Shoe stores can't X-ray your feet to check the fit
Quote checked October 14, 2026Text match only; current legal status and enforcement not verified.
What the law says
“It shall be unlawful for any person to use any X ray, fluoroscope, or other equipment or apparatus employing roentgen rays, in the fitting of shoes or other footwear.”
“This section shall not apply to any licensed physician or surgeon in the practice of his profession.”
Penalty
“Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.”
History note
“Code 1950, § 18.1-416; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.”
The earliest year in this note is 1950. That's the earliest year the note prints. It doesn't establish when this wording was enacted, took effect or first appeared.
In plain English
Our reading
Using an X-ray machine, fluoroscope or other device that uses roentgen rays to fit shoes or other footwear is a misdemeanor in Virginia. Licensed physicians and surgeons practicing their profession are exempt.
Written by Silly Rules from the quoted text above. It's a plain reading, not legal advice. We haven't researched how courts read this section or how often anyone enforces it.
Code
Code of Virginia
Section
Va. Code § 18.2-321, “Using X ray, fluoroscope, etc., in the fitting of footwear”
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Every quote on this site was matched against its official page on October 14, 2026. Text match only; current legal status and enforcement not verified.