A misconception of Virginia law
There are several websites indicating that one of the weird laws still on the books in Virginia indicates that it is illegal to go trick or treating on Halloween. This information is inaccurate but the Commonwealth has imposed age limits that have been changed several times.
Going door to door on October 31 has never officially been banned in the state. Today's children no longer knock on doors saying on Halloween. Many go to church or community-sponsored events and others attend trunk or treats where goodies are given out from the back of a vehicle in a public place.
Children 14 and under may trick or treat but many choose not to
The misconception regarding trick or treating being banned in Virginia stems from the 1970s when teenagers were putting toilet paper on houses, and harassing younger children. In Botetourt County, there were parents who complained of large teenagers looking like adults showing up at their doors for candy.
A law stating that anyone 12 or older could not go out on Halloween went into effect then the age was increased to 13 and now it is 14. It is not illegal to trick or treat on Halloween in Virginia if you are 14 years of age or younger but today most parents choose to give their children alternatives.
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