Or parties on campus? There is some debate over this one. 51. 13. In 29 states in the US it is legal to fire someone for being gay. We're not sure why this law was passed, but it has stuck around and become a town tradition. 63. We wish this one had a more interesting backstory, but the full law actually makes sense: No person shall drive a vehicle when it is loaded or when there are in the front seat such a number of persons as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the drivers control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.. 23. The fact that it needed to be made a law means that someone tried it, doesnt it? A second offense costs $2000 and being forced to clean a public area of the city for a day. In Argentina, there is a law that states that Argentine nightclubs must play the same amount of tango music as all other forms of music combined. In essence, it bans the launching of any dangerous object, from stones to missiles to just about anything in between, within the bounds of Cumberland parks and playgrounds. 33. All countries have their set of weird customs and laws and Iceland is no exception. Someone, at some point, did something so nutty that people felt compelled to make it illegal. Follow me on Twitter. The punishment for suicide - the ultimate contradiction. That said, some people swear by psychics and will pay top dollar for a reading from an experienced fortune-teller. It's illegal to hold salmon under suspicious circumstances In Britain it is an act of treason to place a postage stamp bearing the monarchs head upside down on an envelope. Or, perhaps, just over the border. Final verdict: We couldnt figure out when this law was first enacted, but it reportedly hasnt been updated in over 30 years. Still, it can be hard to understand the laws and customs of other countries, and travelers are often advised to take care not to inadvertently break the law. For instance, in the city of Rockville (the county seat of Montgomery County), it is illegal to swear while on the highway. In Victoria, B.C., it's illegal for a bagpiper to play at the same time as another street performer. Its not like it was the couches fault. Any form of the "occult arts" is illegal to practice in Yamhill, including "fortune-telling, astrology, phrenology, palmistry, clairvoyance, mesmerism, spiritualism or any other practice or practices generally recognized to be unsound and unscientific whereby an attempt or pretense is made.". Some even consider the animal a modern-day unicorn. Below are 51 absurdly ridiculous laws to keep in mind next time you travel to Europe. The term Greenland means the land of people and the name is contradictory due to fact that 85% of the land of this country is covered in ice. According to the law in Nevada, any man with a moustache who kisses a woman will get in trouble. The metabo law requires all citizens over age 40 to have their waist measurements taken once a year. Anyone "pretending to forecast or foretell the future of another by cards, palm reading or any other scheme, practice or device" can be found guilty of a misdemeanor and fined up to $500, or even serve time in jail, according to Maryland State Legislature. It got to the point that it became a massive traffic jam and an ongoing driving hazard, so the town forbade parking there at all. Weather modification is not only possible, but it's actually a lucrative business. If you broke up three times, why would a fourth try be any different? In Montana, proxy weddings are allowed for those serving in the military, which means a friend can pretend to be the groom or the bride and the union will still be considered valid. 2) In California, i.e. After one too many drunken parties ended in stealing and subsequently burning couches left on porches, the city of Boulder, Colorado took action. The urban legend became so popular that people were delving into the wilderness in search of the mythical creature. There is a law in South Carolina called the no mock proposal law, which states that anybody above the age of 16-years-old is not allowed to perform a proposal if they do not mean it. 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. Under it, no landlord could demand money owed by their tenants for a drink! 1) No liquor served on Sundays before 12 noon! It's illegal to carry away or collect seaweed at night in New Hampshire. Apparently, two pickle farmers were caught selling pickles that werent fit for human consumption back in the 1940s. 14. However, in 1966, Victoria, Australia, proved 20 th -century people could be just as miserable as their ancestors by passing anti-kite legislation. It states: Use or wearing a body vest while engaged in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, or flight after committing or attempting to commit a crime of the first degree is a crime of the second degree. Did you know it's considered one of the world's first democracies? People used to set up bear-wrestling rings. In Samoa it is illegal to forget your wife's birthday. This allowance does not apply in high-stakes Beano, which, apparently, is also a thing. Anyone outside those positions is guilty of a third-degree felony, according to the Utah State Legislature. But North Dakota obviously decided it needed a more state-focused group for celebrating chickpeas, lentils, and lupins. 30. 51. Don't Cut the Cactus Jumping Cactus in Arizona Source At least in Arizona, because it is illegal to do so. The only problem was that no one had defined exactly what qualities a pickle must have to pass inspection. Laws against fun are most common in centuries-old legislation. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest stories in hedge funds, PE, fintech, and banking delivered daily to your inbox. Final verdict: At first read, this weird law seems like it should come with a hilarious reason. State law maintains that "no person shall move uphill on any passenger tramway or use any ski slope or trail while such person's ability to do so is impaired by the consumption of alcohol or by the use of any illicit controlled substance or other drug.". Why couldnt they have just forbidden bonfires? This is particularly important to the Chinese authorities because His Holiness (Tenzin Gyatso) has been such a thorn in their side. Not So Crazy Eboli is a small town in Italy, and kissing in a moving vehicle is banned here. Worst part about this law is there is no way of punishing the criminals who commit it. The Worldwide Championship of Ice Golf is held in the month of March in a popular city of Greenland namely, Uummannaq. 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. In Switzerland, it is illegal to flush a toilet after 10pm. It's illegal to hang the laundry on Sunday. Even though the country doesnt have a large obesity problem, Japan decided to take a proactive approach to the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight. Final verdict:If you swear every time you stub your toe or drop your keys, don't move to Rockville, Maryland. Sites likedumblaws.com which rarely link to states' current statutes or may misinterpret them only perpetuate the myths. A single sandcastle. 53. One lighter margarine law, however, stuck around: Restaurants were forbidden to substitute margarine for butter unless a customer requested it for fear of triggering allergic reactions. In 2012, a Portage police sergeant was fired for on-the-job misconductafterallegedly cheating on his wife and furthering a relationship with a local waitress using a city-issued cellphone. That's why you need to know about some of the weirdest laws that you might break completely by accident. Seems safe. The ruling has been challenged by nature lovers, but the Swiss high court agreed that the government had the right to uphold public decency.. The ancient culture along with the stunning and varied wildlife is the factor that promotes tourism for this place. 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 Mobile, Alabama, it is against the law to throw confetti or spray silly string. You may not spot moose from a plane and hunt them on the same day. In Hong Kong, theres a law that allows a wife to kill her husband if she finds him cheating. However, she must kill him with her bare hands. The law is no longer enforced, of course, but back in the day, people who were deemed too unsightly for the public eye were slapped with a $25 fine over $400 in today's currency. However, according to the North Carolina State Legislature, non-profit groups can go wild. So, hopefully, your old car works well enough to make it home from mass because you wont be able to buy a new one until Monday morning. The logic behind it must be similar to the logic behind cyclists having to obey normal traffic laws, only a little less sound. Where this law exists: Indianapolis, Indiana. In the UK, a law still exists from the Middle Ages that requires all males over the age of 14 to be trained in shooting a long bow. Before you worry about the people, remember that they signed up for the match while the bears did not. 42. "Dumb Laws" Across the United States It Is Prohibited To Harass Big Foot (Washington) In the US state of Washington, it is a crime punishable by either a fine or a jail term to harass big foot, Sasquatch, or any other undiscovered species. No one under 16 was allowed to smooch or show public displays of affectionthe horror (for the teens, that is). Below are a few samples of strange laws from South America: "In Bolivia, it is illegal for women to have more than one glass of wine in a bar or restaurant." "It is illegal to have sex with an idiot in . Whatever you say, Washington. Where this law exists: South Berwick, Maine. 6. 46. The city of Petrolia in Ontario has a law that limits excessive noise. Such person shall be subject to all applicable traffic regulations that apply to motor vehicles.. The logic behind this weird law was that sleeping around heavy machinery was a bad idea. Top 10 Crazy Laws in Nevada and Las Vegas. All of this seems to be very specificexcept, of course, that the legislation does not say what a suspicious manner looks like. In Colorado it is illegal to collect rainwater. 48. 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.". Anyone deemed to be overweight is given three months to shape up. Writer at Thought Catalog. Law or not, that's a pretty good rule of thumb to follow. The term idiot was once used to describe individuals with intellectual disabilities, making the law both archaic and demeaning. 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." Bear hugs for all - the one that we wish there was video footage of. It takes place each 8th of March. Specifically, they dont want kids to be teased because of their names. 16. The only two states where divorce is illegal are the Philippines and The Vatican. 5. Swiss locals going about their daily lives objected to encountering walkers wearing nothing but a pair of walking boots and a smile. Final verdict: This weird law sounds like something made up by a fed-up best friend. That is enforcement that protects the lives of people unless someone wants to be the meal of a hungry polar bear. That's 75-plus salamanders, according to fair market value. Ancient stone camels in Saudi Arabia older than Archeologists discover enigmatic ancient site near Prague. A major part of Greenland is covered by fjords, which prevent the construction of roads for travelling to another city or town. Body studios are illegal. Strange But (Unfortunately) Untrue: Apple Pie Must Be Served With a Slice of Cheese. The freezing temperatures also require that all houses are built on stilts, so when the islands layer of topsoil melts in, the structures dont sink or slide away causing any accidents. Stupid Laws reports that this stone throwing prohibition is listed in Section 15-53 of the Cumberland penal code. 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. FALSE! These games require a license from the Kansspelcommissie or no-one wins any financial gain. Greenland is a unique land with exquisite and exotic flora and fauna. 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Thanks to a weirdly-worded law in the city Criminal Code, it is unlawful to "throw any stones, snowballs, or any other missiles" at any person or property in Topeka, an ordinance that former mayor. This ban includes any DIY projects or household cleaning that produces loud noises. 52. Now, that's something Europeans can probably get behind. However, what makes this law even stranger is that it is illegal to do this only on Sundays. 2. Make sure you don't ride a taxi in this one weird way or you will spend some time in the clink. Unfortunately, this old law has some pretty outdated and unfair roots. To make it onto the approved list, a name must not leave the child open to ridicule or abuse. Legal drinking age, stolen fish: 5 weird Ohio laws you probably didn't know existed. Smile Or Spend Time In Jail. "Such a conspiracy constitutes a clear and present danger to the government of the United States and of this state," the statute continues. The practical effect is more jail and fines, according to Find Law and BulletSafe. 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. You cant even have a beer in the same room as a bingo game, even if youre not playing. Ain't no poking fun at this one. Admittedly, most of these weird laws are either unlikely to be enforced or unlikely to come up in the first place. Iceland's volcanic fires are represented by the colour red, white for the snow and ice and blue for the ocean. Seems unfair to the little critters, but they do have an annoying habit of going through the trash. Some items can't be sold on Sundays. 44. Thankfully, because it's one of the weirdest laws around the world, we're guessing it never really has to be enforced. They dont like that in Australia. Except strangely, you dont see people as equally outraged about this as they are about gay sex. 64. 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. If you have been swimming, you must not wear your swimming costume after leaving the beach. In Athens-Clarke County, adult bookstores may not sell alcohol. Final verdict: The point of this weird law was to help bolster state art agencies. How ancient Romans went to conquer Britain? However, not in Colorado without a permit. The law only applies if they maimed the victim on purpose, according to the Rhode Island State Legislature. In Utah you can marry your cousin, but only if you are both over the age of 65. 1. The list is quite long-:) OP JonnyM 11 | 2,620 So, as long as youre gifting the pizza to someone and its paid in full, it should be fine. Acworth retaliated saying all of their citizens needed a rake. The law came into effect in 2008, and many teenagers were outraged and protested. as well as other partner offers and accept our, Photo by Alexander Pohl/NurPhoto via Getty Images, Calaveras County Fair and Frog Jumping Jubilee, might technically be legal on a federal level, can't display obscene stickers, paintings, decals, or emblems, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Kahlua alcoholic chocolates are around 4%, 9 of the most outrageous liquor laws in the US, The most bizarre driving laws around the world, 9 weird things that can get you into trouble in Putin's Russia. Final verdict: Sounds great, doesnt it? Unfortunately, when a local dam broke, the house flooded, and the bathtub floated away, donkey and all. Greenland, the world's largest island, is about 80% ice-capped. Men With Moustaches Can't Kissing Women. 40. It's still technically punishable as a misdemeanor, according to Virginia State Legislature. He could choose to reincarnate far away from Tibet. Views: 4043 Maybe people were tired of being interrupted by noise while trying to enjoy a sub after a long day? However, these weird or outlandish laws are actually on the books, whether they're enforced or not. Just run and hide. Jamie founded Listverse due to an insatiable desire to share fascinating, obscure, and bizarre facts. Longyearbyen was first inhabited by miners. . Initially, it was enacted to stop servants stealing from their masters to help pay off drinking debts. 49. Final verdict: This weird law is tied to religious beliefs. Consider this law a sign. The Middle Ages spanned from roughly AD 500 to AD 1500. However, the law is allowed under "life-threatening conditions as the only apparent means of survival," according to the Idaho State Legislature. Final verdict: Amended most recently in 1999, this weird U.S. law forbids criminals from protecting themselves from bullets with a body vest while committing crimes. Or else! Just make sure you dont throw your talcum powder around when you are getting dry later. 11. 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. People called out the law as hypocritical and unfair since there was no such ruling against similar pets like hamsters and guinea pigs. The law is still upheld today. In Thailand it is illegal to step on money. ), On the whole, it seems that the German government would like parents to use properly spelled, good old-fashioned names. FLAG OF GREENLAND In Russia, Vladimir Putin just recently made it illegal to tell kids that gay people exist. Considering Kahlua alcoholic chocolates are around 4%, we can assume they won't be hitting the shelves any time soon. The law applies also to trout, eels, lampreys, smelt, freshwater fish, and any other fish specified for the purpose.. Germany banned making any loud, excessive noises during quiet hours which are typically between 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. 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: And it's illegal to honk in front of any sandwich shop, not just a Subway chain restaurant. The law applies also to trout, eels, lampreys, smelt, freshwater fish, and any other fish "specified for the purpose." Arkansas. By law, any whale or great Sturgeon caught in the UK is the property of the Queen. In 2008, a Saudi court refused an 8-year-old girl, who asked for a divorce from her 58-year-old husband. 3. Cradle of aviation: US has the worlds first Soviet Architecture: concrete panel and brick Khrushchyovkas, Postcards from 19th-century illustrators depicting the future. 38. Bangladeshi children of 15 and older can be sent to jail for cheating on their final exams. Final verdict: Do you know how to tell if a pickle is legit? A Florida state legislator tried torepeal the lawin 2011 but was unsuccessful. It is a step toward full independence from Danish rule. Despite attempts to repeal the law in 2011, the margarine ban has stuck. 25. Another weird state law makes it illegal for a person to eat a live eel in a public place unless the person loudly announces "Warning! In Saudi Arabia, there is no minimum age for marriage. Only male dogs and cats can be neutered. Driving a dirty car in Chelyabinsk, Russia can get you fined up to 2,000 rubles (about 62 USD). 5. April 20, 2022 We round up some of the weirdest laws around the world, from not allowing your chicken to cross the road or preventing your donkey from sleeping in the bath to never refusing a stranger the use of your bathroom and more. 27. Protect your cows - another one of the strange laws in Ireland. SIX INCHES OF CLOTHING. Unfortunately, people are terrible. 56. 8. In seven U.S. states, according to their constitutions, atheists are barred from holding public office. 50. 7. We decided to undertake some legal legwork and identify the strangest statute still on the books in each state. Final verdict: Heres yet another weird law that we wish was a joke. Luckily, after youre finally over your ex, its perfectly legal to marry someone else. If you don't know how this series works it's where I give 15 unique facts and a couple of weird laws about certain country of my choosing in this case Greenland. This is one of the most well preserved churches and is definitely one of the 10 interesting facts about Greenland. Where this law exists: Rockville, Maryland. However, you can swap out the trough for a wastebasket if the swine are raised for your own consumption, according to Arizona State Legislature. Greenland is one of the best locations in the world to view the dancing Northern lights. 36. 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. In Turin, Italy, dog owners must take their dogs on a walk at least three times a day. The chemicals in them can be toxic, causing nausea and irritation to the eyes and skin. Hello everybody this is Ethan welcome back to another episode of Unique Facts And Weird Laws. 9. 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.". For his part, the Dalai Lama has said that he refuses to reincarnate in Tibet as long as Tibet remains under Chinese control. 59. Arizona. (Indio or Dusti just wouldnt cut it. Similarly, bars can be fined for allowing bingo. Pipe alone, or not at all! Standing up and sleeping is fine. It is popular due to the fact that it has the fastest moving glacier in the entire Northern hemisphere. 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. that we will not tolerate this type of behavior in our licensed premises.[10]. It stated that no landlord could demand back money owed for booze. If you allow it while you're in Arizona, you're a criminal. In other words, the law implies that no atheists are allowed to run. In Singapore, selling non-medical chewing gum or chewing normal gum is a fine of $1000. 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. What a shocker. Skamania County, Washington, was the first county to draft the law in 1964 which states that "any . But that begs the question, whats the point? The original law prohibited "idiots" as well as "insane persons convicted of a felonious or infamous crime" from voting, but a 2010 amendment reversed the ban. A device called ashoe-fitting fluoroscope, also known as a pedoscope or foot-o-scope, could expose the patient to radiation. This particular Florida law states that "no person or persons over 16 years of age shall, while wearing any mask, hood, or device whereby any portion of the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer, enter upon, or be or appear upon any lane, walk, alley, street, road, highway, or other public way in this state.". It was enacted in the 1970s to essentially label horses as vehicles. Below are a few samples of strange laws from Denmark: "It is legal to attempt to escape from prison." "It is against the law to eat raw bacon, when there is a full moon." "It is illegal for women to wear wigs." Show more 4 pages, Kindle Edition First published May 28, 2011 Book details & editions About the author Jeffrey Fisher 899 books7 followers Mount Washington features rare alpine plants such as Greenland sandwort, Labrador tea, alpine bearberry, dwarf cinquefoil, dwarf birch, willow, and balsam fir. If you're overheard dropping a four-letter word on the street, it's a misdemeanor worth a $100 fine. In Tuszyn, Poland, however, the town council seemed to take their responsibility a little too seriously. You're probably not going to get fined if you break it, but you may get a stern reminder. The name Adolf, for example, has not been banned, though its rarely used.[4]. Married New Yorkers cannot get divorced on grounds of irreconcilable differences unless both marriage partners agree on those grounds. This weird Nevada law is founded on logic - although that might not seem apparent at first. 3. We start our weird laws in Nevada list with a kiss. In July 2013 a law was passed in China that states it is illegal for adult children to not visit their parents often in China. (now that's confusing) 16. You can still dress up for the holiday, theater productions and emergency drills. 28. Except for the absence of sun, and the harsh temperatures, the locals, face also some weird legal enforcement. Gambling at a home poker game is illegal in Belgium. No Shoes in Public. 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. Thus, the forms of transport available for travelling long distances are boats and air. See if it bounces. The law has since been amended to establish Bigfoot as an endangered species. However, if the child is more than 6 months old, the mother faces a fine (via Stupid Laws ). Also, when you return to your hotel, you must not dry your towels by hanging them out the window. Here are 13 weird laws in Ohio that we are willing to bet you didn't know about.