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In Italy, a saying goes, “The world is beautiful because it’s full of variety,” even when that variety is just… plain weird.

Specifically, laws can be downright crazy. They’re meant to be a set of rules we all agree on because they just make sense, but sometimes things clearly get out of control. And we’re not just talking about weird laws in the US — despite them making up the majority of our list. You’ll soon realize that making random things illegal is a worldwide habit. Like, who came up with a law forbidding people to ride a cow while drunk in Scotland? Or who’s that party pooper who made playing dominoes in Sevilla illegal? And these are just the tip of the “funny laws” iceberg you’re gonna uncover today.

We’re about to take a look at some of the weirdest laws from around the world that were actually passed by lawmakers. A lot of them are just plain funny, but others are so strange that we can’t even imagine how they came about. And while some of these laws may have been long forgotten over time, they still stand as a testament to the fact that weirdness is alive and well in the world’s legal system — and that sometimes, it’s not even close to being dead.

#2

It's illegal to ride a cow while drunk in Scotland.

scottishfield.co.uk Report

#5

Canadian radio stations must play Canadian artists' music as a certain percentage of the total playtime.

crtc.gc.ca Report

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jacobfrank avatar
Jacob Frank
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a bit misleading. Canadian radio stations must play Canadian artists' music as a certain percentage of the total play time. I don't know the current percentage but without this rule, Canadian airwaves would be overrun with US music and those great artists that Powerful Katrinka mentioned probably would never have become known.

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#6

Person walking multiple dogs You must walk your dog 3 times daily in Turin, Italy.

npr.org Report

#7

It's illegal to handle salmon suspiciously in the U.K.

en.wikipedia.org Report

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#9

baby sleeping in bed It's illegal naming your baby something weird in Denmark.

worldatlas.com Report

#11

Girl sitting on the beach with flip-flops No driving while wearing flip-flops in Spain.

spanishnewstoday.com Report

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matthewhoare avatar
Head_on_a_Stick
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Flip-flops are also illegal in the UK but only if they prevent you from operating the controls correctly. https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/road-safety/driving-without-shoes-is-it-illegal/

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#12

If a child burps during a church service, his or her parents may be arrested in Nebraska.

criminaldefensetucson.com Report

#14

It’s against the law to have a sleeping donkey in your bathtub after 7 pm in Arizona, USA.

phoenixarizonacriminallawyer.com Report

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jhenrymiller avatar
JMil
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why I only let my donkey use the bathtub during his siesta.

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#15

In Baltimore, Maryland, it’s illegal to bring a lion to the movies.

theactivetimes.com Report

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#16

Person taking photo of family dinner on smartphone You can't turn off your phone's camera sound in South Korea.

thegolfnewsnet.com Report

#17

In New Jersey... bullet-proof vests are banned while committing a crime.

law.justia.com Report

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theodoreteddy12 avatar
Am a hooman
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omigosh. Bc whoevers commiting the crime will for sure listen to the laws…

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#18

One person tickling legs of another person It is against the law to tickle women in Virginia.

montagnalaw.com Report

#19

No driving with a child on the hood of your car, Oregon.

oregon.gov Report

#22

According to a law in Scotland, you must allow someone into your house if he knocks on your door and needs to use the bathroom.

scottishbusinessnews.net Report

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#23

Couple watching Netflix on Tv Sharing your Netflix password is an offense in Tennessee, U.S.A.

wikipedia.org Report

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amybuck2005 avatar
Nathaniel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyone from Tennessee want to share their password? Just to see if SWAT invade your house.

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#24

In Ohio... it's illegal to sell dyed chickens.

parmaheights-oh.elaws.us Report

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drenner47 avatar
Staysafewarmdry
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Ohio it's against the law to kill a housefly within 160 feet of a church without a license. In Cleveland: It's illegal to catch mice without a hunting license. In Marion: You cannot eat a doughnut and walk backwards on a city street.

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#25

Couple holding hands outside Students may not hold hands while at school in Tennessee.

archive.thinkprogress.org Report

#27

Woman adjusting her high heels It's illegal to wear high heels to the Acropolis.

npr.org Report

#29

Two men running shirtless on the beach It's illegal to be shirtless in Barcelona.

catalannews.com Report

#30

It's illegal to disrupt a wedding in South Australia.

news.com.au Report

Note: this post originally had 105 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

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