Creepy clowns appear to have become a national crisis in recent days, prompting a Mississippi county to make dressing one as temporarily illegal.

 

In fact, if you’re caught publicly dressing as a clown in Kemper County, you could face a $150 fine – at least until Halloween is over, Time reports.

 

The ordinance passed Monday makes it unlawful for people in Kemper County to wear a clown costume, a clown mask or even clown makeup in public.

 

Kemper County Board President Johnny Whitsett told a local paper, the Messenger, that the recent clown phenomenon – which has resulted in school threats and even attacks -- has gotten “out of hand.”

 

Beginning Nov. 1, the ordinance will no longer be in effect in Kemper County.