It certainly is a forgotten law and has never really been enforced in Florida. 55. In Honolulu, Hawaii it is illegal to sing loudly after sunset. 2. Final verdict:This sounds completely unconstitutional, but Mississippi passed a law in 2013 stating that you can only have one illegitimate child. Follow me on Twitter. In Russia, Vladimir Putin just recently made it illegal to tell kids that gay people exist. Some items can't be sold on Sundays. While this law appears to be a direct assault on the First Amendment, it's thought to have been conceived in order to protect the public. The Crazy Facts is the home to the most messed up, craziest, most unbelievable facts you'll ever see! Apparently, according to Australian laws, it is illegal to touch electric wires which can lead to your death. So far, the metabo scheme has cut obesity by 3.5 percent, which certainly seems impressive in a country with already low obesity rates. Don't Cut the Cactus Jumping Cactus in Arizona Source At least in Arizona, because it is illegal to do so. Final verdict:Don't worry, your workplace costume party is probably fine. In France, it is stated as illegal to marry a dead person. Sodomy is illegal, in general, in Idaho, Utah, Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Ward Hazell is a writer who travels and an occasional travel writer. Arizona. Because, you know, when you turn 65 youre known to have impeccable judgment. In Hartford, it's illegal to collect "rags, paper, glass, old metal, junk, cinders or other waste matter in the city" without a license, according to Municode. Pipe alone, or not at all! The Balkan culture of gathering things vs. Japanese minimalism, Greetings from Skopje photos from the really old days. To translate, you cant have so much stuff in your car that it blocks your view. Thats keeping pigs outside your house.[2]. 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. The Craziest Laws That Still Exist In The United States It's a strange, strange world we're in. Final verdict: Or you cant lie down to sleep, at least. 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. When you're driving in Bolivia and other countries in South . Do you believe in the quote mentioned above ? The law applies also to trout, eels, lampreys, smelt, freshwater fish, and any other fish "specified for the purpose." 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. 2) In California, i.e. Final verdict: This weird law sounds like something made up by a fed-up best friend. Initially, it was enacted to stop servants stealing from their masters to help pay off drinking debts. If you're overheard dropping a four-letter word on the street, it's a misdemeanor worth a $100 fine. However, no amount of thinking can explain some of the more bizarre laws from around the world. In Canada, any comic book that portrays illegal activity is banned. Sending someone a pizza can cost way more than the delivery fee but only if you do it wrong. The fact that it needed to be made a law means that someone tried it, doesnt it? However, if the child is more than 6 months old, the mother faces a fine (via Stupid Laws ). 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. These are the weirdest U.S. laws in cities and states across the country. 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.. So, as long as youre gifting the pizza to someone and its paid in full, it should be fine. Why? In Missouri it is illegal to drive with an uncaged bear. 41. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest stories in hedge funds, PE, fintech, and banking delivered daily to your inbox. A Florida state legislator tried torepeal the lawin 2011 but was unsuccessful. It must also be a recognized name. 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. See if it bounces. The law originated during the 1860s, when San Francisco was at the center of the California Gold Rush. However, not in Colorado without a permit. That's why you need to know about some of the weirdest laws that you might break completely by accident. In Victoria, Australia, it's been illegal to fly a kite since 1966. While comic books have traditionally been considered for children, it is a known fact that they are aimed towards adolescents as well. Ordinarily, naked hiking might not be at the top of the political agenda, but a sudden influx of naked hikers from Germany brought the issue to the fore. Greenland was named as Greenland by Vikings who discovered this country in the 10th century. In Florida it is illegal for a divorced or a widowed woman to skydive on a Sunday afternoon. 21. Obviously, eating it with your hands is the right way. 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. No, a woman's hair does not legally belong to her husband in Michigan. Hopefully, you do, too. 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. The poor bears were also subjected to inhumane practices, like removing their claws and teeth, to prevent them from killing their human opponents. This just makes a lot of sense and has probably saved many lives. (River would be out, as would North.) Finally, it must make the sex of the baby clear. Standing up and sleeping is fine. 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One of our favourites on the list of strange laws in Ireland is the Tippling Act of 1735. It stated that no landlord could demand back money owed for booze. We've all heard urban legends and rumors about absurd laws in America, but you can't believe everything you read on the internet. Regardless, next time you camp in Minnesota, make sure to hose off your tires if youve taken an off-roading expedition. Dogs cannot travel in the back of open-top vehicles. In Saudi Arabia, it is illegal for any woman to drive a car. Swiss locals going about their daily lives objected to encountering walkers wearing nothing but a pair of walking boots and a smile. 6. In Britain, it is illegal to carry a plank along the pavement. Another obligatory rule of the Italians takes part on the list of the dumbest laws around. Dirty tires that leave a trail of mud on the street are considered a public nuisance. 19. They are also required to attend to their parents spiritual needs. Some evidence suggests that trial by combatmight technically be legal on a federal level even today. How inhumane! 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. Employers must ensure that their employees participate in the scheme or risk fines of up to $19 million. It was built by Norse settlers who migrated here from Scandinavia and Iceland. 35. 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. It is a step toward full independence from Danish rule. 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. Sites likedumblaws.com which rarely link to states' current statutes or may misinterpret them only perpetuate the myths. Thank you very much for listening and as always please sit back, relax, enjoy and keep safe! This North Carolina law was actually written to get rid of the persistent Ku Klux Klan activity in the area. The law was fittingly nicknamed the Sip and Spit law. He has been a guest speaker on numerous national radio and television stations and is a five time published author. Where this law exists: San Francisco, California. If a person litters three times, they must clean the streets wearing a bib that reads Im a litterer. Even pharmacists who sell the medical gum and forget to ID get two years in jail. According to tradition, the Buddhist leader, who is in his eighties, will be reborn to help humanity.[7]. You'd better take it as a fun read instead of a history lesson! For example, the New York law against people wearing masks in public places is to prevent a mass crime or a riot, since you don't know the assailant's identity undercover. Despite the goofy name, no one is allowed to use them in most states anymore aside from police officers. Shady psychics probably wont bother jumping through all the hoops. 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. That said, some people swear by psychics and will pay top dollar for a reading from an experienced fortune-teller. In Cleveland, it is illegal to catch mice without a hunting license. Greenlandic became the sole official language of Greenland at the historic ceremony . For example, some places have outlawed miniskirts, low-cut jeans, and tops that show too much cleavage. That's why you need to know about some of the weirdest laws that you might break completely by accident. Lots of wacky laws have been written over the years, and they were all written for a reason. It's Illegal to Drag a Dead Horse Along the Street. Thankfully, because it's one of the weirdest laws around the world, we're guessing it never really has to be enforced. Unfortunately, this old law has some pretty outdated and unfair roots. To be updated with all the latest news, facts and knowledge. 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.". Florida outlawed tossing little people in 1989 after the bar activity caught on in southern parts of the state. 24. The urban legend became so popular that people were delving into the wilderness in search of the mythical creature. In Alaska, a person. However, according to the North Carolina State Legislature, non-profit groups can go wild. hamburg_berlin/Shutterstock In 29 states in the US it is legal to fire someone for being gay. When it refers to "ugly" people, it's really referring to those with disfiguring disabilities, particularly minorities. According to one petition, the law was originally enacted in reaction to an unpleasant hoarding situation. Sadly, thanks to the Licensing Act 1872, it's also illegal and could land you a 200 fine and almost a year in jail. 23. This is one weird law we're very thankful for. 3) (rescinded obviously after the 1930's) In certain Southern states, sodomy punishable, but lynching blacks permissible, indeed photographed and applauded. New public buildings that cost over $100,000 have to allocate 1 percent of funds for art displays, thanks to the National Assembly of State Art Agencies. For example, new parents are not allowed to name their children after ordinary nouns such as a piece of fruit. Also illegal in England is flying a kite to the annoyance of locals, getting drunk in a pub, ringing a doorbell without lawful excuse, or keeping pigs outside your house. Greenland is one of the best locations in the world to view the dancing Northern lights. Bear hugs for all - the one that we wish there was video footage of. Exceptions are made for people in wheelchairs, participating in parades or having a medical emergency. Seems unfair to the little critters, but they do have an annoying habit of going through the trash. Despite attempts to repeal the law in 2011, the margarine ban has stuck. No Public Feather Dusting. In Virginia, it is illegal for a man to kick a woman out of bed. Final verdict: Dunkin Donuts and coffee are as American as it gets, and so is this weird law. 2. However, if you want to use one in Cambodia, you are likely to be disappointed or get into trouble. We're talking about law-breaking criminals, right? Final verdict: And it's illegal to honk in front of any sandwich shop, not just a Subway chain restaurant. 13. Below are 51 absurdly ridiculous laws to keep in mind next time you travel to Europe. 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. Who knows, but it was enough of an annoyance to pass a law about it. 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. Admittedly, most of these weird laws are either unlikely to be enforced or unlikely to come up in the first place. Final verdict: This is one of those weird laws that has no clear explanation. However, there is nothing to stop him from reincarnating anywhere else in the world. Before you worry about the people, remember that they signed up for the match while the bears did not. Protect your cows - another one of the strange laws in Ireland. 67. The "urban beautification" initiative dates back to 1927when an all-white circle of Hawaii's power wives created the Outdoor Circle Club and lobbied for the ban on outdoor ads. Final verdict: This weird law is even sadder than it sounds. Anyone deemed to be overweight is given three months to shape up. 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. 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.". 59. 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]. Final verdict: Nevada takes itself a little too seriously sometimes. The center of Longyearbyen. There, swearing in public is against the law. Final verdict: If youre trying to surprise your friend with a pizza, do it with caution. 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. 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: We guess Grandma was right about this one. 38. In Canada, it's now legal to engage in oral sex with your pet. "Renovated butter" must also be labeled as such, according to Iowa State Legislature. This weird Nevada law is founded on logic - although that might not seem apparent at first. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to tie a dollar bill to a string on the ground and pull it away when someone tries to pick it up. You can't drive a car in reverse in public roads in Arizona. This crazy law in Georgia was passed in jest, but it's still on the books. In Greece, if anyone wants to get married, the law requires those to publish their wedding notice in a newspaper (written in Greek) or on the City Hall notice board. Is it the end of an era for the University RE: the myths about Skopjes Old Bazaar district. This place also has some more features counted as per the northernmost, such as the local church, museum, radio station, airport, university, etc. In North Carolina couples must have sex in the missionary position and with the curtains pulled. In Reno, its illegal to sit down on public sidewalks because the point of sidewalks is to walk. No, you cant lie down on them, either. Writer at Thought Catalog. However, what makes this law even stranger is that it is illegal to do this only on Sundays. In Switzerland, it is illegal to flush a toilet after 10pm. The man was neither fined nor imprisoned, suggesting Michigan doesn't take the law too seriously. We start our weird laws in Nevada list with a kiss. Local officials decided that bouncy pickles were fresher than those that just flopped onto the ground when dropped, and so the law was born. It's illegal to carry away or collect seaweed at night in New Hampshire. On a great big beach. Some even consider the animal a modern-day unicorn. 50 dumb laws in America. 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. The time depends on the region. In New York City it is illegal to honk your horn. ), On the whole, it seems that the German government would like parents to use properly spelled, good old-fashioned names. Some of these animals are polar bears, musk oxen, sea eagles, reindeers, humpback whales and walruses. The ruling has been challenged by nature lovers, but the Swiss high court agreed that the government had the right to uphold public decency.. In Britain, oddly enough it is illegal to be drunk in the pub. 10. 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. The Berlin Wall Good Thing Today Its Street Live, Love, Create, Enjoy Melbourne, a haven for Weird laws in the worlds northernmost town: no funerals allowed, and no cats please! 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