The Belgian laws restricting games of chance mean that prohibitions apply to commercial contests, sweepstakes, lotteries, and even private poker games. Apparently, according to Australian laws, it is illegal to touch electric wires which can lead to your death. We decided to undertake some legal legwork and identify the strangest statute still on the books in each state. For some reason, she elected not to appear in court in person. Being older than 1946, it is automatically protected as a cultural heritage site, photo credit. In Greenland the only month where the temperature manages to reach above freezing point is July. It's illegal to carry away or collect seaweed at night in New Hampshire. The statute does explain why though: to avoid congestion during emergencies, like fires. 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. The worlds northernmost capital is Nuuk, and it belongs to Greenland, Whittier, Alaska a town where almost all its citizens live under one roof. (Indio or Dusti just wouldnt cut it. When Hawaii joined the United States in 1900, it still had its own coinage. near and around Sacramento; NO smoking outside or on the street! 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.". Talking in church is a serious offense, at least in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. On a great big beach. For example, new parents are not allowed to name their children after ordinary nouns such as a piece of fruit. Specifically, they dont want kids to be teased because of their names. It is illegal to pass wind in public in Florida. 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. The law has been in place since 1903. 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. You might even recognize this legendary street from the movies. We start our weird laws in Nevada list with a kiss. However, what makes this law even stranger is that it is illegal to do this only on Sundays. If you own more than two in your house, you can be subject to criminal possession. In France, it is stated as illegal to marry a dead person. A major part of Greenland is covered by fjords, which prevent the construction of roads for travelling to another city or town. 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.". To carry, manufacture, sell, or handle any non-biodegradable, plastic-based confetti is unlawful, according to Municode Library. Why not outlaw idiotic drivers, while youre at it, New Mexico? Worst part about this law is there is no way of punishing the criminals who commit it. In Honolulu, Hawaii it is illegal to sing loudly after sunset. This allowance does not apply in high-stakes Beano, which, apparently, is also a thing. Also, when you return to your hotel, you must not dry your towels by hanging them out the window. Swearing can lead to a fine, as can lying on park benches or climbing trees. But North Dakota obviously decided it needed a more state-focused group for celebrating chickpeas, lentils, and lupins. 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. So, in 2008, Japan banned its citizens from being fat. Remote planet: Which is the worlds southernmost city? The reason for this law comes down to respect for cultural traditions. No spitting (it's a public nuisance) Donkeys may not sleep in bathtubs. 30. Or parties on campus? In New York City it is illegal to honk your horn. The Craziest Laws That Still Exist In The United States It's a strange, strange world we're in. Greenland is one of the best locations in the world to view the dancing Northern lights. The Hvalsey Church, a Norse ruin now is the first church for Christians built on the continent of North America. Location of Cities: ithas a lot to do with water, Seattle: the most extensive terrain alteration in city building history, Radio tudent, one of Europes strongest alternative stations, struggling with funding cuts, Rebellious Rog: Ljubljanas shameful shutting down of its former bike factory turned culture center, Traveling pill #1: Dont do yoga on Holocaust monuments. The law applies also to trout, eels, lampreys, smelt, freshwater fish, and any other fish specified for the purpose.. Considering Kahlua alcoholic chocolates are around 4%, we can assume they won't be hitting the shelves any time soon. In 1839, lawmakers made it illegal to beat any carpet, rug, or mat on the streets of London; the law technically endures, though beating doormats is fine, as . It was built by Norse settlers who migrated here from Scandinavia and Iceland. ), On the whole, it seems that the German government would like parents to use properly spelled, good old-fashioned names. The punishment for suicide - the ultimate contradiction. Where this law exists: Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. This is particularly important to the Chinese authorities because His Holiness (Tenzin Gyatso) has been such a thorn in their side. Also, an ancient Norwegian law still exists that obliges all Norwegians to go out on expeditions to rape and plunder at least once every five years. The law came into effect in 2008, and many teenagers were outraged and protested. No one under 16 was allowed to smooch or show public displays of affectionthe horror (for the teens, that is). Rumor has it that seaweed was once used as fertilizer and was stolen from public beaches in the night, but no ones positive how this wacky law really came to be. Most of the animals that are sought here are some popular yet endangered species. 66. It takes place each 8th of March. This country was named in this manner to attract settlers so that these raiders could benefit by warring with approaching settlers ships. 23. The law has since been amended to establish Bigfoot as an endangered species. In the city of Baltimore, it is against the law for any person to operate, conduct or maintain a body studio. 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. 33. How about laws in retrograde. After one too many drunken parties ended in stealing and subsequently burning couches left on porches, the city of Boulder, Colorado took action. Good to know. Greenland is one of the best locations in the world to view the dancing Northern lights. People called out the law as hypocritical and unfair since there was no such ruling against similar pets like hamsters and guinea pigs. You cannot eat in the street in Rome, kiss anyone inside a car, or walk your dog on anything other than a short leash. 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. Final verdict:Finally, annoying little sisters who listen in will get what's coming to them! Final verdict: This weird law is tied to religious beliefs. In Turin, Italy, dog owners must take their dogs on a walk at least three times a day. Attempts to jump into the pool in shorts may lead to you being rescued by a lifeguard or hauled out by a large hook. 15. 7. To preserve rare species of Arctic birds, locals are not allowed to bring cats in town as well, hence none feral friend can be spotted nearby. For reasons unknown, these laws are still in place. Below are 51 absurdly ridiculous laws to keep in mind next time you travel to Europe. 35. This place also has some more features counted as per the northernmost, such as the local church, museum, radio station, airport, university, etc. 1 Being in a Bar While Drunk. There, swearing in public is against the law. Top 10 Most Ridiculous Alcohol Laws In USA. According to the Michigan State Legislature, breaking this law is punishable by a maximum sentence of four years in prison and possibly a $5,000 fine. In Tuszyn, Poland, however, the town council seemed to take their responsibility a little too seriously. In 29 states in the US it is legal to fire someone for being gay. Stupid Laws reports that this stone throwing prohibition is listed in Section 15-53 of the Cumberland penal code. 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. Nevertheless, the Chinese government is determined to participate in the process of choosing the next Dalai Lama and thus in just how he intends to help humanity. 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Final verdict: The point of this weird law was to help bolster state art agencies. In Billings, however, you cant buy or sell a rat unless its for the purpose of feeding a reptile or bird of prey. 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. Alaska. Final verdict: This is one of the weirdest U.S. laws because its almost entirely pointless. In Utah, a husband is responsible for his wifes actions as long as he is with her at the time of her actions.. 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. In Turin, Italy, dog owners must take their dogs on a walk at least three times a day. In Missouri it is illegal to drive with an uncaged bear. 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. 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. Smile Or Spend Time In Jail. Sadly, its not. Initially enacted to stop servants from stealing their master's money to pay off their debts in the pub, it soon became a free pass to extensive boozing. Despite attempts to repeal the law in 2011, the margarine ban has stuck. In Thailand it is illegal to step on money. Major tourist attractions in Greenland are the fauna and flora of this country. SIX INCHES OF CLOTHING. In the past few years Iceland and Norway have also adopted this law. The statute aims to prohibit machines that encourage gambling, according to the Arkansas State Legislature. Though the subject has been reviewed in the French parliament several times since then, the law has not been repealed and is still strictly enforced. So, as long as youre gifting the pizza to someone and its paid in full, it should be fine. 62. Final verdict:Don't worry, your workplace costume party is probably fine. In some states, it's legal to perform activities that create changes in the composition or behavior of the atmosphere. Now, that's something Europeans can probably get behind. 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 Seems safe. 3. One councillor said, The problem with that bear is it doesnt have a complete wardrobe. The bears lack of pants was an issue as it was half naked., The meeting, which was taped in secret and leaked to the media, began to get out of hand when someone mentioned that the author was over 60 and [had] cut Poohs testicles off with a razor blade because he had a problem with his identity., In the end, the council decided to go with a Polish childrens character that was fully dressed from head to toe. Just to be on the safe side.[1]. 26. 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." Water pistols are usually seen as harmless funjust childrens toys for sunny days. But not names. Florida outlawed tossing little people in 1989 after the bar activity caught on in southern parts of the state. The rule states that no yelling, shouting, whistling or singing is allowed at any time. 60. Where this law exists: Gainesville, Georgia. 54. No large wild populations of sick snakes, lizards, or turtles ever came to be, so perhaps the ban is working (or was never needed in the first place). Except for the absence of sun, and the harsh temperatures, the locals, face also some weird legal enforcement.