Very Scary Halloween Laws

CAUTION: Not all of the (jail) bars are closed.

After 7 months of home detention, social distancing and mask wearing, kids are looking forward to wearing masks and walking great distances in pursuit of treats!  Don’t shake the spirits by breaking a horrible Halloween law that should have been dead and buried long ago.

Know the LAWS that may have terrifying consequences if violated:

What day is Halloween?  October 31st.  Unless it falls on a Sunday, then trick-or-treating is moved to the previous Saturday. (Rehoboth Beach, DE) You don’t want to mix the evil spirits with the Holy Spirit.

What are the Hours?         Roselle:                       4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

                                                Bloomingdale:            3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

                                                Your town:                  Yikes! Saturday, better get some candy.

Who can go Trick-or-Treating?  No one over eighth grade. (Bellville, IL) No one over the age of 12. (Roanoke, VA).  No one over 6’3” (My house, my rule.)

What costume can you wear?  No one over 12 can wear a mask or disguise without permission from the Mayor or Chief of Police. (Bellville, IL, Dublin, GA, Walnut Creek, CA) Anyone who dresses as a minister, priest, nun, rabbi or clergy commits a misdemeanor. (AL) No clown costume or make up allowed. (Kemper Co., MI) But devils and politicians – no problem!

Which houses can you visit?  Kids can only approach homes that have their porch lights on. (Forsyth, IL) This year, with the COVID-19 precautions, some communities have Green signs for YES, Trick-or-Treaters Welcome or Red signs for NO, Come Back Next Year.  Kids, if the porch light is off, they don’t want you ringing the bell. Go Away and Get Off of My Lawn!

What is the penalty?  Generally, local Ordinance Violations carry a maximum fine of $500.00.  Some of the fines for out-of-state violations are $750.00 or higher.  Fortunately, for the scofflaws among us, these violations are rarely enforced. 

For 2020, the Illinois Department of Public Health advises trick-or-treaters to maintain a social distance of 6 feet from those not in your household and wear proper face coverings. (The Lone Ranger mask won’t protect you) Those passing out candy are encouraged to wear face coverings and gloves, and to pass out candy individually rather than sharing from a communal bowl.  Sorry kids, but then you’ll have to quarantine the candy for 3 days before you can eat it.

From Martucci Law to all you little ghosts and goblins and your Moms and Dads waiting on the sidewalk: HAVE FUN AND STAY SAFE!