Halloween Laws in California
- The city of Walnut Creek, California, has a law on the books that prohibits people from wearing masks unless they have acquired a permit allowing them to do so from the local sheriff's office. This obviously has an impact on both juvenile trick-or-treaters, as well as adults on their way to costume parties. The law specifically states, "No person shall wear a mask or disguise on a public street without a permit from the sheriff." The law was enacted to prevent robbers and thieves from committing crimes while concealing their identities -- lawmakers apparently weren't thinking about Halloween. To avoid the repercussions, wait until you get to the party to change into your Halloween costume.
- The city of Los Angeles passed a law prohibiting the use of silly string between the hours of 12 a.m. on October 31st and noon on November 1st in order to combat major vandalism problems that the city experienced as a part of this Halloween tradition. Those caught violating the law can be subject to a $1,000 fine.
- In Los Altos Hills, California, where a lot of Christian fundamentalists reside, schools are forbidden from displaying Halloween decorations and holding parades or parties celebrating the holiday during school hours. This law was put into effect in 1995, after local parents complained that they felt the holiday celebrated the devil.
- Like many other states, California has exacted a law to restrict the activities of registered sex offenders on Halloween. Sex offenders are required to be at their homes with their lights out. They are not allowed to pass out candy on Halloween night, and have to post a sign in their yard that says "No Candy Here." Nicknamed "Operation Boo," the law also gives local officials the right to check up on registered sex offenders to make sure they are following the rules, and that they remain at home with the lights out on Halloween night.