They say that no one is above the law. This is due to that fact that laws are made keeping in mind the welfare of the general public and preservation of rights. However, man has been known to make strange laws and uncanny regulations throughout history. Here are a few examples of some laws which were/are in force, whether you believe it or not!
1. Women can’t drive in Saudi Arabia
Yes it’s true! Women in Saudi Arabia cannot drive anywhere as the law forbids them to! In order to go to essential places such as a doctor, women must hire public transport or rely on their male relatives to pick/drop them from one place to another.
2. China’s one-child policy
The Chinese one-child policy was started by leader Deng Xiaoping in 1979. Due to China’s immense population, problems such as poverty, illiteracy and unemployment marred the country’s growth hence this law was introduced to limit the budding population.
3. Chewing gum ban!
Singapore prohibited the sale of chewing gums after lots of them were found littering the subway stations. The law does permit you to chew gum but always throw it in a trash can! Otherwise, your chewing habit can get you into some hefty fine troubles!
4. Danish keep their headlights on!
Doesn’t this sound quite logical and absolutely ethical? Keeping your headlights on whilst driving? But in Denmark, the regulation is so strictly enforced that drivers have to keep their headlights on even during the day! Otherwise, be prepared to pay a hefty fine up to $100!
5. You can’t wrestle bears!
Who wants to! But in Alabama, this practice used to be a popular one until a law in 2006 banned bear wrestling. As per the law, “A person knowingly promotes, engages in, or is employed at a bear match, if he or she receives money for bear wrestling and if he or she sells, purchases, possesses or trains a bear for bear wrestling.”
6. Commit a crime without wearing a bullet proof vest!
The law, applicable in New Jersey, states that a person has committed a crime if ‘he uses or wears a body vest while engaged in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, or flight after committing or attempting to commit murder, manslaughter, robbery, sexual assault, burglary, kidnapping, criminal escape or assault.’
If you’re looking to break the law with a capital offense, the vest won’t do you any good!
7. A short bingo game!
In North Carolina, it is considered illegal by law if a bingo games last for more than 5 hours!
8. Watch your step!
In Thailand, it is considered illegal to step on money! Yes, so even if a very, very hefty Thai currency note is being carried away by the wind, you need to contain it with your hands!
9. License plate regulations!
One of the strangest laws by far. In Philippines, license plate numbers ending with the number 1 or 2 cannot be seen on the roads on Monday. 3 or 4 on Tuesday, 5 or 6 on Wednesday, 7 or 8 on Thursday, and 9 or 0 on Friday.
10. Homophobia
In 29 States of the United States of America, it is permissible for an employee to fire his/her employer for being a homosexual!
