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Laws are necessary for civilization to survive and thrive, but in some cases, they don’t always make a lot of logical sense. Just because something is legal doesn’t automatically make it morally or socially good. Nor does banning something instantly mean that it’s bad. There are some truly bizarre moments when common sense goes out the window.

One internet user sparked an interesting conversation on r/AskReddit after asking folks about what things are, weirdly enough, illegal to own in their home country. Scroll down for their answers and a quick peek into how every legal system has at least a few flaws.

#1

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live Swiss law : just one pet guinea pig. It's mandatory to have at least two so they don't get lonely.

Zinaye , Pixabay Report

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Sand Ers
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is neither bizarre, nor lacking in common sense. It’s a basic animal welfare law, reminding people that they have an obligation to meet the needs of their animals.

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Some laws are beyond bizarre and end up sounding utterly hilarious. For example, Birmingham University notes that in the United Kingdom, it is illegal to handle “salmon in suspicious circumstances,” as per Section 32 of the Salmon Act of 1986.

Meanwhile, the Seamen’s and Soldiers’ False Characters Act of 1906 prohibits you from dressing up as a member of the naval, military, and marine forces. So, you technically wouldn’t be able to wear those clothes to a fancy dress party.

The 1839 Metropolitan Police Act makes it illegal to “wilfully and wantonly disturb any inhabitant by pulling or ringing any doorbell or knocking at any door without lawful excuse.” Nor are you allowed to use “any slide upon ice or snow in any street or other thoroughfare.”

Even weirder, Section 12 of the Licensing Act of 1872 prohibits you from being drunk inside a pub. “Every person found drunk in any highway or other public place, whether a building or not, or on any licensed premises” could get a fine.

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#2

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live Native animals. You’re not allowed to keep native animals in Australia without a special licence, but I live rurally & pretty much everyone I know has at least one native animal that they rescued as a baby & fed & it just never f****d off once it grew up, so they have a kangaroo or a bunch of magpies or a wombat just tooling around their property like it owns the place.

Technically they could get into pretty major trouble (fines & jail time) but it’s generally overlooked if you’re not selling them.

OldTiredAnnoyed , Photo By: Kaboompics.com Report

#3

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live US: Brass knuckles. Guns are fine. Knives are fine. But Brass knuckles? Yeah that’s too far.

stunspelledbackwards , MAURO CATEB Report

We reached out to the person behind the online thread, redditor u/solitary_black_sheep. They shared a few thoughts about illogical laws, as well as the virality of online content.

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“I don’t think it’s possible to have perfect laws in general,” the internet user told Bored Panda.

“There will always be some strange ones due to historical reasons, strange precedences, unfortunate phrasing, etc.”

They said that they read many interesting answers. “There were many interesting illegal things that overall showed some holes in legal systems of different countries.”

#4

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live Pet rats.

Alberta is one of the few places that is rat-free and they want to keep it that way.

moronomer , Clique Images Report

#6

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live Chewing gum in Singapore.

IllTreacle7682 , Yaroslav Shuraev Report

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Heffalump
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They got tired of scraping it off the pavement (sidewalk in US English).

The Announcer
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just spend time in NYC and you'll see why the US should ban it too.

Mason Kronol
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or just listen to my husband chewing it. It’s banned in my house.

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MistBorn
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It not illegal to own ,it's just illegal to manufacture and sell . And also dental gums and for combating addiction it's legal .

Phil Green
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love Singapore for that. You can't flick cigarette ends on the street either.

S
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This just isn't true. It's a myth people keep repeating without doing a 2 second Google.

Major Harris
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

when i was in the u.s. navy, we were warned about gum whe we made a port call for 5 days in singapore for new years eve, 88-89.

Nils Skirnir
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They say it’s easier for a 13 year old to hire a prostitute than to buy a stick of gum

Andy Frobig
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I learned this from the great Shonen Knife song, "Ah, Singapore"

Shaun Coleman
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It does tend to make people look like cows chewing their cud. Yuck.

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However, the OP felt a bit surprised by how many people mentioned “various kinds of [psychedelic substances].”

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“For me, trying to limit [these substances] makes sense and it’s not normal to own them.”

According to the author, they were surprised by how many people responded to their question online. “I’m happy that so many people found the question interesting,” they said.

They opened up to us that initially the thread and the question were a social experiment of sorts. They wanted to see if they’d be able to create a popular post. The main thing driving the OP? “Just curiosity.”

Redditor u/solitary_black_sheep said that they felt inspired by similar questions that they had seen online. However, they didn’t want to just copy them. Instead, they added a unique twist to make the question unique.

#7

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live I’m in the USA (Indiana to be exact) and throwing stars were illegal until around a year ago. Open carry is fine, but none of that ninja business.

BigBiggity , Rick Tew's NinjaGym™ Martial Arts Report

#8

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live A warning system for your car to give you a heads up for speed controls.
You are allowed to buy it, but you're not allowed to use it.

Before the legalisation of cannabis you were allowed to buy seeds.
On each pack was a sticker stating, "You are, by law, not allowed to put the contents in soil and water it."

Germany.

donkey_loves_dragons , Tim Gouw Report

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Brian Droste
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are you taking about having a rader detector? Speed control to me is cruise control on a car to control your speed while driving.

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#9

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live Telescope 🔭 [Jordan]



Edit: if you are part of the Jordanian Astronomy association, you can get a permit to import one, otherwise it's forbidden to prevent people from spying.

Low_Code_5522 , freepik Report

Most countries have at least a few glaring irregularities in their legal systems. The more you learn about them, the more flaws and inconsistencies you can spot. Some mistakes come down to human error. Others are the byproduct of ancient traditions and anachronistic mores that no longer fit the spirit of the age. While others still are left to be ignored because changing them would not be worth all the trouble.

Overhauling a country’s entire legal system to be consistent, logical, fair and also reflective of the norms and mores of today’s society would be a monumental task. Then factor in the fact that social norms shift and change over time and you realize that you have to constantly update your laws. Realistically, some bizarre (il)legalities will fall between the cracks. And then you’re back where you started, wondering why it’s illegal to own something basic.

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#10

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live It's illegal to own rabbits in my state in Australia, unless you're a registered magician or own a petting zoo type show.

Chiweeny , Satyabrata sm Report

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kitten levels tokyo
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don't need to own one when you have 400 quadrillion of them running around the country already.

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#11

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live Buying knives if you're under 18 in Scotland.

Sounds legit and reasonable, except that you can vote, get married, have babies and leave home when you're 16.

Had to "break the law" to buy someone some kitchen knives and scissors last week because they couldn't cook anything without them!!

badmother , Blend Archive Report

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iseefractals
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

all knives and knife blades that are designed for domestic use can be legally sold to people over the age of 16 and other types of knives may legally be sold to anyone over the age of 18 if a licence is obtained. • Skewers • Screw drivers • Scissors • Pruning saws • Plasterboard saws • Peelers are "outside the scope" of legislation. The weapons act of 1988 aims to regulate the sale of....weapons. Meaning any knives (of similar objects) advertised as being for combat or self defense are regulated.....kitchen knives and crafting/diy tools, are not.

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#12

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live Kinder eggs with the toy inside. Illegal in all of US.

Environmental-Low792 , Jens Rost Report

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Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Criminals do not care of kinder eggs are banned, they can have all the kinder eggs they want whilst good, American citizens are without kinder eggs! Sometimes all it takes is one good man with a kinder egg to step a bad man with a kinder egg!

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What are the most peculiar laws that you know that are still in effect in your home country, dear Pandas? Are they still relevant or does everyone ignore them?

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Do you think that a perfectly logical, constantly updated, and just legal system is attainable or feasible? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Scroll down to the comments and let us know what you think.

#13

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live A copy of the original Romeo and Juliet. [Because of] suggestive language. 400 words got changed for school copies. New Mexico, USA

r1niceboy , Sema Nur Report

#14

New Zealand: A snake. Always wanted a pet snake, but we dont even have them in the zoo they are so unallowed lol.

Feisty-Bluebird-5277 Report

#15

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live UAE: Poppy seeds. I miss them on my bagels.

buddhaliao , cottonbro studio Report

#16

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live In Venezuela it's illegal to own anything with camo print on it.

dickburpsdaily , Anika Huizinga Report

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#17

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live To be in possession of an unpolished diamond in South Africa. Even if you pick it up on the beach.. punishment: 10 years in prison.

Sea-Associate-4060 , Dillon Wanner Report

#18

VPN subscription in China. Actually ownership is not illegal, usage is.

Leaper229 Report

#19

Cuban cigars. I live in the US, up on Lake Erie. Plenty of people I know have gone to Canada and snagged some Cuban cigars to bring back just to say they did.

This is technically a violation of the Trading With the Enemy Act and punishable by up to $50k in fines per cigar, but it’s not generally enforced unless customs think you’re bringing them back to sell.

IMO they’re not that great. Certainly not bad, but not worth the hype they get. Dominican cigars have majorly passed them in quality.

MrLanesLament Report

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The embargo against Cuba is so pointless at this point. The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. It's 2024. Time to bury the hatchet and get to know our Cuban Neighbors.

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#20

Any laser pointer that isn't weaker than a single LED. Here in Australia, it used to be less than 5 milliwatts, then they changed it to less than 1 milliwatt. The laser pointers that can burn things are usually 1.5 watts or more.

Shinaebob Report

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Kira Okah
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Expect that this is a result of people shining these into people's eyes when they were driving, tat happened a lot.

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#21

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live Portugal: Dashcams, police bodycams, etc, here if people didnt have privacy while breaking the law then the court will make the victim pay for the privacy damages to the law breaker and end the case there.

edit: we have some public streets with (goverment) cameras recording 24/7.

telmoxt , Xingye Jiang Report

#22

The feathers of most native migratory birds are illegal to own in the US. Having a hawk feather, or blue jay feather? Illegal, because of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. (Nobody is banging down doors about a kid picking up a feather, though.).

birdiestp Report

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brookeannsimmer
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Members of some native tribes in America are still permitted to collect certain feathers depending on negotiation results when the various acts were put in place

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#23

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live E -Vapes though they sell cigarettes. I live in India.

No_Bus_9094 , mohamad hajizade Report

#24

Slingshot in Germany.
Back in my day we carved our own. Apparently we were real criminal.

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86ccg75nrq
Community Member
3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not true. They are only forbidden if you can extend them into a precision weapon.

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#25

In one state (Western Australia), it is illegal to sell, purchase, take delivery of or deliver more than 50 kgs of potatoes at once. Not sure if this is ever enforced but yeah.

StrazzaDazza Report

#26

In Ireland it’s illegal to sell and use metal detectors without written consent from the government.

ocriochain Report

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PFD
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"The unregulated and inappropriate use of detection devices causes serious damage to Ireland’s archaeological heritage and is subject to severe penalties under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014." Metal detecting was added when the technology came along, but in general "it is illegal to dig or excavate for archaeological objects ... without the prior written consent of the Minister." So it's not some odd exception, it's part of a systematic protection of Ireland's archaeological heritage.

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#27

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live Texas, US: 2 IDs , even if the both have the exact same information, photos , names , ID number , hight , eye colour , everything

If your ID gets lost and you get a new one , and somehow find your old one. You are breaking the law...

Swartie2233 , Kindel Media Report

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ChugChug
Community Member
3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is I guess pretty much everywhere, you can't have duplicate IDs. In my country you have to hand over the old one, they punch a hole on it, or if you can't hand it over you have to fill out a form to officially state what happened (lost/stolen...etc). Then they register that old ID number and if you try to use it in the future, then you are in trouble.

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#28

Switchblades are illegal in a lot of states. You can have pocket knives, you can have long bladed knives, you can have knives you can open with one hand. You can also have guns.


But switchblades are illegal in a lot of places.

2060ASI Report

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Brenda Spagnola-Wilson
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here in Houston, any blade you carry on your person can't be longer than palm is wide (approximately 3-4 inches). Makes no sense

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#30

California, US: Ferrets, as pets.

TuckerDidIt Report

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kitten levels tokyo
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So far we have Ferrets and Parrots. If Carrots are illegal somewhere we will have a trifecta.

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#31

Bear spray. We have bears in Canada.

BackFromTheDeadSoon Report

#32

A home distillation setup in the UK.

thoawaydatrash Report

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#33

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live Suppressors/moderators/silencers. Not even for airguns.

I bought an airgun about a year ago. Then I designed and 3D printed a suppressor for it, figuring it would effectively lengthen the barrel a bit for increased accuracy, and it might reduce the report, even if only slightly.

I shared a picture of the finished print on social media and had a bunch of friends immediately comment that I should delete the picture and destroy the print ASAP. I did and then researched it... sure enough owning or possessing a suppressor is illegal (in Canada).

I think someone in politics has watched a few too many action movies and has no real concept of how effective suppressors are.

FullNoodleFrontity , Tima Miroshnichenko Report

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Ace
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one's worng for two reasons. 1. In no world would a suppressor improve accuracy. A longer rifled barrel might, but just making it longer i itself will not. 2. A suppressor reduces noise from the muzzle blast. Air rifles do not have a muzzle blast. Suppressors for air rifles are not a thing.

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#34

Uganda is illegal to own a parrot.

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#35

Changing the bulbs in your car/bike with the same ones with leds. But driving without lights is also illegal. So on my old bike i eather drive illegally with out lights and get run over, ir i drive it with lights but without permission, and could loose my lisence and face +500 in fines...

Wtf switzerland.

The_lone_Nomad Report

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#36

California and Massachusetts, US: Stuff like nunchucks. You can have pretend foam ones but you can’t have real ones. Like just let me spin s**t around in my backyard.

TentacleJesus Report

#37

Sadly I can’t have a pet gorilla in the uk.

Strict-Airline3614 Report

#38

People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live Your own sugar

It's a crime to make sugar in Brazil.

vini_club_ofc , D MO Report

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Lulu1986
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm Brazilian, lawyer, from a sugar producer state but have never heard about that "law".

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#39

Its illegal to have a knife in your lunch box with sandwiches and walk on public.
Just if you want to peel a tomato or a cucumber you can end up in jail.
Country, UK.

thisoilguy Report

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Kira Okah
Community Member
3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes you can. The knife being on your person has to have a reason for being there. If it is in your lunch box with the intent to peel food, it is legal to have there. Pocket knife on your belt as a tool? Absolutely. Athame for your altar? Go for it. Transporting a chef knife home? Shoot. Carrying a knife in your school bag for the purposes of pulling it on people if you get upset? There is a multiple stabbing that had an unwell kid doing just that.

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#40

Dual citizenship in Ukraine.

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

CONTEXT: "Ukraine is one of approximately 58 countries that does not recognize dual nationality." It's more common than this Russian dog whistler implies.

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