Laws Are Laughing: The 15 Strangest Laws in the World

Social Aspect: Law Is Not Always a Smart Decision

Law is a strict and official set of rules that regulates the behavior of society. But in some countries around the world, there are such strange laws that you can’t help but smile. Sometimes these laws are leftover mistakes from history; other times they are a reaction to a very specific incident.

This article takes us to where the law smiles — the center of absurdity. Some of these laws have already been repealed, while others are still in force!

Academic Aspect: The Logic of Lawmaking or Cultural Tradition?

How is a law created? Typically, the process includes:

• A problem or incident arising in society

• Recommendations from legal advisors

• Approval by parliament or governing bodies

• Legal implementation and sanction

But some laws don’t follow this classical path. They are formed based on emotional reactions, cultural stereotypes, or rare events. That’s why some laws are official, but not logical.

Public Aspect: 15 of the World’s Strangest Laws

1. Talking to birds is forbidden in Venice, Italy
   If you interact too much with pigeons in Venice — for example, by calling them with your hand — you can be fined. The reason: animal rights + preserving city aesthetics.

2. In Australia, carrying more than 60 kg of potatoes is illegal
   Strange but true — in Western Australia this is a formal law, introduced due to agricultural regulations.

3. In Switzerland, flushing the toilet after 10 PM is prohibited
   This rule exists in multi-story buildings due to noise. Officially, it's considered a violation of the “right to rest.”

4. In Singapore, chewing gum is banned
   Since 1992, the sale of chewing gum has been completely prohibited due to litter problems in the metro and streets.

5. In France, naming pigs "Napoleon" is illegal
   Giving a pig the name “Napoleon” is considered an insult to the state and may result in a fine.

6. In Canada, joking with money is prohibited
   Altering, defacing, or joking with Canadian currency is illegal. “Playing with money” is a legal issue.

7. In Japan, gaining weight is against the law (Metabo Law)
   People over the age of 40 must not exceed a certain waist size. It is part of the state’s health policy.

8. In Denmark, giving a baby an unusual name is not allowed
   There is an official list of 7,000 approved names. To use a name outside this list, special permission is required.

9. In Germany, running out of gas on the autobahn is illegal
   Stopping due to an empty tank on high-speed roads is dangerous and fined as a technical violation.

10. In the Philippines, spitting on walls is a crime
    Especially in urban areas, this is punished as a “public cleanliness violation.”

11. In the UK, placing a stamp with the Queen’s head upside down is a crime
    Symbolically, this is considered an act of disrespect toward the monarchy.

12. In Thailand, stepping on money is forbidden
    Since all currency features the king’s portrait, stepping on a fallen note is a serious insult.

13. In Reykjavik, Iceland, owning a cat is sometimes illegal
    In certain parts of the city, cats are banned to protect local bird species.

14. In Greece, wearing high heels at ancient sites is forbidden
    To prevent damage to ancient monuments, tourists are not allowed to wear this type of footwear.

15. In some US states, selling ice cream at dawn is prohibited
    In places like New Jersey, this is considered a violation of “quiet hours” and is restricted during certain times.

Research-Oriented Aspect: As Strange as They Are... They're Still on the Books!

• Some strange laws are still formally part of legal systems — they are just not enforced

• Many were introduced in response to a specific historical moment and then forgotten

• While often included in lists of “funny laws,” many are technically still valid

For example:
Australia’s potato law was passed in 1946 to combat the potato trading mafia.
Japan’s “Metabo Law” was designed to reduce the burden on the national health system.

Recommendations: How Can We Make Laws More Flexible and Rational?

• Outdated laws should be regularly reviewed
  – Absurd or obsolete laws should be repealed

• Laws should be tested against cultural and social context
  – In a globalized world, such laws can damage a country’s image

• Youth education on “smart lawmaking” should be encouraged
  – Law schools can analyze these kinds of laws as case studies

• Open-access databases should be created
  – So everyone can see what laws are currently in effect in each country

• Laws should be evaluated not only legally, but also logically and ethically

Final Word: Law Sets Boundaries, but Those Boundaries Must Be Within Reason

Law is a serious matter. But funny laws show us that the legal system, too, is shaped by human error, history, culture — and sometimes a touch of absurdity.

We laugh… but we also reflect.
Maybe after reading this article, you’ll find a strange law in your own country too!