Strangest Weird Laws Still in Effect Around the World
Every country has its share of old, quirky laws. In this article, we explore some of the most weird laws still technically in effect worldwide. While many are unenforced, they offer a glimpse into odd historical quirks. You’ll read about everything from legal mandates to smile in Italy to bans on strange acts. These legal oddities and bizarre rules show how law can take unexpected turns.
Why Odd Laws Exist
Many strange laws are relics of past eras, reflecting outdated concerns or jokes. For example, some laws were written for one purpose (like salmon fishing regulation) but were worded oddly. Others were made in isolated localities to address a specific problem that no longer matters. Often, these unusual legislation remain forgotten but never formally repealed. Exploring them is more fun than practical — after all, nobody really enforces a no-farting law!
Unusual Laws in Europe
- Suspicious Salmon (UK): In England and Wales, the Salmon Act 1986 makes it illegal to handle salmon “in suspicious circumstances”. Though rarely tested, it was meant to target poaching.
- Mandatory Smiles (Italy): A famous law in Milan still technically requires people to smile at all times, except at funerals or hospitals. So yes, frowning in Milan could be a ticketable offense!
- Dog Walking Rules (Sweden): In some parts of Scandinavia, like Trollhattan, pets must be walked “at least three times daily.” Quirky perhaps, but it encourages responsible pet ownership.
- Burial Plot Purchase (France): In Sarpourenx, France, residents must purchase a burial plot before they die. This old municipal rule ensures space management in cemeteries.
Weird Laws in the United States
- No Loose Chickens (Georgia, USA): Quitman, Georgia has a law forbidding chickens to roam free in the streets. A broken chicken could get its owner a fine – an example of local livestock control.
- Florida Fart Law: Legend says an old Florida ordinance bans the passage of gas in public after 6 p.m. on Thursdays!. It was likely meant to preserve decorum, though it’s not enforced today.
- Minnesota Waitress Attire: Minneapolis had a law requiring female waiters to dress in “bustle” outfits at certain restaurants. This outdated rule was repealed, but it shows past odd dress codes.
Strange Laws in Asia and Beyond
- New Zealand’s “No Licking toads”: Citizens are warned not to lick the bark of certain trees that makes them nauseous; while not a formal law, it’s a published warning about native flora.
- Private Property (Mexico): In Mexico, an old rule reportedly says you can keep whatever a servant steals from you since they belonged to the servant (making them somehow not your property). This archaic notion is more curiosity than current law.
- British Radio (UK): UK law requires at least 35% of music on radio stations to be British. This quirky regulation promotes local content, but means listeners hear a high quota of British music.
- Wearing Sunglasses (Iran): Iran bans wearing sunglasses at night because they may conceal the eyes; this is enforced loosely in public spaces.
Famous Bizarre Legislation
Some laws become famous for their sheer absurdity: for example, Finland prohibits swearing while driving. In Samoa, a man must not forget his wife’s birthday or face jail. In South Africa, it’s illegal to wear a hat inside Cape Town’s Parliament. These bizarre rules highlight cultural and historical quirks. Few are enforced, but they remain “on the books,” symbolizing each society’s unique character.
Mini-FAQ
- Q: Do people still get fined for these strange laws?
A: Almost never. Most weird laws are unenforced curiosities. For example, nobody is ticketed for not smiling in Milan or for farting in Florida. They’re mostly obsolete. - Q: Why wasn’t a strange law repealed?
A: Often because nobody bothers to remove it from old legislation. Legal codes can be huge, and odd laws slip through the cracks. - Q: Are these laws unique to small towns?
A: Many are local ordinances (like the Georgia chicken law). Others come from national parliaments (like the British Salmon Act). - Q: Can someone unknowingly break a weird law?
A: It’s possible but unlikely to be punished. These laws are antiquated. For instance, visitors to Milan smile on their own anyway, without knowing the rule. - Q: What’s an example of a strange current law?
A: While many are old, some modern odd rules exist. For example, in some places it’s illegal to ride a cow on a highway (Poland), or that women must get permission to wear high heels in Greece (for safety on ruins)!
Conclusion
Strange laws still exist around the world, reflecting bygone eras and local quirks. From weird laws like the UK’s Salmon Act to Italy’s mandatory smiles, they entertain more than they govern. Most are rarely enforced, but they remain part of the legal landscape. Exploring these bizarre rules reminds us that law often has a humorous side. So next time you travel, remember: maybe check the quirky local statutes – you never know what you might find!
Further Reading
- The Lawyer Portal – Weird Laws Around the World
A roundup of quirky and unusual legal oddities from different countries.
👉 thelawyerportal.com/blog/weird-laws-around-the-world - BBC Future – The World’s Weirdest Laws
Explores strange and humorous laws still on the books worldwide.
👉 bbc.com/future/article/20140211-the-worlds-weirdest-laws - Travel + Leisure – 10 Strange Laws Around the World
A lighthearted look at laws tourists might encounter abroad.
👉 travelandleisure.com/strange-laws-around-the-world - National Geographic Kids – Odd Laws
Fun, educational overview of bizarre legal rules for a younger audience.
👉 kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/odd-laws - Smithsonian Magazine – Strange and Silly Laws Still on the Books
Cultural perspective on why unusual laws persist and what they reveal about history.
👉 smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/strange-and-silly-laws-still-on-the-books-1736402
