We all know that laws shape our daily lives and serve critical purposes: they exist to protect our general safety, our rights as citizens, and our communities from harm. Without them, chaos would reign! However, not all laws are created equal; some are just downright bizarre. Below, we’ll share 12 of the dumbest laws from around the world.
1. Swearing In A Public Park
Watch your language at Toronto’s parks! According to local law, it is illegal to swear in a public park. The bylaw states, “While in a park, no person shall indulge in riotous, boisterous, violent, threatening, or illegal conduct or use profane or abusive language.” So when you’re in Toronto, avoid cursing like a sailor and keep the parks friendly!
2. Buying A Car On The Sabbath
We’re all familiar with government offices and some shops closing on Sundays, but did you know you can’t buy a car? Well, in Pennsylvania and Colorado, it’s illegal to sell cars on Sundays. Maybe this is proof that Sundays are meant for relaxing!
3. Having A Permanent Marker
Several states in the US including Florida, California, New York City, and Illinois have this quirky law that says minors under 18 can’t have permanent markers in public. It may sound silly as I’m sure we all remember using permanent markers as kids, but there’s some logic to it. The concern is that kids with permanent markers might end up causing some mischief, turning everything into their canvas for graffiti! The law even goes as far as to ban the sale of permanent markers to minors.
4. Singing In The Bathtub
Watch out, bathroom singers; in Pennsylvania, singing tunes in the bathtub is against the law thanks to the Bathroom Singing Prohibition Act of 1969. The intent behind this one long ago was to force performers to expose their talent. But don’t worry, the shower is fair game!
5. Eating Fried Chicken With Silverware
In Georgia, it’s against the law to eat fried chicken with silverware instead of your hands! The ordinance, enacted in 1961 as a publicity stunt in Gainesville, even caught the iconic Colonel Sanders for not sticking to his finger-lickin’ motto! However, there are no serious repercussions for breaking this law, and you’ll only get “sentenced” to finish your meal fork-free, just like Colonel Sanders was.
6. Spitting in Public
In the town of Goodyear, Arizona, there’s a law that’ll make you think twice before you hock a loogie! It’s against the law to spit in any public place, including in or on any buildings, parks, sidewalks, or roads. If you get caught breaking this rule, the spitter could face a fine of up to $2,500 and can even spend six months in prison. As absurd as this law is, I guess it serves as a reminder of good old-fashioned manners. At the end of the day, it’s all about good hygiene and protecting public health.
7. Dressing Up Like An Armed Force Member
Imagine this: you’re feeling patriotic, so you decide to dress up in a military uniform, but the government swoops in and declares it illegal and also charges you a hefty fine. Well, it’s a big no-no in Nigeria for non-military folks to dress in military attire or any “distinctive” part of it. Unless you’re in a theatrical production or going trick-or-treating, steer clear of armed force member clothing!
➤ Learn more about living in Nigeria
8. Driving Blindfolded
In Alabama, it’s officially against the law to drive a car while blindfolded. Yep, you read that right! The logic behind this law is obviously about keeping the roads safe and making sure drivers can see the road. Although it’s a little concerning that driving blindfolded needs to be spelled out; we sure hope that drivers don’t need a law to tell them it’s not safe to drive while blindfolded!
9. Insulting A Foreign Head Of State
In the Netherlands, it’s illegal to go around insulting foreign heads of state. If you’re caught dissing a foreign leader or even the Dutch royal family, you might find yourself facing some serious charges. Not too long ago, the law was even more intense—with a penalty of up to five years in prison! Talk about not taking the old saying “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” well. Clearly, words carry weight here!
➤ Learn more about living in the Netherlands
10. Riding A Bicycle In The Bicycle Lane
Romania is another country home to some bizarre laws! Believe it or not, it’s illegal to ride a bicycle in a bicycle lane there. Bicycle lanes are considered part of the sidewalk in Romania, so you can’t pedal your way through them. Instead, you’ve got to treat your bike like a car and stick to the regular lanes. Who knew biking could be so confusing?
➤ Learn more about living in Romania
11. Collecting Rainwater
In Canada, collecting rainwater is against the law! Supposedly, it’s all about preserving a healthy environment. But, if you’re determined to harvest Mother Nature’s gift of water, you can always jump through hoops and get a permit.
