7 Unusual Laws from Around the World

Every country has its own way of keeping life in line. Most rules are predictable: pay your taxes, stop at the red light, respect your neighbors. But then there are the others—laws so peculiar they read more like stories than statutes.

1. China – No Reincarnation Without State Approval

Since 2007, Tibetan Buddhist temples must secure government approval to recognize reincarnated spiritual leaders, known as tulkus or living Buddhas. The rules stipulate that reincarnations must occur within China and be formally authorized by state agencies. While this policy reflects political oversight over religion, it's also framed by authorities as an effort to preserve social stability and regulate heritage practices. Yes, paperwork… even for your next life.

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2. UK – It’s Illegal to Handle Salmon Suspiciously

Section 32 of the UK’s Salmon Act 1986 is officially titled “Handling salmon in suspicious circumstances.” The wording alone has sparked countless jokes—after all, what exactly counts as “suspicious” when it comes to a fish? A trench coat and dark glasses?

However, the spirit of the law is less whimsical than it sounds. The provision was designed to crack down on illegal fishing and trading of salmon, a species of both ecological and economic importance in the UK. In practice, it empowers authorities to act against poachers and anyone dealing in unlawfully caught fish. So while the phrase has provided plenty of comic relief, the intent was very down-to-earth: protecting salmon stocks and keeping the market honest.

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3. Singapore – No Chewing Gum

Singapore’s chewing gum ban, introduced in 1992, is one of the most famous “unusual” laws, and it was a practical response to a very real problem. Gum wasn’t just being chewed; it was being stuck into subway doors, mailboxes, and elevator buttons, costing millions in cleaning and repairs.

Since then, gum sales have been tightly restricted, with exceptions for medical or dental purposes. Far from being a mere oddity, the law became part of Singapore’s broader campaign for civic order and urban cleanliness. And the results are clear: today the city is known worldwide as one of the cleanest and most orderly places on the map.

4. Greece – No High Heels at Ancient Sites

Since 2009, visitors to Greece’s ancient landmarks—such as the Acropolis—have been forbidden from wearing high heels. The reason is simple: sharp shoes damage fragile stonework that has already endured empires, invasions, and natural disasters.

Archaeologists noted that pointed stiletto tips can exert more pressure than an elephant’s foot, leaving small but cumulative scars on marble surfaces. The ban isn’t about fashion policing—it’s about preservation. Makes sense—2,000-year-old marble doesn’t need any more scars.

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5. Thailand – The 120-Card Rule

Packing a deck of cards for a holiday game night might seem harmless—until you land in Thailand. Since 1935, the country’s Playing Cards Act has made it illegal to possess more than 120 playing cards unless they’re officially registered. And yes, in theory, breaking the rule could mean up to ten years in prison.

It sounds quirky, but the law was—and still is—a serious tool to curb gambling, corruption, and organized crime. So if you’re planning a friendly round of Mafia on the beach, better count your cards before customs does.

6. Australia – Lipstick Once Seen as Immoral

In early 20th century Victoria, a tube of bright lipstick could cause more scandal than a late arrival to Sunday service. There was no law written in the books, but society enforced its own code with remarkable seriousness. Red lips were judged “immoral” or “deceptive,” a mark more often linked with actresses or women on the fringes of “respectable” life than with polite company.

The effect was almost legal: yes, you could wear it—but expect whispers, disapproval, and the quiet closing of certain doors. In practice, it was a rule without paperwork.

From today’s perspective, the idea that lipstick could carry such weight feels both harsh and oddly specific. Yet it shows how appearance was once policed as tightly as behavior. The happy ending? Those restrictions faded, and lipstick moved from scandal to statement—an ordinary cosmetic turned symbol of self-expression and confidence.

7. Japan – The Law That Keeps Your Shoes Dry

In Japan, it’s more than rude—it’s unlawful—for drivers to spray pedestrians with muddy water or rain when speeding through puddles. Under Article 71 of the Road Traffic Act (1960), drivers are required to take precautions like slowing down, using mudflaps, or otherwise avoiding splashing passersby.

Fine? Up to ¥7,000 (roughly €40), with no loss of license points—but depending on the situation, you might also owe them a cleaning bill—or more.

Why? These rules reflect a broader cultural norm where courtesy drives code, and where a car isn't just machinery—it’s an extension of social responsibility. And anyone who's ever had wet shoes will appreciate the logic behind it.