What Are Some Of The Weirdest Laws Around The World?

Have you ever seen strange signs or heard of strange laws applicable when traveling in a country? I have, and while some of them are quite understandable and even welcome, others are rather surprising, to say the least. Have I piqued your curiosity? So keep scrolling and get ready for some culture shock!

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1. A fine for singing certain songs in Malaysia

Let’s start our journey with the beautiful tropical country of Malaysia renowned for its beautiful beaches, delicious food and the famous Petronas Twin Towers.

But did you know that you can’t sing indecent songs in public, as you risk imprisonment or a fine, or both. Want an example of a forbidden song? Do you remember Luis Fonsi’s summer hit “Despacito” released in 2017? Well, despite its worldwide success, the song made headlines in Malaysia for another reason, as the lyrics were deemed too “sexy”, and therefore censored in the country. So it’s best to think twice before starting to sing any song there, unless you want to see a different side of the country.

Incidentally, it’s best to refrain from spitting in public places, as it’s forbidden, but I’m not one to complain, as for someone who has travelled extensively in South-East Asia, I still find this “practice” very unhealthy and rather disgusting.

2. Don’t chew gum in Singapore

When I first heard about this ban, I was quite shocked and didn’t really understand the reason behind it. I mean, we’ve all had fun, as kids and even adults, trying to blow the biggest bubbles we can with our chewing gum, but not in Singapore, where you can’t even buy it except in pharmacies, because only “medicinal chewing gum” is allowed.

But when you see how clean Singapore’s streets are, you’ll understand this ban, because chewing gum was creating far too much dirt and problems in the transport system, and that’s why it was finally banned in 1992.

Just remember to leave your pack of chewing gum at home before you travel to Singapore and you’ll be fine (no pun intended here)!

3. Forget your high heels in Greece

If you’ve already read some of the quirky facts about the country in my other post (here), then you’ll know that Greeks have very interesting stories and traditions.

One of them concerns the country’s most important archaeological sites, such as the Parthenon, the Acropolis and many others, where the wearing of heels is forbidden as it risks damaging the monuments. Doesn’t that make sense? Besides, I wouldn’t say it’s the most comfortable option when you’re walking and wandering around the city for hours on end.

So be sure to check which sites prohibit high heels before you go, to save time and energy.

4. Only Speedos in public swimming pools in France

I know, Speedos aren’t the most attractive piece of swimwear, but in France, it’s highly likely that you’ll have to wear one if you want to get into a pool. The reason is simple: it’s supposed to be more hygienic, although, in my opinion, I don’t really understand that.

Perhaps, as some have said before, it’s because Speedos are only worn in a pool, whereas swimming shorts are often worn outside, when touring a city.

Anyway, I hope you’ll keep this fact in mind the next time you want to travel to France, gentlemen!

5. Think twice before insulting someone in Taiwan

Are you angry with one of your friends and want to insult him or her publicly? Maybe not, at least not in Taiwan. It could land you in jail for a year or force you to pay a $300 fine. This particular law is unfortunately still in force, but perhaps not for much longer, as people have begun to question its constitutionality, as it can be seen as an infringement of freedom of expression.

Only time will tell whether this will change, but in the meantime, it’s best to bite your tongue!

6. Vacuuming is forbidden during certain hours in Australia

Each Australian state has its own set of bizarre and eccentric laws, and here’s one of them: no vacuuming after 10 p.m. and before 7 a.m. on weekdays or 9 a.m. on weekends! And I have to say I like this law, because there’s nothing more annoying than your neighbor deciding to clean his house early in the morning.

So, if you find yourself in Victoria, remember this simple rule if you don’t want to risk the cops turning up at your house.

Another interesting rule to prevent theft is to lock your car when you’re not near it! Don’t forget this rule, as you’ll see plenty of traffic police patrolling the streets.

7. Don’t forget to fill up your tank before setting off on the autobahn in Germany

Here’s an unusual law, but quite funny when you think about it! In Germany, it’s forbidden to stop on the autobahn, let alone run out of petrol. The authorities consider it your responsibility to keep your tank full, or at least full enough to get you to the end of the freeway.

For anyone who’s thought of playing the old “my car’s just broken down” trick to seduce their boyfriend or girlfriend, maybe you shouldn’t try it on the autobahn…

8. Causing unjust vexation might cause you imprisonment in the Philippines

But what is unjust vexation? According to Article 287 of the Revised Penal Code: “any human behavior that causes annoyance, irritation, torment, distress or disturbance in the mind of another person”.

Quite a broad and lengthy definition if you ask me, but when you know you can be fined and even jailed for up to 30 days for it, maybe it’s best not to annoy anyone you meet, just to be on the safe side.

9. Take care of your banknotes in New Zealand

Want to scribble on your banknote in New Zealand? I wouldn’t recommend it! Following the example of one of the laws in force in Thailand (see my post on the subject here), you must not damage your banknotes, at least without the authorization of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

Considered a crime, I’d rather not be on the wrong side of the bank, wouldn’t you?!?

10. Shirts and driving in Thailand

I know the country and its hot climate can sometimes make you want to take your shirt off, gentlemen, especially when you’re driving in a car without air conditioning (does that even exist anymore???) but I wouldn’t do that in Thailand as it’s totally illegal.

So keep your shirt on if you intend to drive in the Land of Smiles.

11. Musical horns are forbidden in Cambodia

You’ve probably already heard some strange, musical horns, different from the beep-beep you’re used to. In Cambodia, this ban is fairly recent (March 20, 2024), vehicles fitted with musical horns are to be replaced by normal horns, as they are said to disrupt public order, as people have been seen dancing in the streets, causing safety issues.

What do you think? Too strict or reasonable enough?

12. Respect the dress code in Spain

If you’ve ever been to Australia or the USA, you’ve probably come across men walking bare-chested through the streets without encountering any problems with the police. But, like the ban on driving shirtless in Thailand, it’s impossible to walk around shirtless or in a bikini in Spain, unless you pay a hefty fine, which makes for a memorable vacation, but not in a good way.

13. Don’t build sandcastles in Italy

Italy has a number of bizarre laws, but the one that struck me the most concerns sandcastles in Eraclea, near Venice. Here, don’t expect to build beautiful sandcastles on the beach, as it’s simply illegal and you could be fined.

Other strange laws include the fact that it’s forbidden to wear noisy shoes in Capri, so forget your heels or any noisy sandals you might own.

But the one that tops it all is the law that came into force in 2012 in Falciano del Massico, prohibiting its inhabitants from dying. The reason: the town has no cemetery, so the mayor decided this law was the best way to solve the problem. Could it get any weirder?

14. Get a license before painting your house in Sweden

Are you familiar with Sweden’s traditional red houses? But did you know that you need a license to change the color of your house? Yes, it’s not a hoax, but reality. The country, in a bid to preserve its clean, recognizable look and traditions, has adopted this sensible law.

Personally, I think it’s a great way to remember and protect our cultural heritage!

15. Go to the bathroom before swimming in the ocean in Portugal

What a strange law in Portugal, where it’s forbidden to pee in the ocean. Yes, you read that right!

But one thing puzzles me. How can anyone know that you’ve actually relieved yourself in the ocean? I’ve heard of pool water changing color when someone’s had a little accident, but it’s not like you can use the same method in the sea, is it?

That’s why this law is in this post, because we still don’t know how it came about.

16. Ringing a doorbell can get you into trouble in the UK

What may seem like a childish, unimportant joke to some is illegal to others, and that’s the case in the UK. Ringing a doorbell or knocking on the door without a real and valid excuse, as the law dating back to 1839 states, is considered disturbing.

A word of warning to all you pranksters out there: next time you want to have some fun, think before you act, especially in the UK!

17. Don’t wake a bear for photos in Alaska

Among the weirdest laws ever written, the USA probably has some of the funniest.

The first concerns bears in Alaska and the fact that you shouldn’t wake them up just to take a nice photo of them. Personally, this would never occur to me, as I’m pretty sure I’d end up being the bear’s little snack.

What about Alabama? This state also has an interesting law that forbids driving blindfolded. I guess it’s better for everyone’s safety, right?

One last law that made me smile and laugh: in Tombstone, Arizona, women and men over the age of 18 must have no less than one missing tooth visible when they smile. Say cheese!

18. Don’t wear a sombrero and dance in New Mexico

This symbol of Mexico is not to be taken lightly, because even if you can buy one as a souvenir, remember not to dance while wearing it, because it’s illegal!

I still don’t know why, but since it’s a law, you might as well obey it!

19. No duel fighting in Canada

It may seem a little crazy these days to talk about duels, but there’s a clear law on the subject nonetheless, so don’t try one or prepare to spend some time in jail.

And if you’re looking for another weird law in Canada, you may not know that the sale or possession of crime comics is actually illegal, as it’s seen as a way of corrupting children and making them more likely to break the law. Although this law is still in force, you’ll see many stores selling such comics in Canada. So I wonder why they haven’t repealed this law yet.

20. A Messi law in Argentina

We all know Messi, the famous soccer player from Argentina. In any case, I think that even if I know him even though I’m not interested in the sport, everyone should know his name.

But one thing you may not know is that his hometown, Rosario, has banned parents from naming their children Messi to avoid any confusion.

Quite a unique law, isn’t it?

21. No selfies with Buddha in Sri Lanka

This law may seem bizarre to people unfamiliar with the culture, but one thing you need to remember is to NEVER turn your back on Buddha and therefore take selfies in front of him, as this is considered disrespectful and offensive. You wouldn’t want to get into trouble on your vacation, I suppose, and when you consider that tourists have already been arrested for such an offence, better safe than sorry!

22. Be nice to burglars in the Netherlands

Of course, you don’t have to let them rob you, but you should still be decent in your defense by asking them to leave at least three times before thinking of locking them in your house. The reason is simple: if you lock them up immediately, you’ll deprive the poor burglar of his freedom, and you’ll be the villain of the story.

The same applies if you try to defend yourself with a weapon. Don’t attack the burglar if he doesn’t also have a weapon, as this will put you at a disadvantage later on.

23. No homebrewing in Japan

At least, not if you intend to manufacture alcohol with a content of more than 1%, as you’ll need a permit to do so. Another interesting law is that you should never force someone to drink. To me, this is a matter of common sense, but I suppose it’s a good idea to clarify it and enshrine it in law. When you consider how important respect and etiquette are in the country, it’s not surprising that such a law exists.

24. In Korea, not just anyone can tattoo you

This art form, though common and popular around the world, is very much frowned upon in Korea, whose country is a conservative society. However, this has not prevented artists from practicing the art illegally, despite the fines they have had to pay.
Even if tattoos aren’t really illegal in Korea, you still need to be a licensed doctor to be allowed to open a store and do tattoos.

Of course, minds have clearly evolved, but not enough to change the requirements, at least for now.

25. A law banning a barbaric practice in China

When I learned of this barbaric act, I was stunned. The practice of bandaging feet was supposed to be a status symbol, as the longer the feet, the less desirable the wife. This cruel act often began before the girl was 10, and what was supposed to represent beauty was also a way for men to control women, as they couldn’t really walk properly.

Foot binding was finally banned in 1912, although it is said that some continued to practice it in secret. It really stopped in 1949, putting an end to a hundred years of suffering for women.

26. You can use a hotel’s bathroom for free in India

Thanks to the Sarais Law of 1867, you can enter a hotel and ask for water and use the toilet for free, even if you’re not a guest of the hotel in question.

Pretty good idea, isn’t it?!?

27. A TV license in South Africa

I couldn’t believe my ears when I first heard about a TV license in South Africa.

If you want to move to the country, you’ll need one to own a TV set, or face a small fine or jail time, or both.

28. Taking pictures can lead to fines in Saudi Arabia

You need to be particularly careful when taking photos in Saudi Arabia if you don’t want to spend money unnecessarily, that is. Specifically, you shouldn’t photograph official buildings or palaces without permission, but also people, as is the custom there.

Don’t worry, taking photos isn’t really illegal, but to avoid getting yourself into a tricky situation, ask politely first and take photos later!

29. Hats and pregnant women are a no-no in Madagascar

This is a bizarre law that I can’t even explain. It has nothing to do with health, so I have no idea why this law exists, but pregnant women are not allowed to wear hats in Madagascar.

30. No more than 2 people on a motorbike in Vietnam

This is a funny one, because even though the law states that no more than 2 people are allowed on a motorcycle, I’ve seen the opposite more than once. The record being 5 people at the same time with at least 3 adults, which surprised me to say the least.

Be that as it may, the law is the law and you have to respect it. 2 is the magic number.

So much for the weirdest laws I’ve seen or heard of. But what about you? Do you know of any other strange laws? Feel free to share them in the comments!

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