15 Ridiculous Laws That Are Still Somehow Enforced Today
Despite sounding absurd, these bizarre laws are still technically in effect in various parts of the world.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Laws are meant to bring order, but some rules seem completely outdated or downright ridiculous. Yet, for some reason, these strange laws have never been removed and are still enforced. From bizarre food restrictions to odd fashion rules, here are 15 ridiculous laws that still exist today.
1. No Chewing Gum in Singapore
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Since 1992, Singapore has banned the sale and import of chewing gum to keep public spaces clean. The law was introduced after gum was used to vandalize train doors.
2. It’s Illegal to Own Just One Guinea Pig in Switzerland
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Switzerland has strict animal welfare laws, and guinea pigs are considered social creatures that need companionship. Owning just one is seen as cruelty, so you must have at least two.
3. No High Heels at Ancient Sites in Greece
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If you’re planning to visit Greece’s ancient ruins, leave your high heels at home. The country banned them at historical sites to prevent damage to delicate stone structures.
4. No Whistling at Night in Canada (Certain Cities)
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In places like Petrolia, Ontario, you can be fined for whistling, singing, or making “unnecessary noise” after 11 PM. The law was originally meant to reduce nighttime disturbances.
5. You Must Walk Your Dog Daily in Rome
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Italy takes pet care seriously, and in Rome, dog owners are legally required to walk their dogs once a day. If caught neglecting this responsibility, they could face fines.
6. No Flushing the Toilet After 10 PM in Switzerland
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Swiss apartment dwellers may be shocked to learn that flushing a toilet late at night is against the law in some buildings. Authorities consider it noise pollution, especially in shared housing.
7. It’s Illegal to Swear in Public in Australia (Certain States)
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In states like Victoria and Queensland, using profanity in public can lead to a fine or even jail time. Police have the authority to issue on-the-spot penalties for offensive language.
8. No Ice Cream Cones in Your Back Pocket (Alabama)
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An old Alabama law technically makes it illegal to carry an ice cream cone in your back pocket. This bizarre rule was originally meant to prevent horse theft, as thieves would use the ice cream to lure horses away.
9. No Selfies with Buddha in Sri Lanka
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Taking a selfie with your back turned to a Buddha statue is considered disrespectful and can lead to arrest in Sri Lanka. Tourists have been fined and even deported for violating this rule.
10. No Pumping Your Own Gas in New Jersey
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New Jersey remains one of the only places in the U.S. where it’s illegal to pump your own gas. A 1949 law requires attendants to do it for you, originally meant to improve safety.
11. No Sleeping on a Refrigerator Outside (Pennsylvania)
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A Pennsylvania law prohibits people from sleeping on top of a refrigerator if it’s placed outdoors. While no one knows why this law was ever necessary, it’s still technically on the books.
12. It’s Illegal to Run Out of Gas on the Autobahn (Germany)
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Germany’s high-speed Autobahn has strict rules, including a ban on running out of fuel. Authorities consider it preventable negligence, and stopping unnecessarily can lead to fines.
13. No Wearing of Fake Mustache in Church (Alabama)
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Alabama has another odd law that forbids wearing a fake mustache in church if it causes laughter. The law was likely intended to maintain decorum during services.
14. It’s Illegal to Be “Annoying” in Michigan
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Michigan law states that being “annoying” to others in public places is a punishable offense. While the law is vague, it can be used to issue fines or even make arrests.
15. No Water Guns on New Year’s Eve in Cambodia
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In an effort to prevent chaos, Cambodia bans the use of water guns on New Year’s Eve. Authorities argue that it helps maintain order and prevents injuries.