15 Innocent Habits That Would Be Illegal Now
These everyday things used to feel normal, but they could actually get you in trouble today.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Some habits people never thought twice about are now banned in certain places. You will see strange laws from around the world, and how harmless actions became illegal. Each slide highlights a surprising example that still catches people off guard.
1. Chewing Gum in Singapore
Eddie Wray on Wikimedia Commons
Chewing gum might seem harmless, but in Singapore, it is tightly controlled. The government banned it to prevent littering and keep public spaces clean. Even just bringing some into the country without approval could lead to serious fines.
2. Public Displays of Affection in Some Middle Eastern Countries
Pedro Ribeiro Simões from Lisboa, Portugal on Wikimedia Commons
In some conservative countries, holding hands or hugging in public is not allowed. Even couples can get in trouble for showing affection outside their homes. It is considered disrespectful and can lead to arrest or deportation.
3. Jaywalking in Germany
Government of Singapore - Land Transport Authority on Wikimedia Commons
Crossing the road without using a crosswalk can get you fined in Germany. People take traffic rules seriously there, even when the streets are empty. Tourists are often surprised by how strict the law is.
4. Wearing Camouflage Clothing in Some Countries
Votvmagic on Wikimedia Commons
Wearing camo clothes for fashion can get you into legal trouble in countries like Barbados and Trinidad. Camouflage is reserved for military use, and civilians are not allowed to wear it. You could be fined or even arrested just for your outfit.
5. Getting a Fish Drunk
Eistreter on Wikimedia Commons
In Ohio, it is actually illegal to give a fish alcohol. The law sounds silly, but it is on the books. It shows how specific and unusual some local rules can be.
6. Running a Lemonade Stand as a Kid (Without a Permit)
Onur on Wikimedia Commons
Many kids think setting up a lemonade stand is just fun, but in some cities, it is treated like a real business. That means you need a permit, even if you are only making a few dollars. Police have shut down stands for not following local regulations.
7. Handing Misaddressed Mail to a Neighbor (Japan)
Snake Head 1995 on Wikimedia Commons
In Japan, touching or delivering mail that was not addressed to you is against the law. Even if you are just trying to help, it is considered mail tampering. You are supposed to hand it back to the post office instead.
8. Whistling at Night in Medieval Europe
Berenice Abbott on Wikimedia Commons
Back in the day, whistling after dark could get you in serious trouble. People believed it invited evil spirits or helped criminals sneak around. It might sound odd now, but it was once seen as a real public safety issue.
9. Bathing in Medieval Europe
https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/obf_images/34/27/613feae96e949a0ba7801844c62e.jpg on Wikimedia Commons
During the plague years, public bathing was banned in parts of Europe. Leaders thought sharing bathhouses helped spread disease. Some even believed being too clean could make you sick.
10. Eating Kinder Surprise Eggs in the U.S.
Nenad Stojkovic on Wikimedia Commons
Kinder Surprise eggs are banned in the United States because they have toys hidden inside. U.S. laws do not allow non-food items to be inside edible products. Customs officers have seized thousands from travelers trying to bring them in.
11. Owning Items Made with Real Tortoiseshell
Joshua Tree National Park on Wikimedia Commons
Real tortoiseshell used to be popular in glasses and combs, but it is now banned in many countries. It comes from endangered sea turtles, which are protected by law. Owning or selling it can lead to legal trouble.
12. Possession of Brass Knuckles
Mauro Cateb on Wikimedia Commons
Brass knuckles are illegal in many places because they are seen as dangerous weapons. Even if they are just for decoration or a costume, carrying them can lead to arrest. Some states have strict rules about owning them at all.
13. Carrying a Switchblade Knife
Jacek Halicki on Wikimedia Commons
Switchblades may look cool in movies, but they are banned in many areas. Laws see them as concealed weapons that can be used quickly and violently. Carrying one in public can be a serious offense.
14. Products Made from Cat or Dog Fur
SeanT313 on Wikimedia Commons
Making or selling items with cat or dog fur is illegal in many places. These laws protect animals and prevent cruel treatment. Even importing these products can get you in trouble at the border.
15. Littering Chewed Gum in Some Cities
Nasir Khan Saikat on Wikimedia Commons
In places like Singapore, improperly discarding gum can cost you. Sticking it under benches or on sidewalks is treated as a serious offense. The country is known for being very clean, and this rule helps keep it that way.