Strange Laws in the World That You Won’t Believe Exist

by

Table of Contents

Introduction

Let’s face it—laws are meant to maintain order, protect people, and guide societies. But sometimes, they go from logical to downright bizarre. Around the globe, there are rules that will make you laugh, scratch your head, or wonder what inspired them in the first place. From banning chewing gum to outlawing fake mustaches in church, the world is full of legal oddities that defy explanation.

In this blog post, we’re diving deep into some of the most strange laws in the world—the kind you wouldn’t believe if they weren’t actually written into law books. Whether they come from ancient traditions or were created out of weird circumstances, these laws are still technically enforceable in many places today. Get ready to explore the legal weirdness hiding in plain sight across countries!

The Strangest Laws in the World You Won’t Believe Exist

As crazy as they may sound, these laws aren’t urban legends—they’re real, strange laws in the world that have been passed, enforced (sometimes), and even written into official legal codes. Some were created with good intentions, based on cultural norms or historical situations. Others? Well, let’s just say they leave a lot of people confused… or laughing.

While a few of these strange laws are still actively enforced, many remain simply because no one has taken the time to remove them. They sit quietly in the background—legal ghosts from another era. But even if they’re rarely enforced, they’re technically still the law, and yes, you can get in trouble for breaking them in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Strange Laws in the United States

Alabama – No Fake Mustaches in Church

In Alabama, it’s illegal to wear a fake mustache in church if it causes laughter. This odd law likely originated from efforts to maintain decorum during worship services—but the idea of a mustache being disruptive is strangely specific.

Arizona – Donkeys Can’t Sleep in Bathtubs

Back in the 1920s, a donkey slept in a bathtub near Kingman, Arizona. A dam broke, flooding the area, and rescuers struggled to save the animal. After that chaos, the state made it illegal for donkeys to snooze in tubs. Logical? Not exactly. Memorable? Absolutely.

California – Whistling for a Lost Canary Before 7 a.m. is a No-Go

In some California towns, it’s against local ordinances to whistle for a lost canary before 7 in the morning. Whether it’s about preserving peace or preventing early-morning serenades, it’s a real rule—and oddly poetic.

Florida – Don’t Sing in a Swimsuit

In Florida, singing while wearing a swimsuit is technically illegal. This strange law dates back to old decency codes, but let’s be honest—Floridians have probably broken this one on a beach karaoke night more than once.

Vermont – No Banning Clotheslines

While not as laugh-out-loud weird, Vermont has a law that prohibits banning clotheslines. It’s designed to protect energy-conscious residents from HOA or landlord restrictions—but still feels oddly specific for a state law.

Weird Laws from Europe

Switzerland – No Toilet Flushing After 10 p.m.

In some Swiss apartment buildings, it’s considered illegal—or at least strongly discouraged—to flush the toilet after 10 p.m. The rule is based on noise concerns in shared buildings. While it’s not a federal law, many local policies treat it seriously, making late-night flushes a bit risky.

Venice, Italy – Don’t Feed the Pigeons

Feeding pigeons in Venice’s famous St. Mark’s Square isn’t just frowned upon—it’s illegal. The city passed this law to protect historical buildings from bird damage and to keep the area cleaner. Tourists caught tossing breadcrumbs could face a hefty fine.

France – You Can Legally Marry a Dead Person

Yes, it’s true. In rare cases, France allows someone to marry a deceased partner under special circumstances—usually if the couple was already planning to wed. It’s based on a law from 1959 and requires the president’s approval. Beautiful or bizarre? You decide.

Denmark – Naming Your Baby Has Legal Rules

In Denmark, you can’t name your child anything you want. The government has a list of about 7,000 approved names. If your desired baby name isn’t on the list, you’ll need official permission. This law ensures that children aren’t given names that could cause embarrassment.

Germany – It’s Illegal to Run Out of Gas on the Autobahn

Running out of gas on Germany’s high-speed highways (the Autobahn) is considered avoidable and dangerous—so it’s illegal. Stopping unnecessarily on the Autobahn puts you and others at risk, and German law treats it as negligence.

Bizarre Laws in Asia

Japan – Being Overweight Is Against the Law

Japan takes health seriously. Under the “Metabo Law,” companies must ensure employees between 40 and 74 meet waistline limits. The law isn’t about body-shaming—it’s about reducing health costs. Still, it’s one of the most unique health laws in the world.

Thailand – It’s Illegal to Step on Money

In Thailand, the king’s image appears on all currency. Stepping on money is seen as disrespectful to the monarchy and is a criminal offense. It might seem like a harmless act elsewhere, but in Thailand, it’s a serious cultural misstep.

Singapore – Chewing Gum Can Get You Fined

Chewing gum was banned in Singapore in 1992 to keep streets and public places clean. The law still stands, with only limited medical exceptions. Bring gum across the border, and you might just lose more than your breath mint.

India – Kite Flying Requires a Permit

Under the Indian Aircraft Act of 1934, even flying a kite technically counts as an “aircraft activity,” which means you need a permit. While not often enforced, the law still exists and can be used during political rallies or large public events.

China – Reincarnation Requires Government Approval (Tibetan Law)

In a strange blend of religion and politics, Tibetan Buddhist monks must seek government approval to reincarnate. This law is aimed at controlling spiritual leadership in the region, and while it sounds surreal, it’s very real in practice.

Strange Laws from Australia & New Zealand

Victoria, Australia – Changing a Light Bulb Was Once Illegal Without a License

It used to be that only licensed electricians in Victoria could legally change a light bulb. Thankfully, this law has been updated—but at one point, doing your own bulb swap could land you in trouble.

Western Australia – Possessing 50kg of Potatoes is Illegal

This quirky law comes from the Potato Marketing Corporation, which limited bulk distribution to licensed growers. Anyone caught transporting more than 50kg of potatoes without a permit could face a fine. It’s still technically on the books.

New Zealand – It’s Illegal to Name Your Baby “Lucifer”

New Zealand’s government has a strict list of banned baby names to prevent children from being given offensive or controversial names. Among the prohibited names: “Lucifer,” “Messiah,” and even “4Real.” So no demonic baby names, please.

Africa & Middle East – Unusual Regional Laws

Nigeria – It’s Illegal to Import Certain Fabrics

In Nigeria, the import of certain textiles—especially printed fabrics—is heavily restricted. This law was introduced to protect local textile industries from being overwhelmed by cheap foreign goods. It’s a trade regulation, but it’s surprisingly strict, and breaking it can land importers in serious legal trouble.

Saudi Arabia – Valentine’s Day Was Once Banned

Until recently, celebrating Valentine’s Day in Saudi Arabia was considered un-Islamic and was banned. Red roses and heart-shaped gifts were even removed from store shelves before February 14. While the ban has eased in recent years, this strange law was once a real romance killer.

South Africa – Keep Your Car Clean, Or Get Fined

In parts of South Africa, particularly in Johannesburg, driving a dirty car—especially if the license plate is obscured—can get you fined. The rule aims to help law enforcement clearly identify vehicles, but it’s also a nudge to keep things tidy on the road.

Why Do These Strange Laws Still Exist?

At first glance, these laws may seem pointless, outdated, or even laughable. But like most things in society, they usually have roots in history, culture, or specific past events.

Many strange laws were introduced to solve problems that were once relevant—like a donkey sleeping in a bathtub during a flood, or preventing pigeons from damaging historic buildings. Others reflect old social norms, like modesty laws or government attempts to shape cultural values.

In many cases, these laws have simply been forgotten, left behind as legal fossils in modern times. They’re rarely enforced, but because removing a law takes time, money, and political attention, they often stay on the books quietly collecting dust.

Still, even if they aren’t enforced, they technically remain active—and in rare cases, people have gotten into trouble for breaking them!

Funny Travel Stories & Real Cases

💼 A British Tourist Got Fined for Wearing a Bikini

In 2022, a British woman vacationing in Italy got fined for walking around town in just her bikini. She had no idea local rules required tourists to cover up away from the beach—oops! Her story went viral, and local authorities stood firm on enforcing the law.

🪙 A Backpacker Stepped on a Coin in Thailand

A traveler in Thailand absentmindedly stepped on a coin while boarding a bus. A local saw it and reported it to the police. While the tourist got off with a warning, it was a harsh lesson in respecting local symbols—in this case, the king’s image on currency.

💌 A Valentine’s Mishap in Saudi Arabia

A foreign couple once tried to celebrate Valentine’s Day at a hotel in Riyadh. Red roses were spotted by staff, and they were quickly escorted out. No jail time, but it made for an awkward and very memorable dinner date!

Lesson learned? Always check local laws before you travel—even if they sound too weird to be real. Because sometimes, they are.

Final Thoughts on Strange Laws in the World

From kites being treated like aircraft to naming restrictions on babies, the strange laws in the world reveal just how diverse—and sometimes hilarious—our legal systems can be. While some of these rules may seem absurd today, they often carry traces of a country’s values, history, or attempts to solve problems that once made perfect sense.

Whether still enforced or just hanging on in dusty legal archives, these laws remind us that reality can be stranger than fiction. They also show the importance of understanding local customs and legal quirks—especially if you’re traveling abroad.

So next time you flush your toilet after 10 p.m. or think about singing in your swimsuit, remember… somewhere in the world, that might be breaking the law.

Leave a Comment