Hanging clothes to dry is illegal in Trinidad and Tobago.

With the existence of machine dryers, it almost seems as if hanging clothes out to dry is a dying ritual. However, for many, it remains one of the most efficient and environmentally-friendly ways of getting things done. It’s free and you get to enjoy the fresh air while you’re at it. However, this is one method that authorities in Trinidad and Tobago disagree with to a degree—enough to make it illegal in the country.

As stated under section 64 of their Summary Offences Act, anything that may obstruct the streets such as clothesline, cords, or anything similar may result in the offender paying a fine of $200. On top of that, they may also face jail time for up to one month.

 It is only polite to close the gate.

When we think about Nevada, we picture the glittering Las Vegas strip. However, there are plenty more places of interest outside of this one area. Before you go exploring, however, it’s important that you’re aware of local customs. In particular, the fact that by law, you have to close every gate you exit out of. Nevada wants to make sure everyone gets the memo.

The reason? In some places, livestock is highly valued and in order to protect them, the state passed a law that will ensure everyone’s safety. According to NRS 207.220 gates enclosing fields must be kept close to keep the livestock secure. If you forget to do it, call your lawyer and prepare yourself for a $1,000 fine, or the possibility of spending 6 months behind bars.

Cannibalism is not allowed in Idaho (or anywhere else for that matter).

Laws are implemented to ensure our safety and that of others. Some are pretty straightforward, while others seem to be pulled straight out of fiction. Such is the case with this bizarre law in Idaho that shouldn’t be needed in the first place. We’re sure everybody knows that it’s illegal to eat another human, but we guess Idahoans want to really emphasize this fact.

There is a gray area when it comes to the law. While cannibalism is strictly forbidden, if done to survive life-threatening situations—you might get a pass. If you’re doing it for kicks, because you’re inherently a cannibal, or out of curiosity then you’re going straight to jail. We wonder, is there an insurance policy that covers this kind of situation?

How to deal with locust in India.

A lone locust doesn’t pose that big of a threat. However, a swarm of them is a completely different story—one that many people in some places in India have plenty to say about. Due to the destruction brought on by these pests, the government regularly calls for aid from its citizens. For those unwilling, they don’t really have much choice because they are bound by law.

All 14-year-olds and above must assist in the efforts to control and prevent the locust invasion. There are no loud sirens or special announcements to assemble the “troops”, however. Instead, they use thundering drums. It effectively wards off the insects and moves people into action. These communities really deserve credit for their creativity.

Plastic Confetti Is Not Allowed In Mobile, Alabama

Celebrations and parties aren’t complete without confetti. It brings color, joy, and excitement to the crowd. However, for the council in Mobile, Alabama, confetti offers more than that. Since 2018, plastic confetti has been banned in the city because of its effects on the environment.

As we all know, plastic takes centuries before it even disintegrates. It can affect waterways and even local wildlife. While plastic is out, people do still have the option of using paper or natural confetti. Both are great alternatives and are a degree safer when compared to the other option. When it comes to strange laws around the world, this is one that we fully support. In fact, we hope other places begin to follow suit!

Dying is not allowed in this town.

Here’s the thing, many of us want to live forever. Some are afraid to pass on because of the unknown, while others are simply not ready to do so. However, in a small town in South-Western France, the municipal council took “avoiding the inevitable” to a relatively strange degree. Needless to say, you are not allowed to die in this town.

It began in 2008 when the then-mayor of Sarpourenx, Gérard Lalanne, mandated that citizens were not allowed to be buried in the town cemetery if they do not own a private plot on the grounds. Shocking, right? But there is a good reason for it: their local cemetery was already overcrowded. It sounds drastic, but we can see why it’s necessary, too.

Masks are prohibited in Denmark

We’re not talking about face masks that are needed to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus. In fact, just this August of 2020, face masks became mandatory on all public transport in Denmark to battle Covid-19. So what kind of masks are illegal in this Nordic country? Clown masks, burkas, ski masks, and the like. Basically, it includes anything that hides your face to the point where it renders you unrecognizable.

This law was implemented two years ago and was enacted so that authorities would be able to properly identify people in the event that something bad happens. Although now in the pandemic era, everyone is required to wear masks. You wouldn’t want to risk using your insurance policy during this time, right?

Is farting really illegal in Malawi?

In 2011, there was a viral report that circulated in the media and even reached international broadcasts. The subject? The controversial Malawian Air Fouling Legislation. There were a bunch of international media coverages about the bill, but many interpreted it wrongly. Initially, they all thought that Malawi was banning people farting in public because “it fouled the air.”

After gaining attention, officials of the country were pressured into acknowledging the strange questions thrown their way. In the process, they also provided better insight into the new bill and cleared any lingering speculation—NO, they were not banning people from farting in public. Instead, the bill was meant to promote greener lifestyles to lower air pollution in the country. You know, your usual fossil-fuel produced emissions.

Catcalling not allowed in Oklahoma.

Catcalling is not only a harrowing experience for both men and women; it can also lead to particularly dangerous situations. It is a form of harassment, no matter which way you look at it. So we give much credit to Oklahoma for this initiative. The city made the act of catcalling illegal. It doesn’t matter what age or gender the person doing it is.

Anyone found guilty will have to pay fines ranging from $25 to $500. Do you think doing it on the internet is fine? Wrong. This law encompasses cyberspace so people need to be mindful of how they handle themselves online. Hiding behind n username can only do so much—there are ways of finding out the real person behind online identities.

Being overweight is considered an offense in Japan.

Obesity is a global problem and is the leading cause of death in many countries. Perhaps this is the reason why Japan implemented what is known as the Metabo Law. While we’re sure people appreciate the concern the government has for its people, some might find this law offensive to a degree. After all, some people have diseases that make it difficult for them to lose weight.

In 2008, The Ministry of Health of Japan implemented the Metabo Law that mandates all citizens aged 40 to 74 to get their waistline measured yearly. Interestingly enough, this law also requires insurance companies to give weight loss classes to their policyholders. Fortunately, people will not be fined or jailed for being overweight.