Sometimes, you really have to wonder what is going through the mind of a lawmaker when policy comes into practice.
And if you’ve never wondered, you certainly will be after reading this article!
We’ve brought together 20 of the weirdest, wildest and most unbelievable laws from all over the world just to show you that just because it’s the law, doesn’t mean it makes any sense at all!
1. It’s Illegal To Be Dangerous In Cuba
We thought we’d start with something truly ridiculous because in Cuba, it’s absolutely against the law to be dangerous. That is, if a law enforcement officer feels that you’re practising ‘dangerousness’, they can sentence you to up to four years in prison. Let’s be clear, you don’t actually have to commit a crime, you just have to appear as though you’re maybe planning to do so at some time.
2. Don’t Change Your Lightbulbs In Victoria
An obscure and outdated law in Victoria actually makes it illegal to change lightbulbs in your own home. According to the law, the only people who are legally allowed to change lightbulbs are electricians! But if you do decide to thumb your noise at the lawman, the fines are hardly steep, if you’re caught at all, with fine of around $20 per bulb.
3. In Finland, Your Traffic Fines Are Based On Your Income
If you’re a millionaire breaking traffic laws in Finland, we’d urge you to watch you. In the Scandinavian country, traffic fines aren’t decided by an arbitrary system that’s the same for everyone, but rather based on how much money you earn. This led them to issue what’s thought to be the most expensive speeding fine in history to the director of Nokia for $12.5 million. He later had the fine dropped to a more modest $103,600.
4. No Bear Wrestling in Alabama
Just in case people weren’t crazy enough for you, it turns out that bear wresting used to be a pretty popular sport in the United States, particularly in Alabama. That is until the ‘fun’ was stopped in 2006 when a law was enacted to stop bear exploitation and any kind of bear wrestling. This included promoting, engaging in, or being employed at a bear match, as well as taking money, buying, selling or training bears.
5. No Durian On Buses And Trains
For the lucky among us who have never smelled a durian, this law probably doesn’t make a lot of sense. The fruit, a South East Asian delicacy, is famed for its unusual taste, and the fact it smells like a decomposing body. In Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, it’s common to see public transport, certain public buildings and most hotels displaying signs totally banning the fruit from the property.
Next Page: More Of The Weirdest Laws Ever!