In Virginia, it is illegal for a man to kick a woman out of bed. In some states, it's legal to perform activities that create changes in the composition or behavior of the atmosphere. So, as long as youre gifting the pizza to someone and its paid in full, it should be fine. The first coal-fired power plant of Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Which means the prostitutes themselves would not be breaking the law. The national colours of Iceland are red, white and blue. They may have made sense when they were written, but today they seem a little questionable, weird or just plain dumb. According to tradition, the Buddhist leader, who is in his eighties, will be reborn to help humanity.[7]. When Hawaii joined the United States in 1900, it still had its own coinage. Final verdict: This is one of those weird laws that has no clear explanation. The name Greenland might give one the idea that the landscapes of this country are covered in lush greenery. 2) In California, i.e. Denmark upholds the annual block grant of 3.2 billion Danish kroner, but as Greenland begins to collect revenues of its natural resources the grant will gradually be diminished. However, there is nothing to stop him from reincarnating anywhere else in the world. But don't worry unless you're in the habit of taking naps in cheese factories or wrestling bears, you're probably not breaking any of these weird laws in the U.S. He has been a guest speaker on numerous national radio and television stations and is a five time published author. Amongst our favourite of the weird and strange laws in Ireland is the Tippling Act of 1735. However, you can swap out the trough for a wastebasket if the swine are raised for your own consumption, according to Arizona State Legislature. In France, it is stated as illegal to marry a dead person. 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. 2. Im out. This wacky law came about almost a century ago when a ranch owners donkey had gotten in the habit of sleeping in the bathtub. 8. It must also be a recognized name. The law originated during the 1860s, when San Francisco was at the center of the California Gold Rush. A popular law passed in England prohibits people to die in the House of Parliament. 13. 18. Not until 2008 did the UN Security Council pass UN Security Council Resolution No. 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. Background. Vikings reached the island in the 10th century from Iceland; Danish colonization began in the 18th century, and Greenland became an integral part of the Danish Realm in 1953. Luckily, after youre finally over your ex, its perfectly legal to marry someone else. Sodomy is illegal, in general, in Idaho, Utah, Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. All countries have their set of weird customs and laws and Iceland is no exception. How about laws in retrograde. 11. 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. Mount Washington features rare alpine plants such as Greenland sandwort, Labrador tea, alpine bearberry, dwarf cinquefoil, dwarf birch, willow, and balsam fir. There are so many things wrong with this, but Mississippi lawmakers viewed it as an issue of morality. In Norway, there is a law that protects all female dogs and cats from being spayed. In 2012, police in Anchorage, Alaska, started enforcing the law by sending plainclothes officers into bars to identify excessively drunk people and arrest suspects, according to ABC News. 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. 29. 42. Quit getting married. 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. One of our favourites on the list of strange laws in Ireland is the Tippling Act of 1735. 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. 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. Or parties on campus? If your party trick is crushing beer cans between your bare breasts, be warned. The ancient culture along with the stunning and varied wildlife is the factor that promotes tourism for this place. In Greenland the only month where the temperature manages to reach above freezing point is July. He could choose to reincarnate far away from Tibet. Final verdict: Why would someone trip a horse? 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 Honolulu, Hawaii it is illegal to sing loudly after sunset. Florida outlawed tossing little people in 1989 after the bar activity caught on in southern parts of the state. Water pistols are usually seen as harmless funjust childrens toys for sunny days. In Billings, however, you cant buy or sell a rat unless its for the purpose of feeding a reptile or bird of prey. The only problem was that no one had defined exactly what qualities a pickle must have to pass inspection. So, you wont get a ticket for having a heart attack. The course for this frozen version of Golf is snow fields along with icebergs in between. If youre just being a jerk, itll cost you $500. In Saudi Arabia, it is illegal for any woman to drive a car. It's unlikely to ever be enforced, however, unless your whispering is really, really annoying. 57. For reasons unknown, these laws are still in place. By law, any whale or great Sturgeon caught in the UK is the property of the Queen. FLAG OF GREENLAND You can't drive a car in reverse in public roads in Arizona. In Greece, police are allowed to arrest anyone suspected of having HIV. 30. Final verdict: Nevada takes itself a little too seriously sometimes. 34. Not So Crazy Eboli is a small town in Italy, and kissing in a moving vehicle is banned here. Who stole enough seafood for this to be worth making a weird law about? 20. Founded in 2010, Thought Catalog is owned and operated by The Thought & Expression Company, Inc. For over a decade, we've been at the bleeding edge of media, pioneering an infrastructure for creatives to flourish both artistically and financially. The fine can be up to $50,000. The law says that a person may assist players by playing their cards while they take a bathroom break, according to Maine State Legislature. 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.". 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. Bangladeshi children of 15 and older can be sent to jail for cheating on their final exams. Before you worry about the people, remember that they signed up for the match while the bears did not. In Turin, Italy, dog owners must take their dogs on a walk at least three times a day. Spitting is also illegal and can result in arrest. That is enforcement that protects the lives of people unless someone wants to be the meal of a hungry polar bear. However, less than one-half is totally fine. That's 75-plus salamanders, according to fair market value. In fact, if you're super into astrology, you might want to stay away from the town altogether. You might even recognize this legendary street from the movies. Apparently, two pickle farmers were caught selling pickles that werent fit for human consumption back in the 1940s. 22. It is a step toward full independence from Danish rule. For example, one list of weird laws states that in California, if a frog in a frog-jumping contest dies, it is illegal to eat the frog. In South Berwick, Maine, the parking lot was perpetually jam-packed. No Public Feather Dusting. Children have impressionable minds. In Dubai, extramarital sex is against the law and could result in jail sentences for over a year. The metabo law requires all citizens over age 40 to have their waist measurements taken once a year. No "Bat Signals" (or any other beacon) allowed in the sky. You just can't terrorize the town by walking around it in a creepy clown costume at midnight on a random Tuesday. Offenders can be sentenced to 25-year long prison time. If you don't know how this series works it's where I give 15 unique facts and a couple of weird laws about certain country of my choosing in this case Greenland. If there is one place people are most likely to get drunk, it is a bar. If you're overheard dropping a four-letter word on the street, it's a misdemeanor worth a $100 fine. In Arizona, having more than two vibrators in your home is illegal. He said, If the police are fair dinkum about protecting people in pubs and clubs, why dont they target the real issues instead?. 52. In Kentucky, a woman cannot remarry the same man more than three times. Marriage. If found guilty, the man will be charged with a misdemeanor, fined at the court's discretion, and possibly imprisoned for no more than one year with a number of exceptions, according to the South Carolina State Legislature. 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. Greenland is one of the best locations in the world to view the dancing Northern lights. In essence, it bans the launching of any dangerous object, from stones to missiles to just about anything in between, within the bounds of Cumberland parks and playgrounds. The Court made the Ihlen declaration binding thereby conferring the sovereignty to Denmark. Why not outlaw idiotic drivers, while youre at it, New Mexico? Just like the weird laws regarding the sale and serving of alcohol, every state has its own peculiar laws about how you need to behave once you've drunk it. The law came into effect in 2008, and many teenagers were outraged and protested. It's illegal to hold salmon under suspicious circumstances 40 Weird Laws in the U.S By Brittany Alexandra Sulc, updated on July 15, 2021 Candice Lane / Facebook At Far & Wide, we try to be law-abiding citizens. What a shocker. Supposedly, its a threat to public safety. Most of the animals that are sought here are some popular yet endangered species. Mercury in retrograde? 67. 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. 48. It was probably written in the 1800's and forgotten since. You cannot eat in the street in Rome, kiss anyone inside a car, or walk your dog on anything other than a short leash. Ohioans typically know what laws dictate when they can shoot off fireworks and whether it's illegal to steal . Llama Crossing Road Sign // Bolivia. According to one petition, the law was originally enacted in reaction to an unpleasant hoarding situation. In Britain it is illegal to handle a salmon in suspicious circumstances. Prostitution is legal in Canada - This is a weird Canada fact because while prostitution is legal in Canada, buying a prostitute's services is illegal. 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. In China, it is a law that a person must be intelligent to go to college. 33. While comic books have traditionally been considered for children, it is a known fact that they are aimed towards adolescents as well. 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. For his part, the Dalai Lama has said that he refuses to reincarnate in Tibet as long as Tibet remains under Chinese control. Unfortunately, this old law has some pretty outdated and unfair roots. 17. Stupid Laws reports that this stone throwing prohibition is listed in Section 15-53 of the Cumberland penal code. The law has obviously been partly overturned as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and encouragement from health and legislative officials to wear masks and face coverings in public. In Britain you are not allowed to let your pet mate with any pet form the royal house. You're probably not going to get fined if you break it, but you may get a stern reminder. Final verdict: This is one of the weirdest U.S. laws because its almost entirely pointless. All of this seems to be very specificexcept, of course, that the legislation does not say what a suspicious manner looks like. Michigan has a large Christian population, and in their faith, its believed that Sunday should be reserved for rest, family time and church. 39. This crazy law in Georgia was passed in jest, but it's still on the books. 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. Wed wager that most of the students have plenty of non-educational sipping experience already. There are lots of things you are not allowed to do in Italy. 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. Final verdict: We couldnt figure out when this law was first enacted, but it reportedly hasnt been updated in over 30 years. Breastfeeding in public is legal (as it should be). Men With Moustaches Can't Kissing Women. This is one weird law that Europeans would definitely laugh at. You might imagine that an Englishman would be free to hold his fish in any way he chooses, but you would be wrong. 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. Greenland is a unique land with exquisite and exotic flora and fauna. Pennsylvania. Final verdict: In most of Montana, keeping a pet rat is completely fine. Like most governments, the Germans were anxious to ensure that children were not bullied at school. We start our weird laws in Nevada list with a kiss. Is it the end of an era for the University RE: the myths about Skopjes Old Bazaar district. 7. However, if the child is more than 6 months old, the mother faces a fine (via Stupid Laws ). 53. The purpose of most legislation is to promote acceptable behavior and to prevent or punish unacceptable behavior. In other words, the law implies that no atheists are allowed to run. Horse-tripping became a popular event, so much so that Oklahoma had to outlaw the practice, along with 12 other states. 18. It joined the European Community (now the EU) with Denmark in 1973 but withdrew in 1985 over a . A previous version of this article was co-authored by Christina Sterbenz. There, swearing in public is against the law. In Canada, any comic book that portrays illegal activity is banned. We decided to undertake some legal legwork and identify the strangest statute still on the books in each state. Where this law exists: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. See if it bounces. The time depends on the region. The reason for this law comes down to respect for cultural traditions. Having your chickens cross the road in Georgia This isn't a joke: don't let your chicken cross the road in Georgia. 66. And yes, it is as vague and arbitrary as it sounds. 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. The reason? Kissing is an incredible experience and the most natural way to show affection. 30. Some evidence suggests that trial by combatmight technically be legal on a federal level even today. It is a sight which enchants and provides peace to both the body and mind, rejuvenating an individual. The statute aims to prohibit machines that encourage gambling, according to the Arkansas State Legislature. Swiss locals going about their daily lives objected to encountering walkers wearing nothing but a pair of walking boots and a smile. Thankfully, because it's one of the weirdest laws around the world, we're guessing it never really has to be enforced. This is a photo of Mine 2b where work was ongoing from 1938 until 1969. Below is a collection of eight strange laws from the state of Maryland. 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.. 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. Acworth retaliated saying all of their citizens needed a rake. Or, perhaps, just over the border. 48. Being older than 1946, it is automatically protected as a cultural heritage site, photo credit. Where this law exists: Skamania County, Washington, Final verdict:Anyone who has been to Washington State, particularly western Washington, knows that they're a little obsessed with Bigfoot. In Tennessee it is legal to carry a loaded firearm into a bar. 4. Have You Heard About These Wacky Laws? No one under 16 was allowed to smooch or show public displays of affectionthe horror (for the teens, that is). According to one South Dakota law, liquor stores cannot sell candy containing more than .5% alcohol by weight. Thank you very much for listening and as always please sit back, relax, enjoy and keep safe! Also, when you return to your hotel, you must not dry your towels by hanging them out the window. Though this New Hampshire law might seem strange, marine plants and algae are routinely used to make fertilizer and animal feed, which gives it value. 2010 The Thought & Expression Company, LLC. 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. Receive our monthly newsletter and gain access to promo codes and other surprises our team prepares for you. There are truly some wacky laws out there There are truly some wacky laws out there. 26. When you're driving in Bolivia and other countries in South . (now that's confusing) 16. The logic behind it must be similar to the logic behind cyclists having to obey normal traffic laws, only a little less sound. So it is somewhat ironic that Alaska passed a law banning people from getting drunk in bars. We've all heard urban legends and rumors about absurd laws in America, but you can't believe everything you read on the internet. However, while it's no longer officially illegal for anyone to use vulgar or obscene language in the presence of two or more people, people still can't display obscene stickers, paintings, decals, or emblems in public on motor vehicles or clothing. 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. Students at the University of Colorado kept getting too lit at frat parties (pun intended). No pun intended. Apparently, they cause an obstruction.[6]. 2. Ruled by the king, the people of medieval England lived under a feudal system heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic Church.. During the Middle Ages, both laws and the penalties for breaking them were very different from the ones we are familiar with today. 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! Given how cold it is in the specific region, people are not allowed to have a regular burial. This is a not so surprising fact about Canada. So we might think its a good thing that councillors give careful consideration to any mascots that they might put on a playground. In Britain, it is illegal to carry a plank along the pavement. Some even consider the animal a modern-day unicorn. Apparently, it will become legal in 2015 (how sweet). A barn? In Virginia, hunting is forbidden on Sundays, unless you're hunting raccoons. In Massachusetts it is deemed illegal for a woman to be on top during sex. Don't Cut the Cactus Jumping Cactus in Arizona Source At least in Arizona, because it is illegal to do so. Where this law exists: Indianapolis, Indiana. Weird laws in the world's northernmost town: no funerals allowed, and no cats please! Married New Yorkers cannot get divorced on grounds of irreconcilable differences unless both marriage partners agree on those grounds. Anyone outside those positions is guilty of a third-degree felony, according to the Utah State Legislature. 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. No, a woman's hair does not legally belong to her husband in Michigan. Other strange driving laws in America include: You can't wash your neighbour's car without permission in Los Angeles. Final verdict:It's true. Since 1986, US authorities have had the legal right to access any 180-day old email, without a warrant. This country was named in this manner to attract settlers so that these raiders could benefit by warring with approaching settlers ships. that we will not tolerate this type of behavior in our licensed premises.[10]. 44. Yikes! According to the Wisconsin State Legislature, non-tasty cheese is technically punishable by law. Other than that, it is illegal to frown around public places, or you will be arrested and fined. In seven U.S. states, according to their constitutions, atheists are barred from holding public office. Which means that in rape cases, both the victim and the perpetrator could end up being charged with the same crime. Where this law exists: Rockville, Maryland. A Florida state legislator tried torepeal the lawin 2011 but was unsuccessful. In Britain it is an act of treason to place a postage stamp bearing the monarchs head upside down on an envelope. In Russia, Vladimir Putin just recently made it illegal to tell kids that gay people exist. 41. 10. 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. Who knows, but it was enough of an annoyance to pass a law about it. This murder is canceled," said no murderer ever. 15. 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.". If you do, the fish and wildlife commission will charge you with a Class A misdemeanor, according to Justia. Someone, at some point, did something so nutty that people felt compelled to make it illegal. Let's begin with one of the most frequently cited state laws, which reportedly requires that "all apple pie in Wisconsin must be served with a slice of cheese on it.". 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. It suffered heavy damages after an avalanche in 2015,photo credit, Acaption showing downtown Longyearbyen, and the Adventfjorden sea and valley, as seen from the nearby Plateau Mountain, photo credit. Were not sure what prompted the law to be made in the first place, but its not the worst law written. You can still dress up for the holiday, theater productions and emergency drills. That begs the question: Who had tires so muddy that people took the issue to city hall? Locals are also encouraged to take a firearm with themselves, particularly if they move away from the settlement. It's a bear, it's a moose it's a Sasquatch! Greenland, the world's largest island, is about 80% ice-capped. However, according to the Sexual Offences Act, it was a crime for teens to engage in this behaviour. However, the law is allowed under "life-threatening conditions as the only apparent means of survival," according to the Idaho State Legislature. The Hvalsey Church, a Norse ruin now is the first church for Christians built on the continent of North America. 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. So far, the metabo scheme has cut obesity by 3.5 percent, which certainly seems impressive in a country with already low obesity rates. 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. This North Carolina law was actually written to get rid of the persistent Ku Klux Klan activity in the area. This allowance does not apply in high-stakes Beano, which, apparently, is also a thing. The law applies also to trout, eels, lampreys, smelt, freshwater fish, and any other fish specified for the purpose.. The city of Petrolia in Ontario has a law that limits excessive noise. Skamania County, Washington, was the first county to draft the law in 1964 which states that "any . In Britain, it is illegal to import potatoes into England or Wales if you have reasonable cause to believe that they are Polish. In Saudi Arabia, there is no minimum age for marriage. Notice of Crimes. And, yes, two men were fined for having woefully floppy pickles. 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. 1. Shady psychics probably wont bother jumping through all the hoops. 7. Final verdict:Its tough to imagine fortune-tellers being taken so seriously that a law needs to be made about them. The fact that it needed to be made a law means that someone tried it, doesnt it? Thus, the forms of transport available for travelling long distances are boats and air. 7 Getting Drunk In A BarAlaska, US. Sending someone a pizza can cost way more than the delivery fee but only if you do it wrong. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest stories in hedge funds, PE, fintech, and banking delivered daily to your inbox. The law was introduced after the state government realized drunks committed the majority of crimes in Alaska. 50 dumb laws in America. 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. But not names. Iceland's volcanic fires are represented by the colour red, white for the snow and ice and blue for the ocean. We're talking about law-breaking criminals, right? If you own more than two in your house, you can be subject to criminal possession. 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. A major part of Greenland is covered by fjords, which prevent the construction of roads for travelling to another city or town. In England it is illegal to die in the House of Parliament, but something tells me that if someone did do this, they wouldnt face many repercussions? 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. Sounds like an amusement park ride for the donkey, but apparently the town didnt see it that way. 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.