Ignorance of the law is no excuse. And this means that the traveler is better to follow the rules of foreign countries, no matter how absurd they might seem to be. Some of them might look to be more related to the culture of the country where you are arriving, while the others seem to make no sense at all!
10. No walking in a swimsuit! Grenada
It looks like half-naked beauties are pretty annoying for the local residents of this country. Otherwise, why it was taking such a harsh law? Lying on the beach in a bathing suit is not precluded. However, if you decide to walk in it down the street, then theoretically it could cost you $ 270. However, the local Tourist Board argues that the severity of the “law on bathing suits” is eased by not having its execution. In fact, no one has been fined for a defile in bikinis while walking on the street.
9. Driving with headlights off. Denmark, Czech Republic
It does not matter whether the rain falls, it’s snowing or the sun shines brightly in the sky – the lights of your car should be turned on all the time. This is, perhaps, a bit strange, but you better never joke with the traffic rules. Moreover, such a requirement is not entirely unreasonable. Studies have shown that other drivers are more aware of maneuvering around cars, if they have the lights on, and it helps to reduce the number of accidents.
8. Stopping the car and walking on the highway. Germany
Turning off your engine and walking along the highways of Germany on foot is strictly prohibited. Even if you are running short on the gasoline and the car died out, you will not only have to worry about buying some fuel, but also to pay about 100 Euros of fine. Approximately the same amount of money might be laid out, if you will decide to walk with a canister to the nearest gas station on the highway on foot. Although such actions on the German roads are rare and there are also no restrictions on speed, you better be careful as the rule breaking might cause your life.
7. Do not feed the pigeons! Italy
You can admire Venice, riding on it on the gondolas, going to the best museums, but you should never feed the pigeons! It’s not a joke, but rather a rule. These birds which used to be harmless in Italy are a big disaster now. Urban municipalities are annually spending huge sums trying to clean up litter from pigeons which is being collected around the homes and monuments. Those who feel sorry for the birds, might need to carry in their pockets not only bread crumbs, but also 50-60 Euros. But sometimes the penalties for this offense can reach up to 600 Euros.
6. Small coins are outside the law. Canada
“Money – it is always money” – you think so? Once in Canada, you might change your mind. In this country it is not always possible to pay with small change. Special law enacted in 1985, explains how you can use a penny: in general there should be no more than “reasonable amount” of them, and the seller may refuse a buyer who comes into the store with a couple of kilos of coins. And what is just exact amount to call it reasonable for legislators is forgotten to be registered.
5. Society of clean vehicles. Russia
Approaching the Russian capital, do not forget to wash the car! Given that the roads in Moscow are not only composed of asphalt, but often from deep muddy puddles, you will have to do regularly. And although the penalty you may receive only for the dirty, unreadable numbers, but if you fall under the regular campaign “Month of clean cars”, you might get into a boring educational conversation with the representatives of the road inspection even for the small amount of dust on the car.
4. No public eating during Ramadan. UAE
If you are traveling to the UAE during Ramadan, a simple lunch in a restaurant will cost you much more than in any other days of the year. At this time you might be prohibited from eating on the streets. For eating in a public place, you can even go to prison, like the two British tourists who had to give up freedom for three weeks. Other poor guy had to pay 275 dollars just for having to allow himself for drinking some juice during the day.
3. No kissing at the train stations! France, United Kingdom
In the most romantic country in the world- France- you are forbidden to kiss at the railway stations! The end of romantic farewell and meetings came in 1910 when it was adopted such an unusual law. It fell on the soul and the British quickly adopted the French experience. These rules apply so far, although the times and circumstances have changed. Indeed, originally it was intended to prevent delays of trains! As punishment for this offense is not provided, the maximum that could threaten the lovers – they might simply be asked to move from the apron to the parking lot.
2. The ban on topless behind the wheel. Thailand
No matter how tempting the idea is to take off the top, when there is a tropical heat, and you are driving a car or motorcycle, this is not worth it. This seems to be rather non-logical law, even though it feels like the country is trying to make everything to look serious in their country. Being topless is forbidden, and if you break it you will be punished by a fine of $ 10. Although, perhaps it is not so big of price to pay for a little refreshment?
1. Attention! Bubble Gum! Singapore
If you are planning a trip to +Singapore and you do not want problems, do not forget to put away the gum from the pockets. Furthermore, in this country it is strictly forbidden to spit on the streets and feed the birds. All prohibitions are associated exclusively with aesthetics: it’s not pleasant to walk on the spit-covered sidewalks, covered with chewing gum and bird droppings. You can chew a particular nicotine gum, and even then, only if permitted by the doctor.
I love these strange laws, but I do agree with the Singapore law on chewing gum, there is nothing worse than seeing a beautiful building with loads of black sticky spots outside the entrance. I actually had a job some time ago to remove this awful stuff…. ice machine was the only way to remove it quick and easy.
In Canada, new cars must have all-time driving lights, that are on all the time – similar to what you mention above in Denmark, except new cars MUST have this feature. Hardly bizarre, been this way for over a decade, and it saves lives.
We have the same law on coins here in the Netherlands, and I would hardly be surprised when other countries have it too.