Ever thought laws were made by boring old men in wigs? Think again. Around the world, some laws are so strange, so oddly specific, and so hilariously outdated that they sound like a joke — but they’re still legally enforceable.
Here are 10 of the weirdest laws from different countries that are still technically active. Get ready to laugh, gasp, and double-check your travel plans.
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1. Denmark: Don’t Start a Car if Someone’s Underneath It
Yes, it’s a law. In Denmark, it’s illegal to start your car if someone is lying underneath it (which… makes sense, actually). The real weird part? This is specifically codified into law.
Why It Exists: It’s a very literal approach to road safety — and clearly, they wanted no loopholes.
2. France: Never Name Your Pig “Napoleon”
Got a pig? Great. Planning to name him Napoleon? Not in France.
It’s actually illegal to name your pig after the former emperor.
Why It Exists: It’s a historical disrespect thing. France takes Napoleon seriously, and associating him with bacon? Big no-no.
3. Japan: Splash a Pedestrian? You Might Be Fined
In Japan, if you’re driving and you splash a pedestrian with a puddle — you can get fined.
Why It Exists: Japan places huge cultural importance on cleanliness and respect. Soaking a passerby is not just rude — it’s illegal.
4. Milan, Italy: It’s Mandatory to Smile in Public
Yes, Milanese law once required people to smile in public.
Exceptions were made for funerals and hospital visits.
Why It Exists: It’s believed this law was meant to promote positivity — and perhaps tourism. Today, it’s not strictly enforced, but technically, it’s still on the books.
5. Australia: You Can’t Disrupt a Wedding or Funeral
In South Australia, interrupting a wedding or funeral can cost you a fine of up to $10,000 — or even jail time.
Why It Exists: To maintain public order. But honestly, who’s out here crashing funerals?
6. Greece: No High Heels at Ancient Sites
Wearing heels to the Acropolis? That’s a legal offense.
Why It Exists: The sharp points of stilettos can damage ancient ruins. The Greek government wants to protect its heritage — no matter how fashionable you are.
7. Thailand: Don’t Step on the Money
In Thailand, stepping on currency is illegal — because it bears the image of the King. Even accidentally doing this can be considered a criminal offense.
Why It Exists: It’s a sign of disrespect toward the monarchy, which holds a sacred position in Thai culture.
8. Singapore: Chewing Gum is Banned (Almost)
Singapore has one of the world’s most famous laws: a strict ban on chewing gum.
Why It Exists: The ban began in 1992 to keep public spaces clean. Importing or selling gum without permission can result in fines or jail time.
Fun Fact: Medical gums (like nicotine) are allowed — with a prescription.
9. UK: Don’t Handle Salmon Suspiciously
The UK’s Salmon Act of 1986 makes it illegal to “handle salmon in suspicious circumstances.”
Why It Exists: It was meant to curb illegal fishing practices, but the wording makes it unintentionally hilarious.
10. Canada (Ottawa): No Ice Cream on Sundays — If You’re on Bank Street
Technically, eating ice cream on Bank Street in Ottawa on Sundays is illegal.
Why It Exists: No one really knows. It’s an outdated bylaw that nobody enforces — but it’s never been repealed either.
While most of these laws are rarely enforced, they’re still technically valid. Whether they were created for public safety, cultural respect, or pure historic weirdness — they prove that the law can sometimes be stranger than fiction.
Got a weird law from your country? Share it with us on Instagram @thecourtroom.in and we might feature it next!
