents make — so long as you aren’t committing another crime, such as falsifying official tax documents.

This story was originally published March 26, 2026 at 5:00 AM.