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In Italy, a saying goes, “The world is beautiful because it’s full of variety,” even when that variety is just… plain weird.

Specifically, laws can be downright crazy. They’re meant to be a set of rules we all agree on because they just make sense, but sometimes things clearly get out of control. And we’re not just talking about weird laws in the US — despite them making up the majority of our list. You’ll soon realize that making random things illegal is a worldwide habit. Like, who came up with a law forbidding people to ride a cow while drunk in Scotland? Or who’s that party pooper who made playing dominoes in Sevilla illegal? And these are just the tip of the “funny laws” iceberg you’re gonna uncover today.

We’re about to take a look at some of the weirdest laws from around the world that were actually passed by lawmakers. A lot of them are just plain funny, but others are so strange that we can’t even imagine how they came about. And while some of these laws may have been long forgotten over time, they still stand as a testament to the fact that weirdness is alive and well in the world’s legal system — and that sometimes, it’s not even close to being dead.

#1

Woman With Dog at the Middle of the Street You must walk your dog daily in Rome.

nbcnews.com Report

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Orange Is Aging
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog literally hates walks, and she’s certainly far to old to go on them every day!

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RoanTheMad
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Should be a law everywhere, I see so many people get these little "lap dogs" thinking they don't need a lot of excersise THEY DO. YOU SHOULD. WALK. YOUR. DOG. and whilst you're at it, it should be law to pick up after said dog, too.

Lucas
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my country it is and some still don't. As a dog owner who always picks up I got so irritated as we all get tarred with the same brush as 'irresponsible owners'. I'm just as likely to step in it by mistake as the next person😡👣

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Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's taking it a bit far. I mean Rome is 1,350 miles away!

Freddy M. (He/Him)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It feels like anything else should be considered animal abuse, unless you have a large backyard they have free access to

Lucas
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even then the same area is boring for a dog - they like to explore places other dogs visit, read the pee-mail and have a good sniff.

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Talitha Jansen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My neighbors have two big dogs and they only get walked in the evening if the owners feel like it. They're young dogs and because they're in the garden all the time (it's not normal here to have outside dogs) they bark the entire time because they're so frustrated. It's so sad.

Demianh21
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dogs must be walked more than once a day. It's important for their physical antenatal health (they also need a social life)

Marlowe Fitzpatrik
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! Especially since they often don't exercise themselves if you only have a big yard they can go to. Most dogs prefer to stay with their humans, so if you just open the door, they go out, do their Business, and come back. And the owner think that doggo doesn't need or want to walk, which makes the dog untrained, hardly muscled and has their toenails grow lo g. Which in turn makes it uncomfortable to walk if they ever so get out, further confirming the wrong belief that doggy doesn't want to

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Mario Strada
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really? I lived in Rome. We had lots of pets, German Shepherds and Dachshunds (odd combo, I know). We had a large yard (lived a bit outside the city) so probably it wouldn’t have applied to us, but I have never heard of this. Maybe it's new?

Mikołaj Witkowski
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The hell is this? You must walk your dog at least 3 times a day, doesn't matter where you live. If you don't want to do that, why the hell do you have a dog?

jon gilbertson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

better idea.... stop having pets. I've never understood why people want pets. damned ridiculous

Zachary Gillette
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My parents never walk their Schnauzer, but they have a certified wildlife preserve backyard that is big enough for her. Plenty of animals to chase too.

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    #5

    Canadian radio stations must play Canadian artists' music as a certain percentage of the total playtime.

    crtc.gc.ca Report

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    Jacob Frank
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a bit misleading. Canadian radio stations must play Canadian artists' music as a certain percentage of the total play time. I don't know the current percentage but without this rule, Canadian airwaves would be overrun with US music and those great artists that Powerful Katrinka mentioned probably would never have become known.

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    #6

    Person walking multiple dogs You must walk your dog 3 times daily in Turin, Italy.

    npr.org Report

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    #7

    It's illegal to handle salmon suspiciously in the U.K.

    en.wikipedia.org Report

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    #9

    baby sleeping in bed It's illegal naming your baby something weird in Denmark.

    worldatlas.com Report

    #11

    Girl sitting on the beach with flip-flops No driving while wearing flip-flops in Spain.

    spanishnewstoday.com Report

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    Marcelo Origoni
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is not crazy, it's common sense. Flip flop may bend and get under your pedals

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    #12

    If a child burps during a church service, his or her parents may be arrested in Nebraska.

    criminaldefensetucson.com Report

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    #14

    It’s against the law to have a sleeping donkey in your bathtub after 7 pm in Arizona, USA.

    phoenixarizonacriminallawyer.com Report

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    JMil
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is why I only let my donkey use the bathtub during his siesta.

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    #15

    In Baltimore, Maryland, it’s illegal to bring a lion to the movies.

    theactivetimes.com Report

    #16

    Person taking photo of family dinner on smartphone You can't turn off your phone's camera sound in South Korea.

    thegolfnewsnet.com Report

    #17

    In New Jersey... bullet-proof vests are banned while committing a crime.

    law.justia.com Report

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    Am a hooman
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omigosh. Bc whoevers commiting the crime will for sure listen to the laws…

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    #18

    One person tickling legs of another person It is against the law to tickle women in Virginia.

    montagnalaw.com Report

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    #19

    No driving with a child on the hood of your car, Oregon.

    oregon.gov Report

    #22

    According to a law in Scotland, you must allow someone into your house if he knocks on your door and needs to use the bathroom.

    scottishbusinessnews.net Report

    #23

    Couple watching Netflix on Tv Sharing your Netflix password is an offense in Tennessee, U.S.A.

    wikipedia.org Report

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    Nathaniel
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone from Tennessee want to share their password? Just to see if SWAT invade your house.

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    #24

    In Ohio... it's illegal to sell dyed chickens.

    parmaheights-oh.elaws.us Report

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    Staysafewarmdry
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Ohio it's against the law to kill a housefly within 160 feet of a church without a license. In Cleveland: It's illegal to catch mice without a hunting license. In Marion: You cannot eat a doughnut and walk backwards on a city street.

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    #25

    Couple holding hands outside Students may not hold hands while at school in Tennessee.

    archive.thinkprogress.org Report

    #27

    Woman adjusting her high heels It's illegal to wear high heels to the Acropolis.

    npr.org Report

    #30

    It's illegal to disrupt a wedding in South Australia.

    news.com.au Report

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    #32

    It is illegal under the terms of the Prohibition and Inspections to cause a nuclear explosion, U.K.

    en.wikipedia.org Report

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    T5n
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’ll have to remove that from the todo list for when I visit the UK.

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    #33

    Registering as married at a hotel makes it so in North Carolina.

    law.justia.com Report

    #34

    In Arkansas... you can't honk your horn near a sandwich shop after 9 p.m.

    travelawaits.com Report

    #35

    It's illegal to run out of gas on the German Autobhan.

    schumachercargo.com Report

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    fs
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Running out of gas is not so much the problem here, in fact it's the not allowed act of stopping on the autobahn. Meaning this applies also to EVs w/ empty batteries etc.

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    #39

    It's illegal to kill Bigfoot in British Columbia, Canada.

    courthouselibrary.ca Report

    #40

    It’s illegal to whistle in Petrolia, Ontario, Canada between 11 PM and 7 AM.

    mymcmurray.com Report

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    Hey!
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's illegal to whistle in Petrolia, Ont., between 11 P and 7 AM, so keep your lips zipped. Apparently, this weird law is part of a anti-noise bylaw that prohibits "yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing" during the wee hours. https://www.slice.ca/35-weird-canadian-laws-you-didnt-know-existed-2/

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    #42

    In Virginia... you can't go trick-or-treating if you're over 14 years old.

    library.municode.com Report

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    Your Average Panda
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

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    #44

    Elephants are not allowed to be used to plow cotton fields in North Carolina.

    wildeles.org Report

    #45

    In South Dakota... it's illegal to sleep in the cheese factory.

    kotatv.com Report

    #46

    It's illegal to wear a mask in public in Denmark.

    dw.com Report

    #48

    It's illegal for your chicken to cross the road in Georgia.

    legintent.com Report

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    #51

    It's illegal to wear a fake mustache in an Alabama Church.

    al.com Report

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    #52

    It's illegal to pay with too many coins in Canada.

    ctvnews.ca Report

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    Hey!
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone who's ever tried to get rid of some change at the checkout counter had best know the rules, as there are specific limits set as to how much can be paid with coins. For example, a federal government website notes that the limit is $25 if you’re paying with loonies, $5 if you're using nickels. If you're trying to get rid of pennies, the maximum legal amount per purchase is a mere 25 cents. https://www.slice.ca/35-weird-canadian-laws-you-didnt-know-existed-2/

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    #53

    Carrying a plank of wood down the street in London, U.K.

    thesun.co.uk Report

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    Nathaniel
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ever seen the documentary The Plank, 1967? That shows the trouble carrying a plank can cause.

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    #54

    It is illegal to be drunk and in charge of cattle in England and Wales.

    oxbridgehomelearning.uk Report

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    Benita Valdez
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I need the story behind this. What in the world happened that one faithful day that required this law?

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    #55

    In Delaware... you can't sell dog hair.

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    #58

    No selfies with Buddha in Sri Lanka.

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    #61

    Destroying currency is considered a criminal offense in Turkey.

    en.wikipedia.org Report

    #62

    It's illegal to cut cactus, in Arizona.

    eu.azcentral.com Report

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    Benita Valdez
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Preservation. Nothing wrong with that. Some cacti take decades to mature and grow

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    #63

    Legal prostitution and the earnings are taxable, The Netherlands.

    cnbc.com Report

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    Benita Valdez
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well if it's legal then it's taxable income; that's typically how jobs work

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    #64

    It's illegal to publicly displays affection in the United Arab Emirates.

    thenationalnews.com Report

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    Hey!
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone told us this one when they went to work over there for 6 months. They were told in advance because they were going as a couple.

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    #66

    It's illegal to sell chewing gum in Singapore.

    en.wikipedia.org Report

    #68

    It is illegal for a pub to serve alcohol to a person who is visibly intoxicated in Australia.

    smh.com.au Report

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    Benita Valdez
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We have that here in New York. If your drunk enough and cause a car accident, the bartender can get in some trouble for proving alcohol to an already intoxicated person.

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    #69

    No water pistols on New Year's in Cambodia.

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    Jynxiecat
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's better to save the water pistols for the summer anyway

    #70

    It's illegal to build a sandcastle in Spain.

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    #71

    Married women can only have one glass of wine in Bolivia.

    cnbctv18.com Report

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    Jessica Ehle
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is a stupid rule, but the solution to it is to use a giant glass. I mean a HUGE glass.

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    #73

    It is illegal to sing in a public place while wearing a swimsuit in Florida.

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    #74

    In Wisconsin... butter substitutes are banned without permission.

    eu.jsonline.com Report

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    Oleta Bubacz
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is no longer enforced, but as a child we drove to the UP of Michigan to obtain margarine. We concealed it under cloth in a picnic basket when we came back, just in case.

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    #75

    No shirtless driving in Thailand.

    businessinsider.in Report

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    #76

    Belly dancing is only for ladies, Egypt.

    en.wikipedia.org Report

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    Hey!
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We had one guy in our belly dancing course; he was preparing for a friend's wedding. He was Lebanese I think.

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    #77

    Ice cream in your back pocket is a no-no in Georgia.

    gradynewsource.uga.edu Report

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    #78

    In Milan, Italy, it is illegal for citizens to frown in public—unless they’re at a funeral or visiting someone in the hospital.

    dailymail.co.uk Report

    #80

    In Mexico, it is illegal for bicyclists to lift their feet off the pedals while riding as this might cause them to lose control of the bike.

    theculturetrip.com Report

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    #81

    It is illegal to pump your own gas in Oregon and New Jersey.

    edition.cnn.com Report

    #82

    It's illegal to fly a kite in Victoria, Australia.

    seniorsdiscountclub.com.au Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess I've broken the law a few times then. Never heard of this law....I just checked it out and "It is an offence in Victoria to fly a kite to 'the annoyance of any person' in a public place. Maximum penalty is a $777.30 fine". https://www.slatergordon.com.au/media/14-of-the-most-obscure-australian-laws-youve-never-heard-of....so maybe I haven't actually broken it, if no one wad annoyed.

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    #83

    It's illegal to climb a tree in Oshawa, Canada.

    canadianaffair.com Report

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    Hey!
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A typical childhood pastime in the rest of Canada has been outlawed in Oshawa, Ont., where it's illegal to climb a tree. According to the local bylaw, "No person shall interfere with a tree or part of a tree located on municipal property, including but not limited to attaching, affixing or placing upon in any manner any object or thing to a tree or part of a tree, and climbing the tree." So hurry up and climb down before the cops arrive! https://www.slice.ca/35-weird-canadian-laws-you-didnt-know-existed-2/

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    #84

    You must provide for your elderly parents in China.

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    Benita Valdez
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think they have something like this in Japan too. So if you live in either and hate your parents, move out of the country

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    #86

    Finnish taxi drivers must pay royalty fees for songs they play in their cars.

    news.slashdot.org Report

    #87

    No selfies with Tiger in New York.

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    #90

    In Iowa... you can't throw a glass bottle onto a highway.

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    #91

    You can't kiss on the street in Guanajuato, Mexico.

    matadornetwork.com Report

    #92

    It's illegal to drive a dirty car in Russia.

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    #94

    Don't hang your dirty laundry in public in Trinidad and Tobago.

    loopnews.com Report

    #95

    It's illegal to play Dominoes in public places in Sevilla, Spain.

    20minutos.es Report

    #96

    Wives must have their husband's OK to get false teeth in Vermont.

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    #97

    Moose viewing while airborne in Alaska is strictly forbidden.

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    #98

    It is illegal to order or permit any servant to stand on the sill of any window to clean or paint it, U.K.

    cambridge-news.co.uk Report

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    #99

    It is illegal to fire a cannon within 300 yards of a dwelling in London, U.K.

    lawcom.gov.uk Report

    #100

    A person riding an elevator must talk to no one and must fold his hands while looking at the door in New York.

    cbsnews.com Report

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    Jessica Ehle
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That sounds like the best law it the universe. It is so awkward when there are strangers in the elevator and you are just staring at each other. I think I want to move to New York now.

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    #102

    No testing your physical endurance while driving in Oregon.

    oregon.public.law Report

    #103

    You must honk when passing a car in New Jersey.

    maggianolaw.com Report

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    JMil
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, apparently I'm a criminal now. Good things the cops didn't nab me on my recent vacation.

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    #104

    In Minnesota... dirty tires are banned.

    cnbc.com Report

    #105

    It's illegal to interfere with a homing pigeon. You have to let them be, Australia.

    xenlaw.com.au Report

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    Vix Spiderthrust
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, totally the opposite. It's illegal to interfere with a homing pigeon. You HAVE to let them be.

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