The world is full of strange and weird laws. If you’re planning to go off on your travels this year, best make sure you don’t do anything illegal wherever you go. Below we take a look at some of the oddest laws from around the globe…
Canada: One in five songs played on the radio must be sung by a Canadian
Now on the surface, this sounds kind of reasonable. With the USA and UK being veritable pop powerhouses, we presume this law is to help Canadian artists get exposure. But, think about it. Who do you think of when you think of Canadian music? Yes, Justin Bieber and Celine Dion. This law is basically forcing radio stations to play more Justin Bieber and Celine Dion. Absolute madness.
Switzerland: You can’t make love in a hot spring
Well, the rule applies to one hot spring in particular – called Cuddle Muddle. Because of its name, it has become a destination for amorous couples, which, ultimately, led to officials to the introduction of this strange law in order to protect public decency.
USA: You can’t pull faces at a dog
In Oklahoma, you can be fined or even jailed for ‘making ugly faces at a dog’. The exact reason behind the law seems to have been lost over time, but it is still officially in the books, so best not be pulling any faces at dogs if you’re there.
Germany: It is illegal to run out of petrol on the Autobahn, but it is also illegal to walk along it.
Many people visit Germany just to have a go at driving fast on the Autobahn, but if you do, make sure you have enough petrol, as it’s illegal to run out. If you run out anyway, you’re pretty much screwed, as you’re also not allowed to walk along the Autobahn. You just have to sit there beeping your horn.
Iran: It is illegal to have sex with wild animals
It’s worrying that people have to be told not to have sex with wild animals, but even more worrying is the fact that there are other laws that state it is quite OK to have sex with domestic animals.
Japan: It is illegal to be fat in Japan
Slightly odd coming from the country that brought us Sumo Wrestling, but in 2009, a law was passed stating that men over 40 must not have a waistline of more than 31 inches, and every woman cannot have a waist of more than 35 inches. We’re not quite sure how effective the law has been, but apart from Sumo Wrestlers, it is hard to think of a fat Japanese person. Could we ever see such a law in the UK? Well, with 64% of adults being classed as either overweight or obese, there’d be a lot less traffic on the road wouldn’t there?
USA: In Florida, on a Thursday, you cannot pass wind in a public place after 6pm
Absolutely fine on a Wednesday or any other day, but not after 6pm on a Thursday. We’re not quite sure why, but if you ever feel the need to fart on Florida on a Thursday after 6pm, best to dash somewhere private to do it.
Singapore: Chewing gum is illegal
We don’t think this one is that bad, and it would be good if we had it here. Have you ever trod on chewing gum, sat on it or been stuck on train with a fat man chewing it with their mouth open loudly? It’s evil stuff. Good on you, Singapore!
Italy: Noisy footwear is illegal
This is one of a bizarre new series of laws in Italy, brought in by local mayors to ‘protect public security’. Two tourists were actually arrested for wearing excessively loud flip flops recently in Capri, and in other parts of Italy, people have been fined for sandcastle building and collecting shells on the beach.
USA: It is illegal to eat in a place that it is on fire in Chicago
It’s worrying that in the USA they have to legislate for this sort of thing. How greedy do you have to be to continue stuffing your face when the room around you is on fire?