1. The Queen’s Swans Are Still Protected by Law in the UK
In England, there’s an ancient law that says all unmarked mute swans in open water belong to the monarch. It dates back to the 12th century, when swans were considered a delicacy for royal feasts. While people obviously aren’t eating swans anymore, the law still exists—and it’s taken pretty seriously. Every year, there’s a tradition called “Swan Upping” where officials count the swans on the Thames to keep track of the population shares the New York Times.
Even though the law sounds more ceremonial now, you technically can’t take, injure, or keep a swan in the UK without getting into legal trouble. The swans are protected under several modern wildlife laws too, but the royal ownership part still stands. It’s a quirky reminder of how seriously the British take their royal traditions. And yes, it means if you see a swan in the river, you’re legally not allowed to mess with it says Smithsonian Magazine.
2. In France, It’s Still Illegal to Name a Pig Napoleon
This one might sound like a joke, but it’s rooted in a real French law meant to protect the dignity of the state. Back in 1803, during Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power, a law was passed prohibiting people from naming pigs “Napoleon.” It was considered disrespectful to associate the emperor’s name with an animal says CNN.
Even though France has updated a lot of its laws since then, this one technically never got removed from the books. In practice, you probably wouldn’t get arrested for it today—but it’s one of those weird legal leftovers that makes you raise an eyebrow. France also has a list of approved baby names, so maybe they’re just particular about naming in general. Still, it’s hard not to chuckle at the idea of a pig getting someone in legal trouble adds the Local France.
3. You Must Carry Hay in Your Car in Germany
According to an old Bavarian law, drivers of horse-drawn carriages—or technically any vehicle—were once required to carry a bag of hay and a bucket of water for their horses. The interesting part? That rule has never been officially repealed, which means it technically applies to modern drivers too.
No one’s pulling horses down the Autobahn anymore, of course, but the rule still lingers on the books in certain regions. It’s not enforced, but it’s a curious nod to how laws evolve slower than technology. Most drivers don’t even know about it unless they’re legal scholars or history buffs. It’s safe to say the glove compartment won’t be doubling as a feedbag anytime soon.
4. In Denmark, You Must Check for Children Under Your Car
There’s a Danish law that requires drivers to look underneath their vehicle before starting it. It was originally created to protect children who might be playing near or under parked cars, especially back in the day when streets were a bit more chaotic. While it’s not regularly enforced, it’s still technically on the books.
The idea is thoughtful, even if the execution seems outdated today. Modern safety features and designated play areas have helped prevent those kinds of accidents, but the law remains a legal leftover from another era. If you’re ever renting a car in Denmark and want to be extra cautious, giving it a glance underneath could technically keep you on the right side of the law. Plus, it’s just a kind thing to do.
5. In Arizona, It’s Illegal to Let a Donkey Sleep in a Bathtub
This law sounds like something out of a cartoon, but it actually stems from a real incident in the 1920s. A rancher’s donkey used to sleep in an old bathtub, and when a flood swept the tub (with the donkey in it) away, a whole rescue operation had to be mounted. After that, the town decided to ban donkeys from snoozing in bathtubs altogether.
Believe it or not, this law is still technically in place in Arizona. You probably won’t see it enforced, but it’s one of those oddly specific rules that make you wonder what else is buried in the legal code. The good news is that donkeys are free to nap elsewhere. Just not in your porcelain clawfoot tub, apparently.
6. In Scotland, You Must Let Someone Use Your Bathroom if They Ask
Scottish hospitality goes beyond offering someone a cup of tea—it’s actually written into old law. If someone knocks on your door and urgently needs to use the bathroom, you’re technically supposed to let them in. It’s not actively enforced, but it reflects a long-held value of kindness and community responsibility.
Of course, most people would be hesitant to let a stranger into their home today. But back when this rule was made, rural areas and long travel distances made such generosity more necessary. The spirit of the law is still admirable, even if it feels impractical now. It’s a reminder that old laws often come from a deeply human place.
7. In Florida, Unmarried Women Can’t Parachute on Sundays
Yes, this is a real law still technically listed in parts of Florida. It dates back to the mid-20th century and was likely put in place due to a mix of outdated gender norms and Sunday blue laws. The reasoning behind it was never particularly solid, but it stuck around.
The idea of regulating parachute jumps based on marital status (and day of the week!) sounds absurd now. And thankfully, it’s not something that law enforcement actually acts on. Still, it’s technically illegal for an unmarried woman to jump out of a plane on a Sunday in some counties. You’d think if you were brave enough to skydive, marital status would be the least of anyone’s concerns.
8. In Japan, Dancing After Midnight Was Once Illegal—and Still Heavily Regulated
This law was originally introduced in 1948 as a way to curb immoral behavior in nightclubs during post-war rebuilding. For decades, dancing after midnight was banned without a special license. While it’s been relaxed in recent years, regulations on dance floors are still surprisingly strict in some parts of Japan.
Even now, many clubs must get permits to allow dancing past certain hours. It’s one of those rules that feels at odds with Japan’s vibrant nightlife culture. Some younger generations are pushing to modernize the laws, but they haven’t fully disappeared. So technically, your midnight boogie could still run afoul of the law in some areas.
9. In Victoria, Australia, Only a Licensed Electrician Can Change a Light Bulb
This one’s been widely mocked—and thankfully relaxed—but it was once law in the Australian state of Victoria. If you changed a light bulb without proper certification, you could technically face a fine. The law came from safety concerns, but it became infamous for being overly strict.
Today, that rule has been amended, but the legend lives on. It’s still a funny talking point among Australians and often comes up in conversations about bureaucratic overreach. Most people can now legally change their own bulbs, but the rule remains a curious footnote in legal history. Just make sure the light’s off first, licensed or not.
10. In Singapore, It’s Illegal to Sell Chewing Gum
This is one of the better-known odd laws, but it’s still enforced today. Singapore banned the sale and import of chewing gum in 1992 to maintain cleanliness and order. The government was fed up with gum being stuck in public spaces, especially on subway doors, causing delays and damage.
You can chew gum in Singapore, but buying or bringing it into the country is heavily restricted. There are exceptions for therapeutic gum, but you need a prescription. It’s all part of Singapore’s reputation for being spotless and strictly regulated. So if you’re headed there, maybe leave your Trident at home.
11. In the UK, It’s Illegal to Handle Salmon Suspiciously
According to the Salmon Act of 1986, it’s illegal to “handle salmon in suspicious circumstances.” The law was created to tackle the issue of poaching and illegal fishing, but the wording leaves plenty of room for interpretation. Technically, if you’re caught with a fish and no good reason, that’s a legal problem.
Of course, it’s mostly used to prosecute people involved in black-market fishing. But still, the idea of a police officer questioning you for looking shady with a salmon is kind of hilarious. It’s a prime example of well-intentioned legislation meeting peculiar phrasing. Better have a receipt next time you buy a fish.
12. In South Korea, Spouses Can Sue for Adultery
Until fairly recently, adultery was a criminal offense in South Korea—and while it was decriminalized in 2015, civil suits are still fair game. If someone cheats, their spouse can take them—and their affair partner—to court for damages. The law reflects South Korea’s strong cultural values around marriage and fidelity.
Even though criminal charges no longer apply, lawsuits for emotional distress are still common. People have won significant compensation in court under these claims. It’s not something you’d see much of in Western legal systems, but it shows how traditional values can shape the law. Love might be blind, but in Korea, it better be legally clean.
13. In Switzerland, You Can’t Own Just One Guinea Pig
Switzerland takes animal welfare very seriously, and one of their most charming laws reflects that. It’s illegal to own just one guinea pig because they’re social animals that can become depressed in isolation. So by law, you need to adopt them in pairs or more.
They even have “rental guinea pigs” available for people who lose one and need a companion temporarily. It might sound over-the-top, but it’s actually grounded in animal psychology. The Swiss are all about ethical treatment, and this law proves it. Your guinea pig deserves a buddy—and the law agrees.
14. In Thailand, You Must Wear Underwear in Public
It’s illegal in Thailand to leave your home without underwear, though enforcement is pretty much nonexistent. The law was put in place to maintain modesty and public decency, especially during a time of stricter moral codes. Like many old laws, it’s still technically enforceable.
You won’t get searched, obviously, but if you’re caught in some sort of public indecency situation, this could get tacked on. It’s one of those laws that’s probably more about symbolism than actual enforcement. Still, it’s there in the books. Just in case you were feeling adventurous with your laundry day wardrobe.
15. In Samoa, It’s Illegal to Forget Your Wife’s Birthday
In Samoa, forgetting your wife’s birthday isn’t just a relationship blunder—it’s actually illegal. The law was introduced as a way to promote respect within marriages and discourage emotional neglect. While it’s not exactly leading to arrests, it does highlight how seriously family values are taken.
It’s unclear how often this gets enforced, but it certainly makes for a great reminder to set a calendar alert. If anything, it’s a clever way to encourage better communication and thoughtfulness in relationships. The threat of legal trouble might be extreme, but the sentiment behind it is surprisingly sweet. Forget flowers—remember the date.