Weird Laws from Around the World

Have you ever felt like the regulations can squeeze the life out of you? Say if you had a dress code at work or were mistakenly handed a parking ticket one day? You would probably fret a little less if you knew that spitting a chewed gum on a sidewalk in Thailand can cost you $600. Many such rules are being followed in different parts of the world. Many of these weird laws are unbelievably bizarre. Someone once said that the world is wild at heart and weird on top. 

Let's take a look at some of these weird laws from around the world to know about how unusual they are:

1. Don't Cut the Cactus

At least in Arizona, because it is illegal to do so. Offenders can be sentenced to 25-year long prison time. Ain't no poking fun at this one.

2. No Shirtless Driving in Thailand

Driving a car shirtless is considered offensive in Thailand. Motorists need to ensure they are wearing a shirt no matter how hot the weather or their abs are.

3. Let the Homing Pigeons Be

Homing pigeons are protected by law in Australia. This bird can travel long distances and can find its place miles away. It was once used for sending messages and racing. The bird has earned a prominent position in the country, so according to these weird laws, it is considered illegal to capture, injure or kill homing pigeons. Those found guilty are made to pay a whopping $250 penalty. 

4. Flush Before 10:00 Pm

The curfew on flushing toilets after 10:00 PM is quite a strict regulation of Switzerland. Everybody, better finish their business before the clock strikes ten. 

5. The Ban on Skirts in Italy

Well, not for everyone, but in Italy, men wearing skirts in public is a serious issue and could lead to an arrest. Guess they have never heard of a Gentleman's Kilt, Izaar, Kaunakes, Lungi or Mundu.

6. The Cops Can Bite

There is a weird law that allows the police department of Ohio to bite a dog if they think it would help the canine calm down.

7. Offensive Gestures and Swearing

Kenya and UAE have stringent rules when it comes to offensive gestures and swearing. It is considered illegal to use swear words and make insulting/ rude gestures in public. Hold your tongue when angry or be ready for some prison time or deportation.

8. 50 Kgs of Spud

That is the maximum permitted quantity of potatoes one can possess in West Australia at a time. Anything over 50 kilograms is considered illegal, and this weird law states that the regulators can take strict action against it.

9. No Mooning in the Hellenic Republic

Well, not the real mooning the moon does, but what some troublemakers do. The Hellenic Republic, which is the official name of Greece, considers mooning an act of disrespect and provocation. The country has zero tolerance against mooning and offenders can be arrested or made to do time.

10. Legal Dress Code

There is a strict dress code for women in Sudan whereby they are legally bound to wear dresses and always keep their hair covered.

11. Belly Dancing Only for Ladies

Because it is illegal for men to belly dance in Egypt.

12. Unlawfully Driving Through Washington City? Call to Inform

This weird law states that motorists with criminal intentions that are driving through the city limits of Washington must call the Police Chief before entering the city.

13. Prostitution and Tax

Holland has legalised prostitution, and the earnings are taxable.

14. Kissing in French Trains

Kissing is prohibited on trains in France but allowed on railway stations only if it is done before the train arrives. Mostly, the locals would request lovers to use the designated area near the parking space. Taking a bus? Go for it!

15. Two Children or Pay a Fine

It isn't just in China, Kerala an Indian state has enforced a law to control the population growth. A two-child policy which grants couples the freedom to have a third child but with a fine of INR 10,000! Let's talk business here. 

16. The Fart Law

Of course, the law isn't for cows, but the dairy farmers in California are going to have a tough time in the coming years. This weird law states that dairy farms are required to cut down methane emissions to 40% by the year 2030.  

17. Money Matters

Destroying currency is considered an offence in Turkey. It means insulting the national flag and could lead to jail time ranging between six months to as long as three years. Thailand also considers stepping on any currency as an act of disrespect.

18. Naming a Pet Pig

Is easy, but not as much in France where pet owners need to ensure that they do not name their pigs after the state heads? Oink maybe?

19. Only Lodging for Jailbirds

Criminals sentenced to prison in Sudan are only provided lodging.

20. Do Not Disturb in Australia

Weddings and funeral services must never be disturbed in Australia. Doing so wouldn't just mean the person will be banned from all the social events but could also invite a $10,000 fine or even two-year-long prison time.

21. Extra-terrestrial Information

When it comes to discovering life in space, Japan has a simple rule - the one who makes the discovery has to report their findings to the United Nations Secretary-General and also the International Scientific Community immediately.

22. Combat Rule Exception in India

Indian soldiers are not allowed to combat with knives except for the troops from Nagaland.

23. French Swimsuit Rule

This weird law states that male swimmers are mandatorily supposed to wear fitted trunks. Loose trunks are not allowed, not even board shorts. Butt floss swimsuits are also prohibited in some regions of France.

24. Whipping the Innocent

If there is a case of rape in Sudan, the victim can be whipped publicly instead of taking strict action against the culprit.

25. The Underwear Rule

It is legally required that everyone must wear underwear when leaving their house in Thailand.

26. Not Quite a Happy Shot in Wyoming

Because this weird law states that photographing rabbits in the state between January and April requires a permit.

27. A Dilemma for Vape Geeks in Thailand

The country has a ban on vaporisers like e-cigarettes and their refills. If found carrying these items, they are sure to be confiscated, but some might also be jailed. If convicted, the punishment could lead to 10-year-long imprisonment.

28. Rewarding the Culprits

In Australia, rewarding perpetrators is illegal and can attract a fine of over $500 if one happens to reward someone who returns their valuable property after stealing it.

29. Codeine Ban in Japan

Medicines that contain codeine are banned in Japan. If one is found possessing such medicines, they could get deported or face detention.

30. Selfie and Tattoo Rule in Sri Lanka

Taking Selfies in front of idols of Lord Buddha or wearing Buddha tattoos in Sri Lanka is illegal. Doing so is considered mistreatment of Buddhist images and is quite a serious offence in the island country. Several tourists have been denied entry for having tattoos. Covering them at all times during their visit is the best one can do, but if it is not possible, they may want to reconsider their visit.

31. Madagascar Hat Rule

A really weird law, pregnant women in Madagascar are prohibited from wearing hats.

32. Bingo Timeline

A game of Bingo cannot last more than five hours in the USA.

33. Sing Only in the Key

North Carolina has a strange law that makes singing in an off-key an illegal act.

34. Shave It for Later

Men from Nevada who have grown a moustache are legally prohibited from kissing women.

35. Permit to Stay Updated

Watching news channels requires a permit in many regions of Africa.

36. The Chicken Did Not Cross the Road

Since when did chickens adhere to weird laws? Because chickens are not allowed to cross the road in Quitman Georgia.

37. Mandated Polygamy

Although polygamy is not uncommon in many regions, some parts of Africa have mandated men to have two wives.

38. Vote or Pay a Price in Egypt

Voting in Egypt is a must. Those who do not participate and vote are bound to be punished with a hefty fine and even a prison sentence.

39. The Lethal Ashtray

Possessing ashtrays while driving is considered illegal in France. They are infamously known as lethal weapons in the country.

40. Run-out-of-gas Ban

Driving on the Autobahn, an access highway in Germany, requires the drivers to follow all the traffic rules including one that, if not followed, could lead to a hefty fine. And that rule is to never run out of gas when driving on the highway.

So here they are - some of the most weird laws in the world. No matter how odd they sound, they have a part to play in their countries. It is what makes the regions stand out. We don't have to accept everything, but it is good to know what is happening in the rest of the world. It might just make you feel great about belonging to one of these countries or grateful for not being in one. Yes, the world is weird, but some of it is incredible in its way.