Every nation has unique laws that signify their diversity. Sometimes these regulations are downright absurd, and other times they highlight significant cultural values that may not be the same as yours.
Here is a compilation of strange laws from around the world that may be interesting. However, you do not want to end yourself in jail when traveling.
It's Illegal to Chew Gum in Singapore
When fools flout the law, sometimes we all pay the price. For example, Singapore prohibited all gum substances in 1992 after vandals used chewing gum to damage the Mass Rapid Transit system. As a result, the Housing and Development Board had to spend $150,000 annually cleaning gum liters. Besides nicotine and dental gums having medicinal value, anyone importing, selling, or producing gum in Singapore faces fines and jail time.
Avoid being caught blowing bubbles in public.
Canadian Radio Stations Must Play Canadian Artists
There are many patriotic Canadians. So much so that it is mandated by law that at least 35% of the time, on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., all Canadian radio stations must play music by Canadian artists. This means that during the workday, you'll hear more than 20 minutes of music of proud Canadian musicians like Nickelback, Alanis Morissette, Celine Dion, Michael Bublé, and Justin Bieber in a single hour of radio.
It's Illegal to Run Out of Gas on the German Autobahn
Car enthusiasts and speed demons travel along the German Autobahn since it is renowned for having dynamic speed restrictions that allow cars to go beyond 100 mph. However, you risk receiving a hefty fine if you run out of gas. Additionally, don't even consider going to the petrol station on foot because you'll get fined again!
Why? Germans think it is your responsibility to keep your automobile correctly fueled. Hence it is your fault if you run out of gas. Walking along the highway and having your car stall on the side of the road are dangerous. Keep an eye on the gas gauge and fill it up when it starts to go low.
It's Illegal to Hike Naked in Switzerland
Swiss officials reminded people that there is still public indecency legislation in place and that you can be penalized if caught in the woods in the buff a decade ago after Swiss and German tourists decided to make naked hiking a thing in Switzerland. Fairly recently, a Swiss guy was fined over $100 in 2011 for walking barefoot.
It's Illegal to Feed Pigeons in Venice, Italy
In 2008, Venice politicians made it illegal to feed the bothersome birds after hundreds of pigeons descended upon Saint Mark's Square and Venice, attracted by the tourists who were willing to give them food in exchange for Instagram-worthy images.
Now that the tables have turned, it is estimated that cleaning up after the birds cost each inhabitant €275 per year. Furthermore, you risk fines of up to €700 if you're found feeding the pigeons. So instead, it is preferable to capture the stunning bridges of Venice in the perfect photo.
It's Illegal to Wear High Heels to the Acropolis
Make sure you bring the appropriate shoes when you pack for a trip to Greece. No stilettos were allowed inside the Parthenon as high heels were outlawed in the nation in 2009 in the Acropolis. The Greeks instituted this prohibition to safeguard their ruins from harm from the pointy shoes. It’s unclear why someone would want to travel through the ruins and dirt in heels; it must be difficult to walk and will destroy the shoes. When visiting the ruins, be respectful and wear soft-soled shoes because they are almost 2,500 years old.
Men Must Wear Speedos on French Beaches
Did you imagine that the French were simply fans of Speedos? French legislation prohibits males from donning baggy swimwear in public areas like swimming pools, beaches, and other settings where swimwear is required.
If he wore a Speedo in the water, it would undoubtedly be cleaner than anything he may have been wearing all day. The rule wasn't intended to protect men from harm but to ensure they wouldn't dare wander around town in a Speedo.
T-shirts fall under this apparel category that should be avoided as well; you should get rid of them just as quickly as your board shorts.
No Selfies With Buddha in Sri Lanka
You turn your back on Buddha when you snap a picture with him. Oh, please. In Sri Lanka, this display of disdain is punishable by imprisonment. Additionally, it is considered impolite to point your finger at Buddha, and photographing the sculptures is occasionally prohibited.
Although it is not against the law to have tattoos of Buddha, a British lady was sentenced to three days in prison in 2014 for unsuitable tattoos of the man whom 70% of Sri Lankans believe to be a prophet and an avatar of the god Vishnu.
Don't turn your back on him, observe "no photography" signs, and be courteous by covering tattoos.
It's Illegal to Wear a Mask in Public in Denmark
The Danish government intends to outlaw masks and any form of facial concealment in public areas. Masks, helmets, scarves, caps, artificial beards, and burkas fall under this category.
The contentious prohibition became effective in August 2018. According to officials, the ban makes it easier to properly identify people at packed gatherings in case anything untoward occurs and someone needs to be named.
Registering as Married at a Hotel Makes It So in North Carolina
Consider a scenario in which a man and a woman enter a motel in North Carolina, want to share a room, and declare they are wed. That man and that woman would be considered lawfully wedded under the state's common law marriage laws.
They are considered to have a common law marriage, recognized and legal in North Carolina because the couple "outwardly presents themselves as husband and wife to the public."
If you're not a married couple and need a hotel room for the night, you might want to admit it.
It's Illegal to Be Shirtless in Barcelona
Barcelona's lawmakers passed a rule banning males from going shirtless or wearing swimwear in public places other than the beach or a pool to keep the streets of the Spanish resort on the Mediterranean free of beachgoers in bikinis.
According to a 2011 law, you might be fined up to €260 for wandering around in your underwear.
No service, no shirt, and no shoes!
It's Illegal to Swear in the U.A.E.
Swearing could result in a fine, jail sentence, or expulsion in the Muslim United Arab Emirates. The U.A.E. Penal Code states in Article 373 that "swearing disgraces the honor or the modesty of a person."
This applies to more than just speaking incorrect words out loud. It extends to your text messages, social media accounts, and lewd physical gestures. Even inappropriate emojis are not permitted.
The British Express stated that a guy emailed a car salesman an angry message earlier this year because the salesperson appeared to have mistreated him. For his choice of words, he was threatened with three weeks in jail.
Before you visit, practice thinking before speaking!
It's Illegal to Wear Lacy Undies in Russia
Russia doesn't want you to wear anything lacy underneath your clothing, so please excuse the inconvenience, ladies (and gents). Underwear in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan must contain at least 6% cotton, according to a rule passed in 2014. Why? It is supposedly for your health and safety.
The law is now in place, and you can no longer purchase lace clothing despite the protests of women around the world. So another question is how they'll find out what you have below.
It's Illegal to Build a Sandcastle in Spain
If you try to build a sand castle in Spain, you risk getting fined since they detest your attempt so much.
Additionally, the penalties are decided by each site. For instance, you could pay €100 on the island of Majorca, but up to €1,500 in Galicia.
Before you ask, children are subject to this prohibition, and parents are responsible for paying.
You must let anyone use your toilet if they ask in Scotland
In Scotland, you are legally permitted to knock on someone's door and request to use their bathroom if you need the restroom.
In Samoa, it's illegal to forget your wife's birthday
If you forget your wife's birthday in Samoa, you'll receive more from her than just the silent treatment. Although the length of your punishment is unknown, some time apart to consider how to make it up to her wouldn't be too horrible.
There are many cultures and traditions in the world, and each nation has its own peculiar laws and conventions. But the only way to ensure that society functions properly is through rules and regulations. However, each country can shape the law to suit its needs, and it becomes interesting when some nations create their statutes. Understanding how things operate in your location is crucial before you travel or relocate there. A new place's culture can be enjoyable and fascinating, but occasionally, some things can become bizarre.
Edited by: Ayona Mitra
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