Every country is unique, and each country’s laws are unique as well. These regulations sometimes verge on the absurd, and other times they relate to essential cultural norms that may differ from your own.
We’ve prepared a collection of strange laws from around the world that you might not be aware of. According to Far and wide When you’re on the road, though, you don’t want to end up in jail!
1. It is illegal to chew gums in Singapore
We all pay the price when fools break the rules. After vandals used chewing gum to cause havoc with the MRT system in 1992, Singapore banned all gum ingredients, costing the Housing and Development Board $150,000 every year to remove gum litres.
Anyone importing, distributing, or creating gum in Singapore faces fines and/or jail time, with the oddity of nicotine and therapeutic dental gums.
Make sure you’re not caught blowing bubbles on the streets!
2. Canadian radio stations must play Canadian artists
The people of Canada are a patriotic bunch. So much so that all Canadian radio stations are mandated by law to play at least 35 percent of Canadian artists on the airwaves, particularly between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
This means you’ll hear more than 20 minutes of Nickelback, Alanis Morissette, Celine Dion, Michael Bublé, and Justin Bieber – all of whom are proud Canucks — in an hour of radio during the week.
3. Pigeon feeding is prohibited in Venice, Italy.
Thousands of pigeons gather at Saint Mark’s Square in Venice, attracted by tourists wanting to feed them in return for Instagram-worthy photos, thus Venice lawmakers declared feeding the noisy birds illegal in 2008.
According to reports, cleaning up after the birds costs each resident €275 per year, thus the tables have now been turned.
If you’re caught feeding the pigeons, you could face a fine of up to €700. Instead, take a picture of one of Venice’s beautiful bridges.
4. In Sri Lanka, there are no selfies with the Buddha.
When you take a selfie with Buddha, you are essentially turning your back on him. Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, This act of contempt is punishable by jail in Sri Lanka. Pointing a finger at Buddha is also considered disrespectful, and photographing the sculptures is occasionally prohibited.
Although it is not illegal to acquire Buddha tattoos, a British lady was sentenced to three days in prison in 2014 for having improper tattoos of the man whom 70% of Sri Lankans believe is a prophet and avatar of the god Vishnu.
Respect “no photograph” signs and don’t turn your back on him by being polite and covering tattoos.
5. In Denmark, wearing a mask is prohibited.
The Danish government forbids not only masks but also anyone covering their face in public in any way. Examples include masks, helmets, scarves, caps, fake beards, and even burkas.
The divisive ban went into effect in August of 2018. According to officials, the limitation aids in appropriately recognizing people during crowded events in case something bad happens and someone needs to be identified.
6. Illegal to be shirtless in Barcelona
In an endeavor to keep the streets of Barcelona free of bikini-clad beach goers and shirtless males, lawmakers in the Mediterranean city forbade anyone from being topless or in a swimsuit anyplace other than the beach or a pool.
Fines for wandering around half-naked were passed in 2011 and could cost you up to €260.
There will be no service if there is no shirt, no shoes, and no service!