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Strange Laws From Across the World – Part 2

Welcome back to the ongoing series for the most bizarre laws around the world!

If you liked part 1 of the series, you would undoubtedly love this part 2 also as we bring you more weird worldwide rules.

1. Do Not Stop at Pedestrian Crossings – Beijing

Children are taught at a young age that pedestrian crossings are designed so as people can safely cross a road. However, this does not apply to Beijing.

Beijing, China’s capital and formerly known as Peking, has a strange law that makes crossing the road for pedestrians very challenging. As per Article 40 of Beijing’s traffic laws, drivers of power-driven vehicles cannot stop at pedestrian crossings and those who do not abide by this law are fined RMB 5.

2. Do Not Eat Your Neighbour’s Wife – China

Did you know that cannibalism is acceptable and not seen as an ultimate taboo in China?

Here, the emphasis is put on the rule that a man cannot eat another man’s wife as a meal. So, does that mean if not the wife, you can eat his daughter or his mother? Where is the logic in this?

3. Do Not Fall Asleep During a Meeting – North Korea

Have you ever fallen asleep during a meeting? It happens, isn’t it? But not in North Korea!

The law in North Korea prohibits anyone from falling asleep when someone is talking during a meeting. For instance, the North Korean defence minister who could not resist the temptation of sleep during one of Kim Jong Un’s events was publicly executed with an anti-aircraft gun. His action was considered extremely disrespectful.

What a punishment for falling asleep!

4. Married Couples Cannot Live Separately – Japan

Do you have the habit of staying somewhere else when you have a fight with your spouse? Well, in Japan, the law strictly prohibits couples from living separately after marriage. The only exception could be due to work-related or health-related issues.

This law aimed to decrease divorce rates in Japan and for married couples to bear living expenses together.

5. Do Not Step Over Money – Thailand

If you ever had a currency note stuck in your shoes, consider yourself lucky that you were not in Thailand!

A strange rule in Thailand considers stepping on money as unacceptable and can be fined if not respected.

6. Do Not Slap Your Children – Sweden

If your child is misbehaving too much, will a polite request work or a spank?

Sweden is a country that consists of generations of kids who have most likely never been spanked in their lives. It is the first country which banned physical punishment against children. Spanking, slapping and smacking children is considered illegal in both schools and homes as well.

7. Do Not Wear Lacy Underwear – Russia

In 2013 lacy lingerie was banned in Russia and regulations were passed where clothing that directly touches the skin should contain at least 6 per cent of cotton. The purpose of the ban on lacy underwear was due to health concerns that such fabrics were not good for the skin.

8. Do Not Give Any Old Name to Your Baby – Denmark

In Denmark, before giving your child the name of ‘Tony Stark’ or ‘Harry Potter’, you must review the register of 7000 names. There is a naming law that prohibits specific baby names in Denmark such as Pluto, Anus, Apple and Monkey while names like Benji and Jiminico are allowed.

9. No Mullets and Ponytails for Men – Iran

Since 2010, certain hairstyles for men such as mullets, ponytails and long hair are banned in Iran. These men’s hairstyles are strictly prohibited due to the country’s attempt to be freed from western lifestyles.

10. No Shirtless Driving – Thailand

Riding a motorbike without a shirt on might make you look cool, but unfortunately, this action is considered illegal in Thailand. If someone gets caught for shirtless driving, he or she will be fined.
Driving regulations vary in each country, but those of Thailand are puzzling.

Now that you are aware of these strange laws, would you ever travel to these countries? Please share your opinions!

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