7 of the Strangest Laws Around the World

The world is full of diverse cultures, traditions, and naturally—laws. Every country establishes regulations to maintain order, but some rules around the globe sound completely baffling to outsiders. Here are 7 of the strangest laws in the world that have been—and in some cases, still are—enforced.

1. Banned: Chewing Gum (Singapore)

Singapore is world-famous for its cleanliness and strict public order. To keep public spaces free from sticky messes, the Singaporean government banned the import and sale of chewing gum in 1992. Anyone caught smuggling or selling gum can face heavy fines running into tens of thousands of dollars or even imprisonment. Exceptions are made only for medical gum prescribed by a doctor.

2. Banned: Wearing High Heels at Historical Sites (Greece)

If you are planning to visit the Acropolis or the Parthenon in Greece, make sure to leave your high heels back at the hotel. Since 2009, the Greek government has banned high-heeled shoes at ancient historical sites. The reason is purely practical: the concentrated pressure from sharp heels can chip and erode ancient stone structures that have stood for thousands of years.

3. Banned: Feeding Pigeons in Piazza San Marco (Venice, Italy)

Feeding pigeons in Venice’s central square might seem like a romantic activity, but since 2008, it has been strictly illegal. Large flocks of pigeons damage and stain historical statues and buildings with their corrosive droppings. Violators face fines of up to several hundred euros.

4. Banned: Running Out of Fuel on the Autobahn (Germany)

Germany’s famous Autobahn network is renowned for having sections with no speed limit. However, one thing is strictly forbidden: running out of gas. Stopping on the shoulder of a high-speed highway is considered a major safety hazard. Because running out of fuel is viewed as a preventable form of driver negligence, you will be fined if it happens.

5. Mandatory: Keeping at Least Two Guinea Pigs (Switzerland)

Switzerland takes animal welfare regulations very seriously. Under Swiss law, guinea pigs are classified as social animals that easily suffer from loneliness if kept isolated. Because of this, owners are legally required to keep at least two guinea pigs together. Similar rules apply to certain species of social birds and other group-dwelling pets.

6. Mandatory: Smiling at All Times, Except at Funerals (Milan, Italy)

Although this ancient regulation is rarely enforced in modern times, an 18th-century law on the books in Milan technically requires citizens to wear a smile in public spaces. The only legal exceptions granted are for individuals attending funerals or visiting patients in a hospital.

7. Banned: Flushing the Toilet After 10 PM (Switzerland)

Another unique Swiss guideline relates to residential noise control. In many Swiss apartment buildings, flushing the toilet after 10:00 PM is considered noise pollution that disrupts neighbors' sleep. Most residents voluntarily abide by this building rule to maintain peace and harmony with their neighbors.