Pennsylvania. 2. In public swimming pools in France, men are only allowed to wear extremely tight-fitting swimming trunks in the swimming pool. For reasons unknown, these laws are still in place. In Arkansas there still exists a law that was instated in the 1800s that states a husband is allowed to beat his wife, but only once a month. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider 36. Presumably, the governor thinks its silly and should be stopped. 1. 7. Dirty tires that leave a trail of mud on the street are considered a public nuisance. Have You Heard About These Wacky Laws? A single sandcastle. 51. Or parties on campus? Its nothing like passing a driving test, but at least it takes some work before a psychic can start selling predictions. Someone may pursue legal action if they were simply watching from an authorized area. 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. It has become a tradition to use water pistols during New Years celebrations. 15 weird US laws you may be surprised to know exist. 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. It certainly is a forgotten law and has never really been enforced in Florida. Unfortunately, people are terrible. There are so many things wrong with this, but Mississippi lawmakers viewed it as an issue of morality. We're not sure why this law was passed, but it has stuck around and become a town tradition. 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. Final verdict:This sounds completely unconstitutional, but Mississippi passed a law in 2013 stating that you can only have one illegitimate child. There are truly some wacky laws out there There are truly some wacky laws out there. For some reason, she elected not to appear in court in person. Worst part about this law is there is no way of punishing the criminals who commit it. Fremont Street, also known playfully as 'Glitter Gulch', is one of the most famous streets in Las Vegas. 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. Final verdict:This one is just plain common sense, but in Wyoming, enough people went skiing after a few too many drinks that preventative measures were taken. If you're overheard dropping a four-letter word on the street, it's a misdemeanor worth a $100 fine. For the roughly 2,000 people that live in Longyearbyen, snowmobiles are also one of the favored modes of transport. Admittedly, most of these weird laws are either unlikely to be enforced or unlikely to come up in the first place. Just run and hide. Operated since 1924. Why North Carolina is so serious about their bingo games, we havent a clue. The ban on porch couches is still active in 2021. Or else! (now that's confusing) 16. Major tourist attractions in Greenland are the fauna and flora of this country. The same laws also prohibit turkey scrambles, according to the Minnesota 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. How ancient Romans went to conquer Britain? A Florida state legislator tried torepeal the lawin 2011 but was unsuccessful. 47. Its basically a cow with toothpicks for legs. Wait, I cant wear a bulletproof vest? Ohioans typically know what laws dictate when they can shoot off fireworks and whether it's illegal to steal . 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 was named as Greenland by Vikings who discovered this country in the 10th century. Obviously, eating it with your hands is the right way. Views: 4043 48. The rule states that no yelling, shouting, whistling or singing is allowed at any time. Similarly, bars can be fined for allowing bingo. If youre just being a jerk, itll cost you $500. In seven U.S. states, according to their constitutions, atheists are barred from holding public office. Who knows, but it was enough of an annoyance to pass a law about it. Final verdict:No, this isn't an attack on good, clean Halloween fun. Hopefully, you do, too. Spitting is also illegal and can result in arrest. 5. However, nothing saved the lovely little houses as an avalanche took momentum back in 2015 and wiped out almost the entire center of the settlement. In Massachusetts it is deemed illegal for a woman to be on top during sex. Why not outlaw idiotic drivers, while youre at it, New Mexico? Initially, it was enacted to stop servants stealing from their masters to help pay off drinking debts. One of the most active glaciers of the world is present in Ilulissat, a city on the western coast of Greenland. Michigan has a large Christian population, and in their faith, its believed that Sunday should be reserved for rest, family time and church. 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). Writer at Thought Catalog. Arizona. So far, the metabo scheme has cut obesity by 3.5 percent, which certainly seems impressive in a country with already low obesity rates. 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. Greenlandic became the sole official language of Greenland at the historic ceremony . 2. Strange But (Unfortunately) Untrue: Apple Pie Must Be Served With a Slice of Cheese. Seems unfair to the little critters, but they do have an annoying habit of going through the trash. Arkansas. In China, it is a law that a person must be intelligent to go to college. Who stole enough seafood for this to be worth making a weird law about? Final verdict: Sounds great, doesnt it? How about laws in retrograde. Iceland's volcanic fires are represented by the colour red, white for the snow and ice and blue for the ocean. Final verdict: Heres yet another weird law that we wish was a joke. The practical effect is more jail and fines, according to Find Law and BulletSafe. Is it the end of an era for the University RE: the myths about Skopjes Old Bazaar district. In Switzerland, it is illegal to flush a toilet after 10pm. It's still technically punishable as a misdemeanor, according to Virginia State Legislature. However, in 1966, Victoria, Australia, proved 20 th -century people could be just as miserable as their ancestors by passing anti-kite legislation. Steven Depolo/Flickr (Be honest: Have you ever caught a mouse without a hunting license?) Bangladeshi children of 15 and older can be sent to jail for cheating on their final exams. In Vermont, a wife needs the husbands permission to wear false teeth. It does that, but it also means that no Tennessee resident can share their password with anyone outside of their household. It states: Use or wearing a body vest while engaged in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, or flight after committing or attempting to commit a crime of the first degree is a crime of the second degree. In Athens-Clarke County, adult bookstores may not sell alcohol. If you think only big gestures count, you are wrong my "To Travel is to Live" ~ Hans Christian Andersen Luckily, after youre finally over your ex, its perfectly legal to marry someone else. The law came into effect in 2008, and many teenagers were outraged and protested. Sadly, thanks to the Licensing Act 1872, it's also illegal and could land you a 200 fine and almost a year in jail. 56. At Far & Wide, we try to be law-abiding citizens. It's Illegal to Drag a Dead Horse Along the Street. 60. Not So Crazy Eboli is a small town in Italy, and kissing in a moving vehicle is banned here. It is situated on the Svalbard Islands on the north of the Scandinavian country, and the islands bleak scenery is contrasted only by the colorful homes and edifices of the local Longyearbyen people. If you broke up three times, why would a fourth try be any different? You can't drive a car in reverse in public roads in Arizona. In Saudi Arabia, it is illegal for any woman to drive a car. Location of Cities: ithas a lot to do with water, Seattle: the most extensive terrain alteration in city building history, Radio tudent, one of Europes strongest alternative stations, struggling with funding cuts, Rebellious Rog: Ljubljanas shameful shutting down of its former bike factory turned culture center, Traveling pill #1: Dont do yoga on Holocaust monuments. It is a step toward full independence from Danish rule. 9. So, you wont get a ticket for having a heart attack. Moose aren't allowed on the sidewalk. 2023 This City Knows | All rights reserved. 27. 57. The law only applies if they maimed the victim on purpose, according to the Rhode Island State Legislature. Apparently, they cause an obstruction.[6]. Locals are also encouraged to take a firearm with themselves, particularly if they move away from the settlement. Why couldnt they have just forbidden bonfires? 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.. In Turin, Italy, dog owners must take their dogs on a walk at least three times a day. Where this law exists: San Francisco, California. Weather modification is not only possible, but it's actually a lucrative business. The law applies also to trout, eels, lampreys, smelt, freshwater fish, and any other fish specified for the purpose.. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest stories in hedge funds, PE, fintech, and banking delivered daily to your inbox. Quit getting married. A barn? Final verdict: Technically, it was Wisconsins downright war against margarine that began in 1895. 1) No liquor served on Sundays before 12 noon! 46. This just makes a lot of sense and has probably saved many lives. Hello everybody this is Ethan welcome back to another episode of Unique Facts And Weird Laws. A second offense costs $2000 and being forced to clean a public area of the city for a day. By law, any whale or great Sturgeon caught in the UK is the property of the Queen. Final verdict: Idiotic college students are to blame for this one. In Australia, men are free to cross-dress, just as long as their dresses are not strapless. 19. According to Louisiana State Legislature, the Creole stir-fry, made with rice, meat, and veggies, may be prepared for public consumption in the open using iron pots and wood fires. Except for the absence of sun, and the harsh temperatures, the locals, face also some weird legal enforcement. Sadly, its not. That's why you need to know about some of the weirdest laws that you might break completely by accident. The law has withstood legal challenges since 1845 and included exceptions for parties, according to the New York Times and Find Law. In Canada, any comic book that portrays illegal activity is banned. Unfortunately, when a local dam broke, the house flooded, and the bathtub floated away, donkey and all. After that, they receive compulsory dietary advice and guidance followed by six months of reeducation if they are still not making sufficient progress.[3]. This road sign is meant to remind drivers to be cautious about their speeds on an upcoming hill. The law is apparently tied to an 80-year-old tradition called the Frog Jumping Jubilee in a mining town and was enacted many years ago to prevent people from eating unsanitary frogs. It's a bear, it's a moose it's a Sasquatch! 1. Many elements of Hawaiian culture were repressed, so understandably, native Hawaiians didnt want their coins stuck in peoples ears. However, what makes this law even stranger is that it is illegal to do this only on Sundays. They dont like that, either. Greenland is one of the best locations in the world to view the dancing Northern lights. Just make sure you dont throw your talcum powder around when you are getting dry later. 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. Nevertheless, the strange assortment for burial is not the only weird law active in Longyearbyen. Offenders can be sentenced to 25-year long prison time. Thankfully, because it's one of the weirdest laws around the world, we're guessing it never really has to be enforced. 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. If it keeps creepy clowns of the road, we're OK with it. 50 dumb laws in America. Top 10 Crazy Laws in Nevada and Las Vegas. Its not like it was the couches fault. And remember: having a criminal record is definitely not cool if you're a man over 40. Only male dogs and cats can be neutered. Were not sure what prompted the law to be made in the first place, but its not the worst law written. When it entered the Kentucky Constitution in 1849, the law was meant to deter men who might aspire to public office from participating in the once rampant Southern tradition. Even if a person gets buried, it is another question how proper the body will decompose. Good to know. In Singapore, selling non-medical chewing gum or chewing normal gum is a fine of $1000. Plus the cost of the pizza. And yes, it is as vague and arbitrary as it sounds. ), On the whole, it seems that the German government would like parents to use properly spelled, good old-fashioned names. 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. Mount Washington features rare alpine plants such as Greenland sandwort, Labrador tea, alpine bearberry, dwarf cinquefoil, dwarf birch, willow, and balsam fir. 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. Final verdict: This is one of the weirdest U.S. laws because its almost entirely pointless. Final verdict: Don't go to Yamhill to get your fortune told. The law was introduced after the state government realized drunks committed the majority of crimes in Alaska. The ruling has been challenged by nature lovers, but the Swiss high court agreed that the government had the right to uphold public decency.. Have you been wondering recently how to take better care of your SO? Interracial marriage was still illegal in Alabama in 2000. Shady psychics probably wont bother jumping through all the hoops. The name Adolf, for example, has not been banned, though its rarely used.[4]. It's illegal to drive while your dog is tethered to your car in Alaska. Protect your cows - another one of the strange laws in Ireland. The ancient culture along with the stunning and varied wildlife is the factor that promotes tourism for this place. Colorado ski resorts pay private companies to burn silver iodide on the slopes. It is also apparently illegal in Massachusetts for a man and a woman who rent a room for the night to sleep in the nude. You're not allowed to drive a black car on a Sunday in Denver, Colorado. Apparently, it leads to rubbing powder on one anothers faces.[8], In 2009, voters in Appenzell Inner Rhodes in the Swiss Alps voted to ban naked hiking. Thats just not right. This is particularly important to the Chinese authorities because His Holiness (Tenzin Gyatso) has been such a thorn in their side. Just dont let them take a snooze in the process, or you might be slapped with a fine. However there is no clear evidence to support the. 5. Pipe alone, or not at all! 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 Hong Kong, theres a law that allows a wife to kill her husband if she finds him cheating. The list is quite long-:) OP JonnyM 11 | 2,620 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. hamburg_berlin/Shutterstock Part of the problem is the permafrost which makes it nearly impossible to properly dig graves, and the frost itself will push the coffins up and out of the earth. This law was enacted to prevent people from being forced to foot the bill for food they didnt order. The law originated during the 1860s, when San Francisco was at the center of the California Gold Rush. 3) (rescinded obviously after the 1930's) In certain Southern states, sodomy punishable, but lynching blacks permissible, indeed photographed and applauded. According to the Wisconsin State Legislature, non-tasty cheese is technically punishable by law. Germany banned making any loud, excessive noises during quiet hours which are typically between 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.