Collection of Unbelievable 'Unusual Laws' by Country
[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-kyung Lee] There are various countries on Earth. Therefore, various laws inevitably exist. Since laws often reflect the culture and lifestyle of a country, they may sometimes seem a bit difficult to understand or peculiar to us. Let's take a look at some unusual laws that might make you say, "Is this really a law?" and take some time to understand cultural differences in advance to avoid any mishaps when traveling abroad or visiting specific countries.
● You cannot sit next to the driver when taking a taxi?
Unlike in Korea, taxis operating in the United States often have a barrier between the front and back seats. This reflects a culture that values personal space but is also installed to protect the driver from crime. Therefore, when taking a taxi in the U.S., it is considered polite to sit in the back seat, and only if there are no seats available or if there are four passengers can you sit in the front passenger seat.
● Can’t name your baby whatever you want?
In Denmark, parents cannot name their baby arbitrarily. There is a strict naming law to prevent giving strange names intentionally. According to this law, you must choose a name from 24,000 government-approved names, and if you want to give a special name outside the approved list, you must obtain separate government permission.
● Men are not allowed to have ponytail hairstyles?
In Iran, men are prohibited from having ponytails or Western hairstyles where the sides and back of the hair are long. The restriction on men's hairstyles is to prevent decadent Western styles. If a man wears such a hairstyle, he may be taken to the police station and have his hair cut.
● Spreading rumors and gossip is illegal?
In the village of Binalonan, north of Manila in the Philippines, Mayor Ramon Gico III proposed a law to ban the act of spreading gossip and rumors to remind people that the village is clean and has good people. This law was passed, and if caught spreading rumors, one must do community service picking up trash for three hours and pay a fine of 200 pesos.
● Public displays of affection are illegal?
In Dubai, an Islamic cultural region, public displays of affection and skinship are illegal. Kissing or hugging in public places can lead to arrest and fines. Additionally, playing loud music, dancing in public, wearing bikinis or revealing clothes at beaches can result in being expelled. In fact, in 2013, a British couple was imprisoned for kissing in public in Dubai, so special caution is needed when visiting.
● You cannot freely use ketchup in elementary schools?
Ketchup, enjoyed by many with eggs, potatoes, and other foods, is banned in French elementary school cafeterias because excessive consumption by young children is believed to harm the aesthetics of traditional French cuisine. There is a day once a week when fries are served, and only then is ketchup allowed.
● Insulting the royal family leads to imprisonment?
Thailand, a constitutional monarchy, holds the royal family in very high regard. Insulting the king or royal family or damaging the royal flag is punishable under Article 112 as "lese majeste" with severe penalties. There have been cases where locals were prosecuted for posting insulting content about the royal family on social media. This law also applies to foreigners visiting Thailand, so extreme caution is necessary.
● Wearing high heels at historical sites is prohibited?
No matter how much you want to look good, you must not wear high heels when visiting marked historical sites in Greece. According to a law enacted in 2009 to protect Greek historical sites, the pointed heels of high heels can damage and harm the sites, so their use is banned. Other prohibited actions include bringing food and drinks, and people who have consumed alcohol are not allowed entry.
● Flushing the toilet late at night is illegal?
Switzerland passed a law banning flushing toilets late at night to resolve noise issues among neighbors. Therefore, in Swiss apartments or hotels where many people stay, flushing the toilet after 10 p.m. is illegal, and men are required to sit down when urinating at night to minimize noise. When visiting noise-sensitive countries, be aware of such rules to avoid causing inconvenience.
● Taking photos of plated food is illegal?
Many people like to post beautiful food photos on social media, but if you visit Germany, be careful. In Germany, plated dishes are considered the chef's artwork, so taking photos without permission is illegal, and posting such photos online or on social media without consent can result in fines. Fast food is exempt, but be cautious not to inadvertently take photos in restaurants and face penalties.
● Escaping prison does not increase your sentence?
In Denmark, the desire of prisoners to escape is considered a natural human urge for freedom and is acknowledged. Therefore, even if a prisoner escapes and is recaptured, their sentence is not extended, nor are they retried. This might worry some, but because Danish prison facilities and welfare are good, most prisoners do not consider escaping, so it is not a major issue.
● If caught drunk driving, you must walk home?
Drunk driving is recognized as a serious social problem worldwide, and punishments vary by country. In Turkey, if a driver's blood alcohol concentration exceeds 0.05%, they are taken to a remote location 30 km away and must walk home alone. Police follow to ensure the driver safely walks home.
● Using too many coins to pay can be refused by staff?
Many travelers try to use up leftover coins on their last day abroad when paying. However, in Canada, paying with a large number of coins may not be accepted. According to Canadian currency laws, store staff can refuse to accept payment if a customer tries to pay with too many coins, and paying the full amount entirely in coins is illegal. Be careful to avoid awkward situations when paying with coins.
● Forgetting your wife's birthday is illegal?
In Samoa, a small island nation in the Pacific, forgetting your wife's birthday is a serious matter. Reflecting the culture that values marital affection, the law states that forgetting your wife's birthday is illegal, and if the wife reports her husband, he will be imprisoned overnight. Jokingly, Samoan husbands say it is safer to be in jail than at home if they forget their wife's birthday.
● Feeding pigeons results in a fine?
In San Francisco, California, feeding pigeons is prohibited by law. Pigeons have proliferated in the city, spreading various diseases and causing harm to residents. Those caught feeding pigeons face fines. Similar laws apply in places like Venice's Piazza San Marco in Italy, so visitors should be mindful to avoid mistakes.
● Photography is prohibited at airports?
Many travelers excitedly take photos as soon as they arrive at airports, but this can be illegal depending on the country. In Kazakhstan, taking photos inside and around airports and public institutions is illegal, and careless photography at airports can lead to being taken to the police station, so caution is advised.
● Mannequins must wear hijabs?
In Iran, women are required to wear hijabs, and this rule extends even to female mannequins. Mannequins in stores must wear hijabs, and care must be taken to dress them so that body contours are not revealed.
● Farting in public places is prohibited?
Can people really hold in natural bodily functions like farting or burping in crowded public places? Surprisingly, in Florida, USA, to reduce air pollution, farting in public places is banned from 6 p.m. on Thursdays until midnight.
● Cutting a cactus is a crime?
While many countries punish harming animals, some also punish damaging plants. In Arizona, USA, cutting or damaging a cactus is a fourth-degree felony. Offenders face 1 to 3.75 years in prison or a $1,500 fine.
● You must pay a tax on cow farts?
Cow farts and burps contain large amounts of carbon dioxide and methane, contributing to global warming. Estonia has introduced a "fart tax" for farms raising cows to address environmental concerns.
● You must pay a tax to breathe fresh air?
Since 2014, Venezuela has charged passengers using Sim?n Bol?var International Airport a $20 "air conditioning fee." This tax is for providing fresh air to passengers' health at the airport, but many people still express dissatisfaction with this breathing tax.
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