Articles and Stories

September 26, 2016

Getting ready to travel somewhere? Make sure you check up on international laws because some laws you might not believe are real.

1. Vicks inhalers are forbidden in Japan due to strict anti-stimulant drug laws.
2. It is forbidden to eat or drink on church steps or near other public buildings in Italy.
3. In Milan, it is against the law not to smile (unless you’re at a funeral or hospital visit).
4. In Kazakhstan it is forbidden to take pictures in the airport.
5. Jamaica may often be portrayed as a country where many people smoke marijuana. However, if you are caught even with a small amount of it there, you may face a lengthy prison sentence.
6. In France, you (even tourists) are legally required to carry a portable breathalyzer in your car.
7. People have been thrown into jail for public kissing in the United Arab Emirates. Any type of public affection should be avoided.
8. In Singapore, you can receive a fine if you smoke in public or chew gum on the mass transit system.
9. In Barcelona, you are not allowed to wear your swim attire on public streets or you may face a fine, so if you wander away from the beach, you need to cover up.
10. In El Salvador, drunk drivers can be punished to death by a firing squad.
11. It is illegal in the city of London to carry rabid dogs or corpses.
12. In Australia, it’s against the law to change a lightbulb unless you’re a licensed electrician.
13. In England, it is illegal to die in the House of Parliament.
14. In Canada, one of every five songs on the radio, must by sung by a Canadian.
15. In Switzerland, it is illegal to flush the toilet after 10pm in an apartment building. It is considered noise pollution.

Let’s not forget the US and some of their odd laws. Some of these laws sound slightly outdated or just plain strange.

1. It is forbidden to feed the pigeons in San Francisco. Pigeons are known for spreading diseases and damaging property and if you are caught feeding pigeons you may face a hefty fine.
2. In Alabama, it is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while driving a vehicle.
3. In Ohio, it is against state law to get a fish drunk.
4. In Florida, unmarried women who parachute on Sundays may be jailed.
5. In Vermont, a woman must obtain written permission from her husband before wearing false teeth.
6. In Oklahoma, it is against the law to have a sleeping donkey in your bathtub after 7pm.
7. In Chicago, it is illegal to eat in a place that’s on fire.