Imagine living in a world where chewing gum could land you in jail, or where you’re breaking the law just by flushing your toilet at night. Sounds crazy, right? But believe it or not, these are real laws in some parts of the world. Every country has its own set of rules, but some are weirder than others. Let’s check out these odd laws that are still on the books today.
Singapore: No Chewing Gum Allowed
In Singapore, you can’t buy or chew gum unless it’s for medical reasons. This law was put in place in 1992 to keep the city clean. While it might seem strict, it’s helped Singapore stay one of the cleanest cities in the world.
Switzerland: No Flushing After 10 PM
If you’re in Switzerland, be careful about when you flush! In some apartment buildings, it’s against the rules to flush your toilet after 10 PM. This odd law is meant to keep noise down at night so neighbors can sleep peacefully.
France: No Kissing on Train Platforms
Planning a romantic goodbye at a French train station? Think again! In France, it’s technically illegal to kiss on train platforms. This rule was made in 1910 to stop delays caused by long goodbyes. While it’s not strictly enforced today, it’s still an official law.
Thailand: Don’t Step on Money
In Thailand, it’s against the law to step on money. Why? Because all Thai currency has a picture of the king on it, and it’s considered very disrespectful to step on his image. If you accidentally drop a coin, be sure to pick it up quickly!
England: No Handling Salmon Suspiciously
Here’s a fishy law from England: it’s illegal to handle salmon in “suspicious circumstances.” This strange rule is part of the Salmon Act of 1986, which was meant to stop illegal fishing. But the vague wording has left many people wondering what exactly counts as “suspicious” salmon handling!
Japan: Being Overweight is Illegal
In Japan, there’s a law that sets limits on waist sizes for people between 40 and 74 years old. Men’s waists should be no more than 33.5 inches, and women’s no more than 35.4 inches. The government checks this during annual checkups to help fight obesity.
Canada: It’s Illegal to Remove a Bandage in Public
In Canada, specifically in Montreal, there’s a law that says you can’t remove a bandage in public. This odd rule was probably made to keep things hygienic, but it’s hard to imagine how often it’s actually enforced.
United Arab Emirates: No Eating or Drinking on Public Transport
If you’re riding public transport in Dubai, ensure you’re not hungry or thirsty. It’s against the law to eat or drink while using public transportation there. This rule helps keep the buses and trains clean for everyone.
Italy: No Building Sand Castles on the Beach
In some parts of Italy, like Eraclea near Venice, it’s illegal to build sand castles on the beach. Local officials say this rule helps keep the beaches tidy and safe for everyone to enjoy. So, if you’re planning a beach trip to Italy, leave your bucket and spade at home!
Australia: Only Licensed Electricians Can Change Light Bulbs
In Victoria, Australia, it’s technically illegal for anyone who isn’t a licensed electrician to change a light bulb in their home. While this law isn’t usually enforced for regular bulb changes, it’s meant to keep people safe from electrical accidents.
Greece: High Heels are Banned at Ancient Sites
If you’re planning to visit ancient sites in Greece, leave your high heels at the hotel. It’s illegal to wear them at archaeological sites like the Acropolis. This law helps protect the old stones from damage caused by pointy heels.
Denmark: You Must Check Under Your Car Before Starting It
In Denmark, it’s the law to check under your car before starting the engine. This rule was made to ensure no one is sleeping or hiding under the vehicle. While it might seem odd, it’s actually a safety measure to prevent accidents.
Italy: Feeding Pigeons is Illegal in Venice
If you’re visiting Venice, resist the urge to share your bread with the birds. Feeding pigeons is against the law in this famous Italian city. This rule was put in place in 2008 to help keep the city clean and protect its historic buildings from damage. The pigeons were causing a mess and even eroding some of Venice’s beautiful old structures with their droppings.
Swaziland: No Reincarnation Without Permission
Here’s a law that’s hard to enforce: in Swaziland, it’s illegal to come back as a ghost after you die without getting official permission first. This strange rule is linked to old beliefs about spirits and the afterlife.
Germany: Running Out of Gas on the Autobahn is Illegal
If you’re driving on Germany’s famous Autobahn, make sure you have enough gas! It’s actually against the law to run out of fuel on this highway. The rule is meant to prevent accidents and keep traffic flowing smoothly.
North Korea: Only Government-Approved Haircuts Allowed
In North Korea, you can’t just walk into a salon and ask for any haircut you want. Instead, you have to choose from a list of government-approved hairstyles. This rule is part of the country’s strict control over many aspects of daily life.
Bhutan: No Tobacco Sales
In the small country of Bhutan, it’s illegal to sell or buy tobacco products. This nationwide ban on cigarettes and other tobacco items was put in place in 2004 to promote health and happiness among the people.
Poland: Winnie the Pooh is Banned from Playgrounds
Winnie the Pooh has been banned from a playground in one Polish town. Why? Local officials thought the beloved bear was a bad role model because he doesn’t wear pants. This quirky rule shows how even cartoon characters can get caught up in strange laws.
Sweden: It’s Illegal to Paint a House Without a License
In Sweden, you can’t just grab a paintbrush and give your house a new look whenever you feel like it. It’s actually against the law to paint the outside of your house without a license. This rule is meant to keep neighbourhoods looking nice and consistent.
United Kingdom: No Wearing Armor in Parliament
Here’s a law that’s probably not broken very often: in the UK, it’s illegal to enter the Houses of Parliament wearing a suit of armour. This rule dates back to 1313 and was made to prevent armed people from threatening members of Parliament.
Philippines: No “Happy Birthday” Song in Public
In the Philippines, it’s technically illegal to sing “Happy Birthday” in public places. This odd law came about because of copyright issues with the song. While it’s not usually enforced, it’s still officially on the books.
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