They have set up designated areas for people to play with water. Strange But (Unfortunately) Untrue: Apple Pie Must Be Served With a Slice of Cheese. After the donkey was rescued, the town passed one of the weirdest laws in the country, which forbids donkeys from sleeping in bathtubs. The only problem was that no one had defined exactly what qualities a pickle must have to pass inspection. As long as we get that sweet, sweet cheddar. Final verdict: Or you cant lie down to sleep, at least. Final verdict: In most of Montana, keeping a pet rat is completely fine. Final verdict:It sounds silly, but those funny, 1990s-style stink bombs you probably bought in a joke shop at some point can actually be harmful. View the Best Chili in Austin. Final verdict:This one is just plain common sense, but in Wyoming, enough people went skiing after a few too many drinks that preventative measures were taken. Final verdict: Where else would he sleep? Did you know it's considered one of the world's first democracies? Spitting is also illegal and can result in arrest. If you have been swimming, you must not wear your swimming costume after leaving the beach. In Dubai, extramarital sex is against the law and could result in jail sentences for over a year. When it refers to "ugly" people, it's really referring to those with disfiguring disabilities, particularly minorities. Many of them were Civil War veterans or immigrants who had lost limbs or suffered severe burns, and they were left penniless on the street. Final verdict: According tothis Louisiana law, if you steal someone's crawfish, it's a big deal. Breaking this law can also result in a stay at the state prison not exceeding five years and other damages, according to the Montana State Legislature. The law says that a person may assist players by playing their cards while they take a bathroom break, according to Maine State Legislature. The weirdest laws on the planet: Its a crime to Prague history: There was another bridge before Charles Bridge, Ancient stone camels in Saudi Arabia older than Pyramids. on Weird laws in the worlds northernmost town: no funerals allowed, and no cats please! It is a thrilling natural phenomenon that can be experienced only when there is no midnight sun. Any products made in whole or in part from the hair say, a coat made of 101 dalmatians may result in a fine of $2,500 and a ban on owning a dog or cat for 15 years after conviction, according to the State of Delaware. Despite attempts to repeal the law in 2011, the margarine ban has stuck. Can You Believe These Weird Laws? According to the Wisconsin State Legislature, non-tasty cheese is technically punishable by law. But if you do find yourself swapping goods or services for your precious bundle, it's only a misdemeanor, which is usually punished less harshly than felonies, according to the Pennsylvania State Legislature. There may be individual rental contracts or house rules which include this regulation, but there is in fact no national German law about this. In Athens-Clarke County, adult bookstores may not sell alcohol. Final verdict: If youre trying to surprise your friend with a pizza, do it with caution. Longyearbyen was first inhabited by miners. Given how cold it is in the specific region, people are not allowed to have a regular burial. Section 365 of the Criminal Code provided that " [e]very one who fraudulently pretends to exercise or to use any kind of witchcraft, sorcery, enchantment or conjuration is guilty of an offense punishable on summary conviction." Major tourist attractions in Greenland are the fauna and flora of this country. In Vermont, a wife needs the husbands permission to wear false teeth. hamburg_berlin/Shutterstock Apparently, they cause an obstruction.[6]. In Colorado it is illegal to collect rainwater. In Utah you can marry your cousin, but only if you are both over the age of 65. The name Greenland might give one the idea that the landscapes of this country are covered in lush greenery. Imago, Weird Laws. 62. Llama Crossing Road Sign // Bolivia. Some even consider the animal a modern-day unicorn. Oral sex is often considered sodomy by many states, according to the Hebrew Bible. 30. Final verdict:It's true. And not just a salmon. Were not sure what prompted the law to be made in the first place, but its not the worst law written. This North Carolina law was actually written to get rid of the persistent Ku Klux Klan activity in the area. The list goes on. In 2007, the Chinese government banned Buddhists from reincarnating without prior written authorization in an important move to institutionalize management of reincarnation., However, the law would allow the Chinese a say in the next reincarnation of the most important Living Buddha when the current Dalai Lama dies. In the city of Baltimore, it is against the law for any person to operate, conduct or maintain a body studio. Unbelievable Belgian laws. Notice of Crimes. Leave Your Creativity For the Weekdays. Founded in 2010, Thought Catalog is owned and operated by The Thought & Expression Company, Inc. For over a decade, we've been at the bleeding edge of media, pioneering an infrastructure for creatives to flourish both artistically and financially. By Kate Bratskeir Jan 22, 2016, 01:51 PM EST | Updated Sep 5, 2017 If you allow your donkey to sleep in a bathtub, you're an ass. Being older than 1946, it is automatically protected as a cultural heritage site, photo credit. In Skamania County, they were worried enough to pass a law stating that the "slaying of Bigfoot to be a felony and punishable by five years in prison.". Lots of wacky laws have been written over the years, and they were all written for a reason. The purpose of most legislation is to promote acceptable behavior and to prevent or punish unacceptable behavior. 42. 11. It makes sense to require people to stay in control of their animals, but its not like there were lawless horses breaking the speed limit before they made this funky law. There is some debate over this one. Considering Kahlua alcoholic chocolates are around 4%, we can assume they won't be hitting the shelves any time soon. However, in 1966, Victoria, Australia, proved 20 th -century people could be just as miserable as their ancestors by passing anti-kite legislation. Which means the prostitutes themselves would not be breaking the law. Few peculiarities are associated with this urban area, such as the fact that almost for a third of the year round, there isnt any sun around, because of the geographical position of the islands. It was probably written in the 1800's and forgotten since. Its fine for them to take a bath in one, though. The law specifies that a beer and wine store should be in the exclusive business of selling adult beverages and that any water or soda sold needs to be room temperature, according to Find Law. No "Bat Signals" (or any other beacon) allowed in the sky. 2. If you're overheard dropping a four-letter word on the street, it's a misdemeanor worth a $100 fine. Final verdict: Why would someone trip a horse? 3) (rescinded obviously after the 1930's) In certain Southern states, sodomy punishable, but lynching blacks permissible, indeed photographed and applauded. Colorado ski resorts pay private companies to burn silver iodide on the slopes. The law has withstood legal challenges since 1845 and included exceptions for parties, according to the New York Times and Find Law. All of this seems to be very specificexcept, of course, that the legislation does not say what a suspicious manner looks like. 65. #6- Air and boat travel Image Source:Wikimedia The laws lightened up over the years, with margarine sales remaining a criminal offense until 1967. Whatever you say, Washington. However, not in Colorado without a permit. 1820 which declared rape and other forms of sexual violence a war crime, a crime against humanity, and a constitutive act with respect to genocide, arising from the conflict in the Balkans, in which violating women became a conspicuous weapon in the war. Final verdict: In 2012, Illinois decided it was OK for culinary students to sample alcoholic beverages as part of their education, as long as they spit it out instead of actually drinking it. It is situated on the Svalbard Islands on the north of the Scandinavian country, and the islands bleak scenery is contrasted only by the colorful homes and edifices of the local Longyearbyen people. In Oklahoma,"every person guilty of secretly loitering about any building, with intent to overhear discourse therein, and to repeat or publish the same to vex, annoy, or injure others, is guilty of a misdemeanor.". It is a step toward full independence from Danish rule. You can still dress up for the holiday, theater productions and emergency drills. This one confounds me. The time depends on the region. 1. The law only applies if they maimed the victim on purpose, according to the Rhode Island State Legislature. Final verdict: Idiotic college students are to blame for this one. The chemicals in them can be toxic, causing nausea and irritation to the eyes and skin. Yes, it's illegal for a drunk person to enter a bar in Alaska. Germany banned making any loud, excessive noises during quiet hours which are typically between 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Background. In Britain, it is illegal to carry a plank along the pavement. With a few exceptions, being drunk in public is illegal across the country. Requiring a permit ensures minimal harm to the land and maximum benefit to the people. Thankfully, because it's one of the weirdest laws around the world, we're guessing it never really has to be enforced. This wacky law came about almost a century ago when a ranch owners donkey had gotten in the habit of sleeping in the bathtub. Read more about ridiculous laws on Top 10 Ridiculous Laws That Are Still Enforced Across The World and 10 Absurd Laws From Around the World. But that begs the question, whats the point? This law still technically appears in Vermont State Legislature. In Britain, oddly enough it is illegal to be drunk in the pub. 49. Final verdict: Were not sure how this law originally came to pass, but we can tell you why. Sending someone a pizza can cost way more than the delivery fee but only if you do it wrong. Where this law exists: Indianapolis, Indiana. To ascertain the legal status of Eastern Greenland, the PCJ relied on the following premises: The continuous and peaceful exercise of sovereignty over Greenland resulted in the title towards Denmark. However, she must kill him with her bare hands. Anyone deemed to be overweight is given three months to shape up. The barmaid, who supposedly had been forced to work underground after her arrest, was also observed crushing a beer can with her buttocks and hanging spoons from her nipples. 61. The construction of the iconic Twin Towers. Cradle of aviation: US has the worlds first Soviet Architecture: concrete panel and brick Khrushchyovkas, Postcards from 19th-century illustrators depicting the future. Final verdict: Sounds great, doesnt it? 63. Final verdict: This weird law is tied to religious beliefs. In Billings, however, you cant buy or sell a rat unless its for the purpose of feeding a reptile or bird of prey. The law applies also to trout, eels, lampreys, smelt, freshwater fish, and any other fish "specified for the purpose." Anyone who hunts, catches, takes, kills, injures, or pursues a wild animal or bird with a ferret will face a fine of no less than $100 (but no more than $500) and up to 100 days in jail, according to West Virginia State Legislature. When you're driving in Bolivia and other countries in South . This law clearly makes sense, but the fact that it exists at all raises some questions about basic human decency and Ohio. To solve the funeral issue the local government of Svalbard reportedly requests any dead bodies to be taken to the mainland of Norway for burial, either by plane or by boat. See if it bounces. Apparently, this is a slight to the great French general and emperor. No Shirtless Driving in Thailand 25. Arkansas. Apparently, it will become legal in 2015 (how sweet). Exceptions are made for people in wheelchairs, participating in parades or having a medical emergency. It's Illegal to Drag a Dead Horse Along the Street. What a shocker. In North Carolina couples must have sex in the missionary position and with the curtains pulled. It suffered heavy damages after an avalanche in 2015,photo credit, Acaption showing downtown Longyearbyen, and the Adventfjorden sea and valley, as seen from the nearby Plateau Mountain, photo credit. In 2007, a barmaid was found to be in breach of the Liquor Control Act and fined A$1,000 as a result of entertaining her customers this way. Supposedly, its a threat to public safety. FALSE! No horse shall be driven or ridden on any street in the city at a speed in excess of 10 miles per hour, and every horse shall be kept under control at all times by the person in charge thereof. 5. Stupid Laws reports that this stone throwing prohibition is listed in Section 15-53 of the Cumberland penal code. However, according to the Sexual Offences Act, it was a crime for teens to engage in this behaviour. Steven Depolo/Flickr (Be honest: Have you ever caught a mouse without a hunting license?) near and around Sacramento; NO smoking outside or on the street! How many sleazy seaweed peddlers have you met? Why not outlaw idiotic drivers, while youre at it, New Mexico? While these laws are bizarre, they are still enforceable. No problem. Wait, I cant wear a bulletproof vest? It's a huge draw for tourists as there are loads of famous casinos there. The Different Types of Stupid Laws The Dumbest Laws of California The Silliest English Laws You Won't Believe these Funny Laws America's Short Mistake of Prohibition This country was named in this manner to attract settlers so that these raiders could benefit by warring with approaching settlers ships. To be updated with all the latest news, facts and knowledge. This includes a selection of both past and current laws. A national version of theDry Pea and Lentil Councilalso exists. 51. Where this law exists: South Berwick, Maine. Final verdict: And it's illegal to honk in front of any sandwich shop, not just a Subway chain restaurant. Sodomy is illegal, in general, in Idaho, Utah, Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. In Sweden it is illegal to be found buying the services of a prostitute, even though prostitution is legal. And not just a salmon. And, yes, two men were fined for having woefully floppy pickles. Even though it is a land covered mostly by sheets of ice, there are numerous interesting aspects to explore around this naturally attractive location. Quit getting divorced. Just like the weird laws regarding the sale and serving of alcohol, every state has its own peculiar laws about how you need to behave once you've drunk it. So we might think its a good thing that councillors give careful consideration to any mascots that they might put on a playground. These are the weirdest U.S. laws in cities and states across the country. We start our weird laws in Nevada list with a kiss. Ain't no poking fun at this one. No Shoes in Public. In Australia, men are free to cross-dress, just as long as their dresses are not strapless. In Victoria, Australia, it is illegal to change a light bulb unless youre a licensed electrician. 58. Final verdict:No, this isn't an attack on good, clean Halloween fun. The second one constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by fines or jail time. Definitely one of the weirdest Australian laws. On a great big beach. Apparently, two pickle farmers were caught selling pickles that werent fit for human consumption back in the 1940s. We're not sure why this law was ever necessary. There's a myth floating around on the Internet that there's a German law which forbids the hanging of laundry on Sundays. 2. Why would there be that much honking happening at 9 p.m.? Other strange driving laws in America include: You can't wash your neighbour's car without permission in Los Angeles. However, there is nothing to stop him from reincarnating anywhere else in the world. Just dont let them take a snooze in the process, or you might be slapped with a fine. Employers must ensure that their employees participate in the scheme or risk fines of up to $19 million. The practical effect is more jail and fines, according to Find Law and BulletSafe. In seven U.S. states, according to their constitutions, atheists are barred from holding public office. We're not sure why this law was passed, but it has stuck around and become a town tradition. In Massachusetts it is deemed illegal for a woman to be on top during sex. For example, one list of weird laws states that in California, if a frog in a frog-jumping contest dies, it is illegal to eat the frog. Mercury in retrograde? 64. Final verdict:If you swear every time you stub your toe or drop your keys, don't move to Rockville, Maryland. A nearby city, Kennesaw, passed a law in 1982 declaring all citizens had to own a gun. Pixabay 36. In Kansas, individual counties may by resolution or petition prohibit the sale of alcohol in public places where 30% or less of their gross revenue comes from the sale of food, according to Kansas State Legislatureand TIME. Breastfeeding in public is legal (as it should be). 18. According to Arkansas's Code of Ordinances: "No person shall sound the horn on a vehicle at any place where cold drinks or sandwiches are served after 9:00 p.m.". Declaring their intention to crack down hard on this sort of behavior, the authorities said, It sends a clear message to all licensees. 32. If you do, youre at risk of paying $350 fine. Beating a Carpet on the Street. They may have made sense when they were written, but today they seem a little questionable, weird or just plain dumb. However, while it's no longer officially illegal for anyone to use vulgar or obscene language in the presence of two or more people, people still can't display obscene stickers, paintings, decals, or emblems in public on motor vehicles or clothing. 34. Who stole enough seafood for this to be worth making a weird law about? 26. Even though they dont really specify what qualifies as dirty talk. In 29 states in the US it is legal to fire someone for being gay. It can be viewed clearly during the nights throughout the year when the skies are clear. Interracial marriage was still illegal in Alabama in 2000. That is an active law as of 1950. Otherwise, it is a crime of the third degree.. It is a two day event and the greens in common version of golf are known as whites. At Far & Wide, we try to be law-abiding citizens. Netflix. This law was enacted to prevent people from being forced to foot the bill for food they didnt order. It's illegal to drive while your dog is tethered to your car in Alaska. In Milan, the only events you are not required to smile is when you're in a hospital and in the funeral. Most of the animals that are sought here are some popular yet endangered species. Greenland is a unique land with exquisite and exotic flora and fauna. German travel websites had been advertising a special experience of nature, free and healthy., Not that free. Why North Carolina is so serious about their bingo games, we havent a clue. People used to set up bear-wrestling rings. Attempts to jump into the pool in shorts may lead to you being rescued by a lifeguard or hauled out by a large hook. Final verdict: This is one of the weirdest U.S. laws because its almost entirely pointless. Not So Crazy Eboli is a small town in Italy, and kissing in a moving vehicle is banned here. Do you believe in the quote mentioned above ? In Canada, it's now legal to engage in oral sex with your pet. The organization was created in 1997 to promote certain agricultural industries, according to the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Final verdict: No, someone didn't get a coin stuck in their ear. It's illegal to hang the laundry on Sunday. Dogs cannot travel in the back of open-top vehicles. Amongst our favourite of the weird and strange laws in Ireland is the Tippling Act of 1735. A second offense costs $2000 and being forced to clean a public area of the city for a day. Final verdict: Dunkin Donuts and coffee are as American as it gets, and so is this weird law. Many elements of Hawaiian culture were repressed, so understandably, native Hawaiians didnt want their coins stuck in peoples ears. In Britain you are not allowed to let your pet mate with any pet form the royal house. In Kentucky, a woman cannot remarry the same man more than three times. In 2008, a Saudi court refused an 8-year-old girl, who asked for a divorce from her 58-year-old husband. However, these weird or outlandish laws are actually on the books, whether they're enforced or not. Just run and hide. In Rhode Island, a union can be considered invalid under the grounds that the party is deemed to be, collectively, an idiot or a lunatic. In reality, it's illegal under Illinois law to possess any variety of aquatic life that was captured or killed in violation of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code or whose value exceeds $600, according to the Illinois General Assembly. This crazy law in Georgia was passed in jest, but it's still on the books. Musical instruments, clocks, kitchenwarethey are just a few of the items that can't be sold on this day. How inhumane! In Iowa, it is illegal for a man with a mustache to kiss a woman in public. Marriage. Offenders can be sentenced to 25-year long prison time. The assembling of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. All countries have their set of weird customs and laws and Iceland is no exception. So, what happens if you have the wrong sort of swimwear? You'd better take it as a fun read instead of a history lesson! By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider The worlds northernmost capital is Nuuk, and it belongs to Greenland, Whittier, Alaska a town where almost all its citizens live under one roof. A major part of Greenland is covered by fjords, which prevent the construction of roads for travelling to another city or town. Tourists and jockeys compete to see how far their frogs can leap. This just makes a lot of sense and has probably saved many lives. It has become a tradition to use water pistols during New Years celebrations. 10. But don't worry unless you're in the habit of taking naps in cheese factories or wrestling bears, you're probably not breaking any of these weird laws in the U.S. Thus, the forms of transport available for travelling long distances are boats and air. In Arkansas there still exists a law that was instated in the 1800s that states a husband is allowed to beat his wife, but only once a month. In France, it is illegal to name a pig Napoleon. Consider this law a sign. So, if you don't want to pay a fine of up to $200 then please keep a safe distance from electrical wires and don't die because of them. According to the Oregon State Legislature, you can't throw it from the vehicle either. Swearing can lead to a fine, as can lying on park benches or climbing trees. The worlds northernmost capital is Nuuk, and it belongs to Greenland, while the worlds northernmost town that has more than a thousand permanent residents is Longyearbyen and it belongs to Norway. 7. But not names. Most Recent Stupid Laws It is illegal to ask about a job It is illegal to die in town It's illegal to idle your car in your own driveway 1,000 Hours of training is required to braid hair. In Turin, Italy, dog owners must take their dogs on a walk at least three times a day. In the Philippines you can be charged with the crime of unjust vexation for doing just that, vexing someone. Only in America would a donut chain require a new law like this to be written. He went with the name Greenland to make it sound all fuzzy to people back in Europe because in order to start a successful settlement, he needed a lot of settlers willing to migrate there. In Britain it is an act of treason to place a postage stamp bearing the monarchs head upside down on an envelope. In Russia, Vladimir Putin just recently made it illegal to tell kids that gay people exist. While it's nearly impossible to enforce this law, and no blood test or medical history is required to get a marriage license, this health code could have prevented marital bliss for more than 9,700 Nebraskans who reported cases of chlamydia or gonorrhea to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services in 2015. One of the most popular and widely believed bizarre "laws" in the country, is that it is illegal to smoke any form of tobacco on Grafton Street. He has been a guest speaker on numerous national radio and television stations and is a five time published author. 40 Weird Laws in the U.S By Brittany Alexandra Sulc, updated on July 15, 2021 Candice Lane / Facebook At Far & Wide, we try to be law-abiding citizens. Let's begin with one of the most frequently cited state laws, which reportedly requires that "all apple pie in Wisconsin must be served with a slice of cheese on it.". In Singapore, selling non-medical chewing gum or chewing normal gum is a fine of $1000. A previous version of this article was co-authored by Christina Sterbenz. In the past few years Iceland and Norway have also adopted this law. Lighter Side 60 Weird Laws Around the World By Lissa Poirot and Brittany Alexandra Sulc, updated on February 7, 2023 Getty Images Every country is different, and every country's laws are different.