Laws serve as a way to prevent people from getting into trouble, give them basic human rights, and establish a stable system of living. As civilians, we are expected to follow them. However some are so ridiculous that it’s inconceivable to think they actually exist. Here are 20 ridiculous laws that are actually enforced.
1. Owners of flamingos may not let their pet into barber shops in Alaska
This is true according to the Cord of Ordinances, 36.25.010. (The question is, why would you even have one of those in Alaska?)
Flamingo via (Shutterstock)
2. It is forbidden to name your pig Napoléon in France
The good thing about this law is that no formal proof of its existence can be found on the internet. Name your next pig at your own discretion.
3. It’s strictly prohibited to pronounce “Arkansas” incorrectly in Arkansas
This law was enforced in 1881, and can be found under Code 1-4-105. (The correct pronunciation is “Ar-kan-saw”).
4. In Britain, it is illegal to get drunk in a pub
The law was constitutionalized in the Liquor Control and Licensing Act of 1996. Although it may sound counter-intuitive, this actually forbids licensed institutions to serve a customer more alcohol if that person is becoming inebriated. This prevents violence or other dangerous acts committed under the influence of alcohol. With careful inspection, it might not be such a ridiculous law after all.
Drunk via (Shutterstock)
5. Hitting a vending machine that stole your money is illegal in Kansas
From Ord. 1585, implemented in 1997.
6. In England, it is illegal to die in the House Of Parliament
By the Coroners Act of 1988, anyone dying within the premises of the royal palace shall be under the jurisdiction of the coroner of the Queen’s household. (The House of Parliament is technically included as a royal palace). This means that the royal family will have to sit as the jury should anyone die within the House of Parliament.
7. In Thailand, stepping on the nation’s currency is illegal
Some may find this ridiculous law, but this reaction may pertain to a difference in cultural background with some eastern nations. People from Thailand see the stepping on the currency, which has the portrait of their ruler, as an act of disrespect.
Currency via (Shutterstock)
8. It is possible to be fined $500 to instruct delivery man to deliver goods and services to your friend without them knowing in Louisiana
This is true under the Acts of 1999, No. 1060, RS 14:68.6. (Next time you plan a surprise party for your friend, please advise them you ordered the pizza first).
9. One may not dye a duckling pink and display it for sale unless more than six are for sold at once in Kentucky
Amended in 1972, this law actually prevents the dyeing of any living fowl or rabbits for sale or exchange. They also cannot be sold in quantities less than six if they are under 2 months old. (The only question remains... why does this law even have to exist?!)
10. It is forbidden to flush a toilet after 10PM if you live in an apartment in Switzerland
The good thing about this law is that its only purpose is to prevent excessive noise from disturbing others. Nothing specifically points out that the flushing of toilet is illegal, since each landlord is entitled to their own opinion on the matter.
Toilet Flush via (Shutterstock)
11. It is illegal to annoy passersby on sidewalks with a revolving water sprinkler in Helena, Montana
This holds true since 1979 according to the city Code, Ch. 5-9-2.
12. If you are older than 15 and have been caught cheating on a test, you are passable to be jailed in Bangladesh
According to Noel Botham’s The Best Book of Most Useless Information Ever, this law is still enforced as of today.
13. It is illegal to wear a bullet-proof vest while committing a murder in New Jersey
Amended in 1999 under the Code 39-13. (Maybe it prevents criminals from being too cruel).
Bulletproof vest via (Shutterstock)
14. The harassing of Bigfoot, Sasquatch or other undiscovered subspecies is a felony punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment in Washington
According to Dumblaws.com, this law is registered in the Udiscovered Species Protection Act.
15. McDonald has been banned in Bolivia since 1997. As of 2002, McDonald finally obtained permission to enter Bolivia, but the lack of costumers forced the fast food chain to retreat from the country in 2011
This makes Bolivia one of the seven countries that does not have McDonalds, at all. (The others are North Korea, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Macedonia, Bermuda and Iceland).
16. It is illegal in China to reincarnate without the government’s permission
This law was put into motion to further control religious beliefs of Tibetan monks. (Whether it can be enforced is another matter altogether).
Reincarnation via (Shutterstock)
17. In Kentucky, a woman cannot remarry the same man more than three times
No concrete proof of this law exists on the internet. (This shouldn’t even exist as a law when in possession of common sense).
18. It is illegal to die in Longyearbyen, Norway
Legalized and enforced because the permafrost prevents your body from decomposing.
19. It is illegal to sell gum without an ID in Singapore.
Anyone caught chewing gum for non-medical purpose is passable of a fine up to $1000.
20. In Japan, it is forbidden to be too obese. Average men cannot have a waistline of more than 80cm and average women cannot surpass 90cm
This law is officially enforced as of 2011. Exceptions may apply to people of special status (such as sumo wrestlers).
Waistline via (Shutterstock)
(*Image of “Laws“ via Shutterstock)
