Education logo

The World's Strangest Laws:

Unveiling 10 Bizarre Legal Codes from Across the Globe

By Lesedi MolutsiPublished 2 years ago 3 min read

Introduction:

Laws serve as the backbone of society, providing guidelines and regulations to ensure harmony and order among its members. However, not all laws are created equal, and there are some that leave us scratching our heads, wondering about their origin, purpose, and relevance in the modern era. As we explore different corners of the world, we discover a myriad of bizarre and perplexing laws that continue to exist, albeit rarely enforced. In this article, we will delve into 10 of the weirdest and most outlandish laws from across countries and continents – a testament to the peculiarity that can exist within the realm of legislation.

1. Singapore: No Chewing Gum

In an effort to maintain cleanliness and prevent damage to public infrastructure, Singapore banned the sale and importation of chewing gum, with exceptions for therapeutic gum approved by the government. Violators face substantial fines and even imprisonment.

2. Italy: No Feeding Pigeons in Venice

To control the pigeon population and maintain the city's historical monuments, it is illegal to feed pigeons in public places in Venice. Offenders can be fined, although the enforcement of this law is often lax.

3. Japan: No Unauthorized Distribution of "Uncensored" Adult Content

While Japan is known for producing and consuming adult content, the distribution of explicit material without pixelation – a practice known as "uncensored" adult content – is illegal. However, the enforcement of this law can be inconsistent.

4. Sweden: You Can't Paint Your House Without a License

In Sweden, anyone planning to paint their house must obtain a special license from the government. The purpose of this law is to maintain aesthetic harmony in neighborhoods and prevent owners from painting their houses unusual or unsightly colors.

5. France: No Ketchup in School Cafeterias

A law implemented in France in 2011 banned ketchup from being served in school cafeterias. The intention was to preserve the French culinary culture and encourage children to appreciate traditional French cuisine instead of relying on processed condiments.

6. United Kingdom: It's Illegal to Die in the Houses of Parliament

Dating back to the medieval era, a law exists which states that it is illegal to die inside the Houses of Parliament in the United Kingdom. This peculiar regulation was enacted to prevent any deceased person from having the honor of a state funeral.

7. Thailand: Stepping on Currency is a Crime

In Thailand, the currency bears the image of the revered King. Therefore, stepping on a Thai baht coin or note, literal or symbolic disrespect to the monarchy, is considered a criminal offense.

8. Canada: Don't Drag a Dead Horse on the Road

In certain provinces of Canada, it is illegal to drag a dead horse along a road or through any public space. The intention is to avoid causing distress or endangering public safety.

9.Farting in Public is Illegal After 6 PM

In Florida, farting in public after 6 PM is actually prohibited. Although it may be difficult to enforce, it is a good idea to avoid farting in public because it could result in a fine for you.

10.Sleeping while getting a haircut

Prior to getting a haircut, make sure you have a decent night's sleep. In Florida, it is against the law to nod off during a haircut or while using a hair dryer. Men and women are equally affected by this. Therefore, even a brief snooze could result in you breaking the law. The authorities may penalize you and the owner of the salon if they discover you sleeping. Therefore, you may need to avoid getting a haircut if you are feeling tired because you might get penalized.

Therefore, before planning a vacation in another country, familiarize yourself with their laws. You do not want to find yourself in jail for something as silly as chewing a gum, falling asleep while getting a haircut, farting in public after 6 PM, dragging a dead horse on the road, stepping on a currency, feeding pigeons in Venice, painting your house without a license, using ketchup in a school cafeterias or even for dying in the house of parliament.

travel

About the Creator

Lesedi Molutsi

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.