Halloween Masks: What's Allowed or Banned

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — With multiple recent reports of people dressed as clowns scaring kids throughout the nation, including this week in Ashburn, Halloween costume shoppers need to know Virginia's law on wearing masks.

SEE: Creepy Clown Chases Girl on Ashburn Trail: LCSO

Despite rumors in the social media, clown costumes are not illegal or banned--but wearing a mask or hood that hides your face in public is prohibited for any person over 16-years-of-age, according to a Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) spokesperson.

But the provision does not apply to wearing traditional holiday costumes, as well as other exemptions, including religious, medical and participation in theatrical productions.

Masks may be worn by people over 16-years-old on Halloween on Monday, Oct. 31, but NOT at celebrations held on other days--including the previous weekend on Oct. 28 and 29, according to the LCSO spokesperson.

According to the law: "It shall be unlawful for any person over 16 years of age to, with the intent to conceal his identity, wear any mask, hood or other device whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered so as to conceal the identity of the wearer, to be or appear in any public place, or upon any private property in this Commonwealth without first having obtained from the owner or tenant thereof consent to do so in writing."

Violation of the law is a Class 6 felony with the possibility of being sent to prison.

To find out more about the Code in Virginia about masks, click here.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity by calling 703-777-1021.

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