It was enacted in the 1970s to essentially label horses as vehicles. Acworth retaliated saying all of their citizens needed a rake. If your party trick is crushing beer cans between your bare breasts, be warned. This North Carolina law was actually written to get rid of the persistent Ku Klux Klan activity in the area. Hopefully, you do, too. In Victoria, Australia, it's been illegal to fly a kite since 1966. 1. Requiring a permit ensures minimal harm to the land and maximum benefit to the people. What a shocker. In seven U.S. states, according to their constitutions, atheists are barred from holding public office. In Cleveland, it is illegal to catch mice without a hunting license. Final verdict: We guess Grandma was right about this one. In Turin, Italy, dog owners must take their dogs on a walk at least three times a day. :) One common Netflix habit is illegal in Tennessee but might be hard to actually enforce on the minor level. This is one weird law we're very thankful for. This law was enacted to prevent people from being forced to foot the bill for food they didnt order. In Switzerland, it is illegal to flush a toilet after 10pm. However, there is nothing to stop him from reincarnating anywhere else in the world. The ruling has been challenged by nature lovers, but the Swiss high court agreed that the government had the right to uphold public decency.. But not names. Colorado ski resorts pay private companies to burn silver iodide on the slopes. This is a not so surprising fact about Canada. 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.". 50. The list goes on. SIX INCHES OF CLOTHING. Notice of Crimes. 18. Where this law exists: South Berwick, Maine. Smile Or Spend Time In Jail. Its basically a cow with toothpicks for legs. To translate, you cant have so much stuff in your car that it blocks your view. Llama Crossing Road Sign // Bolivia. It does that, but it also means that no Tennessee resident can share their password with anyone outside of their household. In Honolulu, Hawaii it is illegal to sing loudly after sunset. The Hvalsey Church, a Norse ruin now is the first church for Christians built on the continent of North America. The city of Petrolia in Ontario has a law that limits excessive noise. The Crazy Facts is the home to the most messed up, craziest, most unbelievable facts you'll ever see! A national version of theDry Pea and Lentil Councilalso exists. In 2008, a Saudi court refused an 8-year-old girl, who asked for a divorce from her 58-year-old husband. It stated that no landlord could demand back money owed for booze. Some of these animals are polar bears, musk oxen, sea eagles, reindeers, humpback whales and walruses. 1. The fine can be up to $50,000. The Belgian laws restricting games of chance mean that prohibitions apply to commercial contests, sweepstakes, lotteries, and even private poker games. You may think that this law is completely made up, but the regional police in York have confirmed that it is illegal to drag a dead horse along Yonge Street in Toronto. 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. In Singapore, selling non-medical chewing gum or chewing normal gum is a fine of $1000. No Public Feather Dusting. Receive our monthly newsletter and gain access to promo codes and other surprises our team prepares for you. Its nothing like passing a driving test, but at least it takes some work before a psychic can start selling predictions. It was built by Norse settlers who migrated here from Scandinavia and Iceland. In Virginia, hunting is forbidden on Sundays, unless you're hunting raccoons. The second one constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by fines or jail time. Enjoy this collection of funny, stupid and often bizarre laws from South America. Major tourist attractions in Greenland are the fauna and flora of this country. Supposedly, the reason for the rule is hygiene. Although the tight swimsuits may not always be flattering, they are unlikely to have been worn outside on the streets. The laws lightened up over the years, with margarine sales remaining a criminal offense until 1967. 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.". Exceptions are made for people in wheelchairs, participating in parades or having a medical emergency. In Britain it is an act of treason to place a postage stamp bearing the monarchs head upside down on an envelope. The law has since been amended to establish Bigfoot as an endangered species. 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.". The man was neither fined nor imprisoned, suggesting Michigan doesn't take the law too seriously. In Britain it is illegal to operate a cow while intoxicated. If there is one place people are most likely to get drunk, it is a bar. However, in 1966, Victoria, Australia, proved 20 th -century people could be just as miserable as their ancestors by passing anti-kite legislation. Most of the animals that are sought here are some popular yet endangered species. In Victoria, Australia, it is illegal to change a light bulb unless youre a licensed electrician. Netflix. In Russia, Vladimir Putin just recently made it illegal to tell kids that gay people exist. The term idiot was once used to describe individuals with intellectual disabilities, making the law both archaic and demeaning. 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. He went with the name Greenland to make it sound all fuzzy to people back in Europe because in order to start a successful settlement, he needed a lot of settlers willing to migrate there. Where this law exists: San Francisco, California. Where this law exists: Indianapolis, Indiana. Shady psychics probably wont bother jumping through all the hoops. However, no amount of thinking can explain some of the more bizarre laws from around the world. The law came into effect in 2008, and many teenagers were outraged and protested. Top 10 Crazy Laws in Nevada and Las Vegas. Maybe people were tired of being interrupted by noise while trying to enjoy a sub after a long day? Many elements of Hawaiian culture were repressed, so understandably, native Hawaiians didnt want their coins stuck in peoples ears. No "Bat Signals" (or any other beacon) allowed in the sky. that we will not tolerate this type of behavior in our licensed premises.[10]. For example, new parents are not allowed to name their children after ordinary nouns such as a piece of fruit. 2023 This City Knows | All rights reserved. B Rosen via Flickr In Utah, a husband is responsible for his wifes actions as long as he is with her at the time of her actions.. You just can't terrorize the town by walking around it in a creepy clown costume at midnight on a random Tuesday. In the Philippines you can be charged with the crime of unjust vexation for doing just that, vexing someone. Don't Cut the Cactus Jumping Cactus in Arizona Source At least in Arizona, because it is illegal to do so. 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. There are lots of things you are not allowed to do in Italy. In Missouri it is illegal to drive with an uncaged bear 49. Greenland was named as Greenland by Vikings who discovered this country in the 10th century. The poor bears were also subjected to inhumane practices, like removing their claws and teeth, to prevent them from killing their human opponents. 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. 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. Florida outlawed tossing little people in 1989 after the bar activity caught on in southern parts of the state. So it is somewhat ironic that Alaska passed a law banning people from getting drunk in bars. So, you wont get a ticket for having a heart attack. If you think only big gestures count, you are wrong my "To Travel is to Live" ~ Hans Christian Andersen "Such a conspiracy constitutes a clear and present danger to the government of the United States and of this state," the statute continues. Sadly, its not. 2) In California, i.e. 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. The logic behind it must be similar to the logic behind cyclists having to obey normal traffic laws, only a little less sound. 31. On a great big beach. However there is no clear evidence to support the. According to one South Dakota law, liquor stores cannot sell candy containing more than .5% alcohol by weight. 32. Why not outlaw idiotic drivers, while youre at it, New Mexico? Admittedly, most of these weird laws are either unlikely to be enforced or unlikely to come up in the first place. Follow me on Twitter. So, what happens if you have the wrong sort of swimwear? 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. Local officials decided that bouncy pickles were fresher than those that just flopped onto the ground when dropped, and so the law was born. 3. 18. It makes sense to require people to stay in control of their animals, but its not like there were lawless horses breaking the speed limit before they made this funky law. No problem. According to tradition, the Buddhist leader, who is in his eighties, will be reborn to help humanity.[7]. A previous version of this article was co-authored by Christina Sterbenz. Final verdict: This weird law is even sadder than it sounds. You're not allowed to drive a black car on a Sunday in Denver, Colorado. The law originated during the 1860s, when San Francisco was at the center of the California Gold Rush. The law has withstood legal challenges since 1845 and included exceptions for parties, according to the New York Times and Find Law. Laws against fun are most common in centuries-old legislation. Oral sex is often considered sodomy by many states, according to the Hebrew Bible. Singing or playing only part of the national anthem or remixing it as dance music is punishable by a fine of not more than $100, according to Massachusetts State Legislature. 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. 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. It was probably written in the 1800's and forgotten since. 10. Not So Crazy Eboli is a small town in Italy, and kissing in a moving vehicle is banned here. 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. The ancient culture along with the stunning and varied wildlife is the factor that promotes tourism for this place. 5. Jamie founded Listverse due to an insatiable desire to share fascinating, obscure, and bizarre facts. A $110 license is required for teenagers to mow lawns. You cant even have a beer in the same room as a bingo game, even if youre not playing. Right now, its illegal for them to vote too. It is a sight which enchants and provides peace to both the body and mind, rejuvenating an individual. It was a period filled with famine, plague, and war. One of the by-laws for the city says, "No person shall interfere with a tree or part of a tree located on municipal property, including but not limited to attaching, affixing or placing upon in any manner any object or thing to a tree or part of a tree, and climbing the tree." Views: 4043 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! University Centre in Svalbard, part of the University of the Arctic, photo credit. Ward Hazell is a writer who travels and an occasional travel writer. Final verdict: The point of this weird law was to help bolster state art agencies. In Alaska, a person. Someone may pursue legal action if they were simply watching from an authorized area. Except strangely, you dont see people as equally outraged about this as they are about gay sex. ), On the whole, it seems that the German government would like parents to use properly spelled, good old-fashioned names. By Kate Bratskeir Jan 22, 2016, 01:51 PM EST | Updated Sep 5, 2017 If you allow your donkey to sleep in a bathtub, you're an ass. Did you know it's considered one of the world's first democracies? One of our favourites on the list of strange laws in Ireland is the Tippling Act of 1735. In France it's illegal to name your pig Napoleon. Final verdict:Don't worry, your workplace costume party is probably fine. In Vermont, a wife needs the husbands permission to wear false teeth. Quit getting married. A device called ashoe-fitting fluoroscope, also known as a pedoscope or foot-o-scope, could expose the patient to radiation. 48. The Worldwide Championship of Ice Golf is held in the month of March in a popular city of Greenland namely, Uummannaq. Body studios are illegal. The name Adolf, for example, has not been banned, though its rarely used.[4]. So, in 2008, Japan banned its citizens from being fat. He could choose to reincarnate far away from Tibet. In fact, if you're super into astrology, you might want to stay away from the town altogether. 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. And, yes, two men were fined for having woefully floppy pickles. 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Can You Believe These Weird Laws? A barn? It's illegal to carry away or collect seaweed at night in New Hampshire. But that begs the question, whats the point? The statute does explain why though: to avoid congestion during emergencies, like fires. 19. It has become a tradition to use water pistols during New Years celebrations. 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 In Tuszyn, Poland, however, the town council seemed to take their responsibility a little too seriously. If you broke up three times, why would a fourth try be any different? The reason for this law comes down to respect for cultural traditions. And not just a salmon. 1. Today it is a heritage site, photo credit. The governor of Phnom Penh has banned the sale, import, and possession of all water pistols in the city. According to the 1986 Salmon Act, Section 32, if he handles a salmon in a "suspicious manner," he will be subject to prosecution and a fine of up to 800. Breastfeeding in public is legal (as it should be). Its a very real law, and bingo halls can be fined for serving alcohol. You may not spot moose from a plane and hunt them on the same day. In Dubai, extramarital sex is against the law and could result in jail sentences for over a year. The law says that a person may assist players by playing their cards while they take a bathroom break, according to Maine State Legislature. 67. 53. The Middle Ages spanned from roughly AD 500 to AD 1500. 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. 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. Or, perhaps, just over the border. This law is weird, but its a very reasonable response to a very unreasonable, unethical practice. If you do, the fish and wildlife commission will charge you with a Class A misdemeanor, according to Justia. The law only applies if they maimed the victim on purpose, according to the Rhode Island State Legislature. The same laws also prohibit turkey scrambles, according to the Minnesota State Legislature. The practical effect is more jail and fines, according to Find Law and BulletSafe. However, less than one-half is totally fine. If you allow it while you're in Arizona, you're a criminal. 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). Where this law exists: Gainesville, Georgia. For his part, the Dalai Lama has said that he refuses to reincarnate in Tibet as long as Tibet remains under Chinese control. The logic behind this weird law was that sleeping around heavy machinery was a bad idea. 27. Having your chickens cross the road in Georgia This isn't a joke: don't let your chicken cross the road in Georgia. 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. Stupid Laws reports that this stone throwing prohibition is listed in Section 15-53 of the Cumberland penal code. Definitely one of the weirdest Australian laws. It certainly is a forgotten law and has never really been enforced in Florida. In Saudi Arabia, there is no minimum age for marriage. 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. Final verdict: In most of Montana, keeping a pet rat is completely fine. That said, some people swear by psychics and will pay top dollar for a reading from an experienced fortune-teller. It joined the European Community (now the EU) with Denmark in 1973 but withdrew in 1985 over a . However, the law is allowed under "life-threatening conditions as the only apparent means of survival," according to the Idaho State Legislature. 62. 30. No, a woman's hair does not legally belong to her husband in Michigan. Leave Your Creativity For the Weekdays. From legends of elves to a decades-long ban on beer, the Christmas Book Flood to state-owned milk stores, there are loads of quirks and weird facts about Iceland's history. Pennsylvania. Let's take a look at some of these weird laws from around the world to know about how unusual they are: 1. Of course, there are a few rules. Cradle of aviation: US has the worlds first Soviet Architecture: concrete panel and brick Khrushchyovkas, Postcards from 19th-century illustrators depicting the future. This health code likely made its way into the books to protect competitors at the Calaveras County Fair and Frog Jumping Jubilee, a decades-old tradition in the gold-mining town of Angels Camp. In Britain, it is illegal to carry a plank along the pavement. 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. 11. People used to set up bear-wrestling rings. The only problem was that no one had defined exactly what qualities a pickle must have to pass inspection. The law has been in place since 1903. The metabo law requires all citizens over age 40 to have their waist measurements taken once a year. Swearing can lead to a fine, as can lying on park benches or climbing trees. Background. Talking in church is a serious offense, at least in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. In Britain, oddly enough it is illegal to be drunk in the pub. At Far & Wide, we try to be law-abiding citizens. 58. 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. 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. We've all heard urban legends and rumors about absurd laws in America, but you can't believe everything you read on the internet. Anyone who hunts, catches, takes, kills, injures, or pursues a wild animal or bird with a ferret will face a fine of no less than $100 (but no more than $500) and up to 100 days in jail, according to West Virginia State Legislature. 5. That is enforcement that protects the lives of people unless someone wants to be the meal of a hungry polar bear. That begs the question: Who had tires so muddy that people took the issue to city hall? Here are 13 weird laws in Ohio that we are willing to bet you didn't know about. 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. 64. 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.". It's unlikely to ever be enforced, however, unless your whispering is really, really annoying. Operated since 1924. Just dont let them take a snooze in the process, or you might be slapped with a fine.