Across the world, laws are meant to keep order, but sometimes they end up being more strange than sensible.
While many outdated laws are quietly forgotten, some still remain on the books, often confusing or amusing those who stumble upon them.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most ridiculous laws that are still technically in effect today, whether they’re actively enforced or just awkwardly stuck in legal history.
United Kingdom
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It’s illegal to handle a salmon suspiciously |
Yes, really. Under the Salmon Act 1986, holding a salmon in “suspicious circumstances” is a crime. |
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You can’t shake a rug in the street |
In London, shaking rugs or carpets outdoors is illegal - except doormats. |
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No armor in Parliament |
Wearing medieval armor inside Parliament is technically illegal (just in case you were planning a joust). |
France
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You can legally marry a dead person |
With presidential approval and proof of intent before death, posthumous marriage is allowed. |
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Naming a pig “Napoleon” is illegal |
An old law aimed at protecting national dignity - rarely enforced today, but never formally repealed. |
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UFOs prohibited from flying over |
At the time, rumors circulated that UFOs were passing through the town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhône Valley. To “symbolically” alleviate the residents’ panic, the mayor signed a decree in 1954 stipulating that “UFOs were not allowed to land within the town limits.” |
Germany
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Running out of fuel on the Autobahn is illegal |
It’s considered preventable negligence - even stopping on the Autobahn itself is against the law. |
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Prison escape is not a crime |
Escaping prison isn’t punishable because freedom is considered a basic human instinct - but damage caused during escape is punished. |
Italy
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Men can be fined for wearing skirts |
In some towns old municipal laws banning “improper dress” technically still apply. |
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Feeding pigeons can be illegal |
In Venice, feeding pigeons can get you fined up to hundred of euros. |
Japan
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Being overweight can get you fined (sort of) |
Companies may face penalties if employees exceed waistline limits under the “Metabo Law”. |
United States
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No ice cream in your back pocket (Alabama) |
Originally meant to prevent horse theft. |
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Sleeping with your shoes on is illegal (North Dakota) |
Still technically law. Enforcement basically zero. |
Australia
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Changing a lightbulb without a licensed electrician can be illegal |
In some states, it’s technically against safety regulations. |
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You must vote - or be fined |
Not ridiculous to Australians, but wild to many others: voting is mandatory. |
Switzerland
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Flushing the toilet after 10 p.m. can be illegal. |
In some apartment buildings, it’s considered noise pollution. |
Canada
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Paying with too many coins is illegal |
There are legal limits on how may coins you can use in single transaction. |
Singapore
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Chewing gum is restricted |
Selling it is illegal (except medical gum) and spitting it out improperly can get you fined. |
Thailand
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It’s illegal to step on money |
Because the king’s image appears on currency and banknotes. |
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