Most laws are created to protect people or property in some way. But sometimes outdated laws stay on the books because legislative bodies don’t bother to repeal them.
Occasionally laws are based on cultures that can leave visitors confused. And sometimes you’ll you’ll encounter some of the strangest laws that seem like such common sense you can’t believe they even had to be written down.
Let’s look at some examples. Here are 15 funny, dumb, and crazy laws from around the world.
Top 15 Weird and Crazy Laws in the World
Below are the details about the top world weird and crazy laws that still exist.
1. Chewing Gum is Banned in Singapore
Since 1992, it’s been illegal to import or sell general chewing gum in Singapore. While the rule was partially repealed to allow gum specific for dental health, as well as nicotine gum sold through doctors or pharmacists, there are still heavy restrictions, and recreational gum can’t be sold.
Tourists, however, are allowed to bring up to two packs of gum with them on their visits. This law is placed to promote cleanliness since chewing gums are thrown on roads and sidewalks. The ban has helped maintain Singapore’s reputation as one of the cleanest cities in the world.
2. Swearing in Public in St. Kitts Could Get You in Hot Water
Rapper 50 Cent found out the hard way this small Caribbean nation takes public swearing seriously. He was arrested after swearing on stage during a performance.
This region has strong religious values which has influenced the application of this law. Local authorities hope it encourages a more respectful and family-friendly environment.
3. In Billings, Montana it’s Illegal to Buy or Raise Rats
As many pet parents can tell you, rats can make for intelligent and loving pets. Sure, they’re not for everybody.
But in Billings, Montana it’s actually illegal to buy, sell or raise rats at all – unless you’re buying them to feed your reptiles or birds of prey. This unusual law was introduced to curb the potential spread of disease and prevent the pests from overwhelming local ecosystems. Are we sure a snake didn’t write this law?
4. If You Want a Pet Guinea Pig in Switzerland, be Prepared to Raise Two
Not all unusual pet laws are about demonizing certain animals like rats. Sometimes it’s about the animal’s own welfare. Guinea pigs are social animals and need to keep in contact with each other. So, the country has banned keeping only one guinea pig alone.
Switzerland is known for its strict animal protection laws, and this rule highlights its commitment to ensuring pets live happy and healthy lives. Owners who face situations where one guinea pig dies can even rent a companion guinea pig to avoid breaking the law.
5. In The UK, It’s Illegal to Fire a Cannon Within 300 Yards Of Someone’s House
The crazy thing about this law is that the Brits have felt a need to keep it in effect for this long. (It was enacted in 1839, and at least was still in effect around 2015.) Public safety and preventing property damage are two reasons why this law remains in place.
This law might sound outdated, but it reflects historical concerns about property damage and noise disturbances. It’s a reminder of how laws often evolve from unique circumstances of the past.
6. You Need a Permit to Feed Garbage to Most Pigs in Arizona
If you want to feed garbage to swine in the state of Arizona, you’ll need a permit. You’ll also have to renew that permit every January. Don’t worry, though. If you’re raising that pig for your own consumption, you’re exempt. The application of this law is primarily to prevent the spread of diseases among pigs.
Such measures aim to protect public health by controlling what pigs consume, especially when they might enter the human food chain.
7. In Oregon, It’s Illegal to Fling Feces from A Moving Vehicle
This law might seem absurd at first glance, but it likely arose from a practical need to maintain hygiene and public safety. Oregon’s statute against such behavior enforces basic standards of sanitation and cleanliness.
Throwing feces from a moving vehicle not only poses serious health risks due to potential exposure to harmful bacteria and pathogens but also contributes to environmental pollution. Moreover, such actions could distract other drivers, leading to accidents or dangerous road conditions.
8. You Could Get Arrested for Peeing on The Alamo
Not urinating on public monuments should be another no-brainer, but you could risk prison time and hefty fines if you relieve yourself on the Alamo while visiting Texas. Just ask Daniel Athens.
This law highlights the respect owed to historical landmarks. The Alamo holds significant cultural and historical importance, and acts of disrespect can result in severe consequences.
9. In France, it’s legal to Marry a Dead Person
Apparently, since World War I, France has had hundreds of requests for posthumous marriage each year. They can be legally approved for reasons such as legitimizing a child or honoring a commitment made before death. This might seem like one of the crazy laws in the world, but it serves a specific cultural and social purpose.
The practice is rare but legally allowed under strict conditions. It’s a poignant example of how legal systems can adapt to address personal tragedies.
10. In China, You Better Remember to Visit Your Elderly Parents
Ideally, adult children will see their parents often out of love and duty. But to battle elderly neglect, China made it a law in 2013.
This law reflects the importance of filial piety in Chinese culture and serves as a reminder to prioritize family relationships.
11. It Can Be Illegal to Take and Share Photos of The Eiffel Tower at Night
Blame this crazy law on copyrights. While you’re free to take and distribute, or even sell, photos of the Eiffel Tower that you take during daylight hours, the same rules don’t apply at night.
That’s because the light display on the tower is protected by its own copyright. Don’t worry if you’re just taking photos as personal mementos. The problem is if you distribute them without permission. That includes social media.
12. In Denmark, You Might Not Legally Be Allowed to Name Your Child What You Want
Several countries have naming standards for babies, where choosing a silly or highly unusual name might have their registration rejected. Denmark is a good example.
They have a list of around 7,000 approved names. But fear not if you were hoping for something more original. You can apply for a name outside the list to the Ankestyrelsen and hope for approval.
13. In Indiana, It’s Illegal to Catch a Fish with A Firearm (Or with Your Bare Hands)
Unless you can convince someone to issue a special permit, in the state of Indiana, you better come equipped with a hook and line if you want to go fishing.
Catching fish bare-handed or shooting at them with a firearm (though why would you want to?) are both illegal. These laws protect wildlife and encourage sustainable fishing practices.
14. It’s Illegal to Pump Your Own Fuel In New Jersey
When you visit most gas stations in the U.S., you get out of your car and pump your own fuel. But not in New Jersey – the last holdout state in the country making it illegal.
There, you stay in your car and let an attendant fill up your tank. The law aims to ensure safety and create jobs.
15. In Kentucky, It’s Illegal to Marry the Same Man for A Fourth Time
You would think you’d have learned your lesson by the third marriage to the same guy. But apparently, some need a little sense driven into them by the state. So Kentucky made it illegal to marry the same man four times.
If you’re a real glutton for punishment though, you might still be able to tie the knot again in a neighboring state.
Final Verdicts
Rules and regulations are applied almost in every part of the world. These weird and crazy laws are usually applied for the betterment of the society. However, sometimes, authorities have to apply weird and crazy laws on the citizens.
These laws sound strange to the rest of the world but are still applied for the society’s betterment. What are the craziest, most humorous, or most stupid laws you’ve come across where you’ve traveled or lived?
