Nine Halloween Laws That Are Total Buzzkills

It's nice to think of Halloween as a harmless holiday of tricks and treats for young and old alike. But be forewarned that some local laws are downright scary, if not plain stupid.

[1] In 2007, The Iowa Department of Revenue attempted to place a tax on pumpkins if they were intended for decoration purposes. However, it was tax-free if it was to be turned into a pumpkin pie. Iowans planning to eat pumpkins could get a tax exemption if they filled out a form.

The Department of Revenue even sent requests to retailers, asking them to quiz customers on whether they were buying the pumpkin to eat (not taxable) or decorate (taxable).

Of course, none of this went over too well with Iowans, so within days, the Iowa Department of Revenue reversed course and kept pumpkins as non-taxable food items.

[2] Virginia may be for lovers but not trick-or-treaters over the age of 13. In several Virginia communities, anyone over 12 or 13 caught trick-or-treating can be sent to jail for up to six months. In addition, knocking on doors after 8 p.m. can land you behind bars for up to 30 days.

[3] In Newport, VA, if you're past seventh grade or 12 years old, engaging in the Halloween pastime is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

[4] In Forsyth, Illinois, you may only "approach" a house if it has a porch light. So beware, if there's no light and you still knock on the door, police could slap you with a $750 fine!

[5] In Belleville, Illinois, it's a real buzzkill with a Halloween Solicitation law forbidding children over age 12 from wearing masks.

[6] In Hollywood, California opening and spraying a can of Silly String on Halloween can get you a $1,000 fine. It's called Hollyweird for a reason.

[7] In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, you cannot publicly celebrate Halloween if it falls on a Sunday. However, celebrating on Saturday the 30th is okay.

[8] In Alabama, you could face a fine of up to $500 if you pretend to be a nun, priest, rabbi, or another clergy member.

[9] But the wacky laws are not strictly an American invention. For example, the French town of Vendargues bans people from dressing up as clowns starting on Halloween through November.

Whatever your local Halloween laws are, use common sense while having fun. YeeHa!