In Rhode Island, a union can be considered invalid under the grounds that the party is deemed to be, collectively, an idiot or a lunatic. Where this law exists: South Berwick, Maine. In Utah you can marry your cousin, but only if you are both over the age of 65. If found guilty, the man will be charged with a misdemeanor, fined at the court's discretion, and possibly imprisoned for no more than one year with a number of exceptions, according to the South Carolina State Legislature. 40 Weird Laws in the U.S By Brittany Alexandra Sulc, updated on July 15, 2021 Candice Lane / Facebook At Far & Wide, we try to be law-abiding citizens. This weird Nevada law is founded on logic - although that might not seem apparent at first. For the roughly 2,000 people that live in Longyearbyen, snowmobiles are also one of the favored modes of transport. In Florida it is illegal for a divorced or a widowed woman to skydive on a Sunday afternoon. The rule states that no yelling, shouting, whistling or singing is allowed at any time. The law has withstood legal challenges since 1845 and included exceptions for parties, according to the New York Times and Find Law. They may have made sense when they were written, but today they seem a little questionable, weird or just plain dumb. This North Carolina law was actually written to get rid of the persistent Ku Klux Klan activity in the area. Regardless, next time you camp in Minnesota, make sure to hose off your tires if youve taken an off-roading expedition. 36. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to tie a dollar bill to a string on the ground and pull it away when someone tries to pick it up. This crazy law in Georgia was passed in jest, but it's still on the books. The time depends on the region. It's unlikely to ever be enforced, however, unless your whispering is really, really annoying. You may not spot moose from a plane and hunt them on the same day. 35. In Oregon, talking dirty while having sex is illegal. In Hong Kong, theres a law that allows a wife to kill her husband if she finds him cheating. 1 Being in a Bar While Drunk. The law was introduced after the state government realized drunks committed the majority of crimes in Alaska. The ban on porch couches is still active in 2021. The law is still upheld today. Swiss locals going about their daily lives objected to encountering walkers wearing nothing but a pair of walking boots and a smile. 62. Plus the cost of the pizza. No Public Feather Dusting. The worlds northernmost capital is Nuuk, and it belongs to Greenland, while the worlds northernmost town that has more than a thousand permanent residents is Longyearbyen and it belongs to Norway. In Thailand it is illegal to step on money. In Argentina, there is a law that states that Argentine nightclubs must play the same amount of tango music as all other forms of music combined. Smile Or Spend Time In Jail. When the sun reappears after the long and dark winter months, the local people of Longyearbyen observe the Solfestuka festivity. How many sleazy seaweed peddlers have you met? The man was neither fined nor imprisoned, suggesting Michigan doesn't take the law too seriously. 16. The Berlin Wall Good Thing Today Its Street Live, Love, Create, Enjoy Melbourne, a haven for Weird laws in the worlds northernmost town: no funerals allowed, and no cats please! Sadly, its not. In Colorado it is illegal to collect rainwater. An extremely stunning phenomenon is the midnight Sun which means that the day does not end with a setting sun. 13 strange and interesting facts about Iceland - Real Word The laws lightened up over the years, with margarine sales remaining a criminal offense until 1967. Apparently, it leads to rubbing powder on one anothers faces.[8], In 2009, voters in Appenzell Inner Rhodes in the Swiss Alps voted to ban naked hiking. The term Greenland means the land of people and the name is contradictory due to fact that 85% of the land of this country is covered in ice. The Swiss government has imposed hefty fines on anyone caught walking au naturel. So, hopefully, your old car works well enough to make it home from mass because you wont be able to buy a new one until Monday morning. Views: 4043 According to Wyoming State Legislature, violations are felony offenses punishable by up to five years in prison. 30. 63. Yikes! 67 Ridiculous Laws From Around The World That Still Actually Exist Thanks to a weirdly-worded law in the city Criminal Code, it is unlawful to "throw any stones, snowballs, or any other missiles" at any person or property in Topeka, an ordinance that former mayor. Strange But (Unfortunately) Untrue: Apple Pie Must Be Served With a Slice of Cheese. 49. 57. 59. During summer, from mid-May to mid-July the sun does not completely set even though the bright daylight gets converted to warm hues in the evening. Stupid Laws - The Greatest Collection of Stupid Laws in the World! In Hartford, it's illegal to collect "rags, paper, glass, old metal, junk, cinders or other waste matter in the city" without a license, according to Municode. One councillor said, The problem with that bear is it doesnt have a complete wardrobe. The bears lack of pants was an issue as it was half naked., The meeting, which was taped in secret and leaked to the media, began to get out of hand when someone mentioned that the author was over 60 and [had] cut Poohs testicles off with a razor blade because he had a problem with his identity., In the end, the council decided to go with a Polish childrens character that was fully dressed from head to toe. Just to be on the safe side.[1]. Some evidence suggests that trial by combatmight technically be legal on a federal level even today. When Hawaii joined the United States in 1900, it still had its own coinage. 11. 26. The poor bears were also subjected to inhumane practices, like removing their claws and teeth, to prevent them from killing their human opponents. Greenland is one of the best locations in the world to view the dancing Northern lights. If you own more than two in your house, you can be subject to criminal possession. In Honolulu, Hawaii it is illegal to sing loudly after sunset. However, if the child is more than 6 months old, the mother faces a fine (via Stupid Laws ). It makes sense to require people to stay in control of their animals, but its not like there were lawless horses breaking the speed limit before they made this funky law. "Dumb Laws" Across the United States It Is Prohibited To Harass Big Foot (Washington) In the US state of Washington, it is a crime punishable by either a fine or a jail term to harass big foot, Sasquatch, or any other undiscovered species. Final verdict: Where else would he sleep? 1. In Britain it is an act of treason to place a postage stamp bearing the monarchs head upside down on an envelope. In North Carolina couples must have sex in the missionary position and with the curtains pulled. Moose aren't allowed on the sidewalk. 1. 2. In Kansas, individual counties may by resolution or petition prohibit the sale of alcohol in public places where 30% or less of their gross revenue comes from the sale of food, according to Kansas State Legislatureand TIME. They dont like that in Australia. Mercury in retrograde? Good to know. 1. Top 10 Weird Canadian Laws - New Life Visa It's illegal to drive while your dog is tethered to your car in Alaska. 54. Declaring their intention to crack down hard on this sort of behavior, the authorities said, It sends a clear message to all licensees. Michigan has a large Christian population, and in their faith, its believed that Sunday should be reserved for rest, family time and church. Illegal in Iceland: Quirky Bans From the Land of Fire and Ice :) Greenland is a unique land with exquisite and exotic flora and fauna. Oh Canada? Here are 20 weird Canadian laws that you never knew To solve the funeral issue the local government of Svalbard reportedly requests any dead bodies to be taken to the mainland of Norway for burial, either by plane or by boat. However, there is nothing to stop him from reincarnating anywhere else in the world. Stupid Laws of South America: Funny, Dumb and Strange South - Goodreads According to Alaska State Legislature, the statute says an intoxicated person may not "knowingly" enter or camp out where alcohol is sold. In reality, it's illegal under Illinois law to possess any variety of aquatic life that was captured or killed in violation of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code or whose value exceeds $600, according to the Illinois General Assembly. According to Louisiana State Legislature, the Creole stir-fry, made with rice, meat, and veggies, may be prepared for public consumption in the open using iron pots and wood fires. This murder is canceled," said no murderer ever. In Canada, it's now legal to engage in oral sex with your pet. 175 Strange Laws from the UK and around the world - Wright Hassall However, she must kill him with her bare hands. So we might think its a good thing that councillors give careful consideration to any mascots that they might put on a playground. Right now, its illegal for them to vote too. That is enforcement that protects the lives of people unless someone wants to be the meal of a hungry polar bear. In Britain, it is illegal to carry a plank along the pavement. B Rosen via Flickr Final verdict:This sounds completely unconstitutional, but Mississippi passed a law in 2013 stating that you can only have one illegitimate child. In France, it is stated as illegal to marry a dead person. The list goes on. The practical effect is more jail and fines, according to Find Law and BulletSafe. In some cases, both the bride and the groom are absent. Unique Facts And Weird Laws #42: Greenland by Chitter Chatter - Anchor 3. Also, an ancient Norwegian law still exists that obliges all Norwegians to go out on expeditions to rape and plunder at least once every five years. Maybe people were tired of being interrupted by noise while trying to enjoy a sub after a long day? How about laws in retrograde. Students at the University of Colorado kept getting too lit at frat parties (pun intended). It can be viewed clearly during the nights throughout the year when the skies are clear. In Iowa, it is illegal for a man with a mustache to kiss a woman in public. Strange laws in Poland Often, travelers can get a good idea of what is and is not allowed in other countries with a little careful thought. You might even recognize this legendary street from the movies. 10. The original law prohibited "idiots" as well as "insane persons convicted of a felonious or infamous crime" from voting, but a 2010 amendment reversed the ban. Apparently, it will become legal in 2015 (how sweet). Anyone "pretending to forecast or foretell the future of another by cards, palm reading or any other scheme, practice or device" can be found guilty of a misdemeanor and fined up to $500, or even serve time in jail, according to Maryland State Legislature. 20. 5. The logic behind it must be similar to the logic behind cyclists having to obey normal traffic laws, only a little less sound. Weirdest Laws In Alaska - Grunge In Missouri it is illegal to drive with an uncaged bear. In essence, it bans the launching of any dangerous object, from stones to missiles to just about anything in between, within the bounds of Cumberland parks and playgrounds. Colorado ski resorts pay private companies to burn silver iodide on the slopes. . In the past few years Iceland and Norway have also adopted this law. Now, that's something Europeans can probably get behind. 15 Weird Laws In Georgia That Will Blow Your Mind - OnlyInYourState The chemicals in them can be toxic, causing nausea and irritation to the eyes and skin. Final verdict: Amended most recently in 1999, this weird U.S. law forbids criminals from protecting themselves from bullets with a body vest while committing crimes. It is a step toward full independence from Danish rule. In Florida, its illegal to fart in a public place after 6pm on a Thursday. For reasons unknown, these laws are still in place. 65. 40 Weird Laws in the U.S | Far & Wide - farandwide.com We don't know why exactly many of them were created, but we do know everyone could use . Tourists and jockeys compete to see how far their frogs can leap. Why North Carolina is so serious about their bingo games, we havent a clue. They dont like that, either. Even if a person gets buried, it is another question how proper the body will decompose. University Centre in Svalbard, part of the University of the Arctic, photo credit. Why couldnt they have just forbidden bonfires? You just can't terrorize the town by walking around it in a creepy clown costume at midnight on a random Tuesday. According to the law in Nevada, any man with a moustache who kisses a woman will get in trouble. 72 Funny And Interesting Facts About Canada | The Planet D It got to the point that it became a massive traffic jam and an ongoing driving hazard, so the town forbade parking there at all. So, what happens if you have the wrong sort of swimwear? The 47 Weirdest Laws from Around the World Best Life Don't Cut the Cactus Jumping Cactus in Arizona Source At least in Arizona, because it is illegal to do so. You can still dress up for the holiday, theater productions and emergency drills. 1. We wish this one had a more interesting backstory, but the full law actually makes sense: No person shall drive a vehicle when it is loaded or when there are in the front seat such a number of persons as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the drivers control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.. One lighter margarine law, however, stuck around: Restaurants were forbidden to substitute margarine for butter unless a customer requested it for fear of triggering allergic reactions. So far, the metabo scheme has cut obesity by 3.5 percent, which certainly seems impressive in a country with already low obesity rates. If a person litters three times, they must clean the streets wearing a bib that reads Im a litterer. Even pharmacists who sell the medical gum and forget to ID get two years in jail. However, you can swap out the trough for a wastebasket if the swine are raised for your own consumption, according to Arizona State Legislature. 37. This law clearly makes sense, but the fact that it exists at all raises some questions about basic human decency and Ohio. In Honolulu, Hawaii it is illegal to sing loudly after sunset. 30. Who knows, but it was enough of an annoyance to pass a law about it. The statute does explain why though: to avoid congestion during emergencies, like fires. Sodomy is illegal, in general, in Idaho, Utah, Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Except strangely, you dont see people as equally outraged about this as they are about gay sex. 7. Or else! Final verdict: Don't go to Yamhill to get your fortune told. Everywhere in the world, you can find weird laws and Texas is no exception. You'd better take it as a fun read instead of a history lesson! 52. In Skamania County, they were worried enough to pass a law stating that the "slaying of Bigfoot to be a felony and punishable by five years in prison.". Top Ten Crazy Canadian Laws - Winnipeg Criminal Defence Lawyer Supposedly, the reason for the rule is hygiene. Although the tight swimsuits may not always be flattering, they are unlikely to have been worn outside on the streets. This includes a selection of both past and current laws. So, the government has instituted a policy of allowing only approved names to be entered on German birth certificates. Notice of Crimes. Read more about ridiculous laws on Top 10 Ridiculous Laws That Are Still Enforced Across The World and 10 Absurd Laws From Around the World. Final verdict: We guess Grandma was right about this one. Amongst our favourite of the weird and strange laws in Ireland is the Tippling Act of 1735. Quit getting married. In Milan, the only events you are not required to smile is when you're in a hospital and in the funeral. Lighter Side 60 Weird Laws Around the World By Lissa Poirot and Brittany Alexandra Sulc, updated on February 7, 2023 Getty Images Every country is different, and every country's laws are different. 16 Things You Should Know If Your Significant Other Has CrohnsDisease, 21 Men And Women Share What Its Actually Like To Live Under ShariaLaw, Heres The Most Notorious Murder From EveryState, Here Is The Most Haunted Location In EveryState, 50 Of The Goofiest, Wackiest, And Absolutely Nuttiest Sex Laws From Around The World(NSFW), From Ancient Theater To Modern Drag: 100+ Stunning Historical Images That Document The Timeline Of LGBTHistory. Weird Laws: Dumb, Stupid & Funny Laws in the US - Reader's Digest Any products made in whole or in part from the hair say, a coat made of 101 dalmatians may result in a fine of $2,500 and a ban on owning a dog or cat for 15 years after conviction, according to the State of Delaware. We're not sure why this law was passed, but it has stuck around and become a town tradition. And yes, it is as vague and arbitrary as it sounds. There's a right and a wrong way to eat fried chicken. Legal Status of Eastern Greenland - LawTeacher.net Unfortunately, when a local dam broke, the house flooded, and the bathtub floated away, donkey and all. Another weird state law makes it illegal for a person to eat a live eel in a public place unless the person loudly announces "Warning! In 2007, a barmaid was found to be in breach of the Liquor Control Act and fined A$1,000 as a result of entertaining her customers this way. Presumably, the governor thinks its silly and should be stopped. Under it, no landlord could demand money owed by their tenants for a drink! The city of Petrolia in Ontario has a law that limits excessive noise. Mount Washington features rare alpine plants such as Greenland sandwort, Labrador tea, alpine bearberry, dwarf cinquefoil, dwarf birch, willow, and balsam fir. Final verdict: Do you know how to tell if a pickle is legit? The law only applies if they maimed the victim on purpose, according to the Rhode Island State Legislature. This allowance does not apply in high-stakes Beano, which, apparently, is also a thing.