The 10 weirdest laws around the world

MILLIONS of Brits jet off on holiday every year, with the main goals of soaking up some sun, culture and relaxation.

It’s not usually the plan to commit a crime and end up behind bars.

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From wearing high heels to running out of petrol – there are a whole host of laws that could land you in jail if you break them.

Before you go on your next holiday, you might want to brush up on the mistakes you might make that could get you into serious trouble.

We’ve rounded up 10 of the most bizarre laws from around the world.

1. United Kingdom

Let’s start closest to home with a law from right here in the UK.

If you’re planning a staycation to the capital but you’re feeling a bit under the weather, you might want to skip visiting the Houses of Parliament.

That’s because it is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament.

The reason is because whoever dies is allegedly entitled to a state funeral, which would be a very grand affair.

However, there have been at least four deaths in Parliament, including Guy Fawkes, where the deceased didn’t get a state funeral, so it’s probably not worth it.

2. Switzerland

Drinking in the evening is a bad plan in Switzerland as you don’t want to need to go to the toilet.

There is a curfew on flushing toilets after 10pm because it is considered noise pollution.

You might have to hold it in until the morning.

3. Athens, Greece

If you’re going sightseeing around Athens, it’s best to leave your high heels at home.

It is illegal to wear high heels when you’re touring storied monuments like the Acropolis or the Parthenon.

A pair of comfortable walking boots is probably the best choice.

4. Spain

Continuing on the shoe theme, wearing the wrong kicks might get you in trouble in Spain as well.

It is illegal to drive in flip flops or any sandal that does not have a strap around the back of the ankle.

It is also illegal to drive barefoot.

It might be worth keeping a spare pair of shoes in the car if you want to wear sandals to sightsee in.

5. Germany

Running out of petrol is stressful at the best of times.

But if you do that on the Autobahn in Germany, an empty tank is the least of your worries.

It is illegal to run out of fuel while driving on the Autobahn.

The idea is that you should fill your vehicle up enough before you get on the highway so it is less likely there will be breakdowns.

So if you do run out of gas, the blame is all on you, and although you’re unlikely to be jailed, you will probably be fined for stopping without a good reason.

6. Venice, Italy

If you’re sat in St Mark’s Square in Venice and you’ve got a couple of crumbs leftover from your sandwich, then don’t throw them for the birds.

It’s illegal to feed the pigeons, and you could be slapped with a fine.

The law was brought in to try to stop the birds from damaging historical structures.

So it’s probably best to just put the sandwich in the bin.

7. Frankfurt, Germany

At this time of year, ice skating rinks are all over the place and people who have never skated before do their best Bambi impressions on the ice.

But if you go ice skating in Frankfurt, then be careful not to get out of control.

That’s because it’s illegal to break the speed limit of 50mph.

However, it’s probably quite unlikely many people make it to that speed, so you don’t need to be too worried.

8. Rome, Italy

If you’re walking in Rome and your legs get tired, be very careful where you choose to sit down.

That’s because it is illegal to take a seat on the city’s famous Spanish steps.

Local authorities imposed the ban, saying too many people sit down for too long, obstructing the steps for others, or stop to eat lunches from nearby fast food joints.

Tourists have been slapped with fines ranging from 160 to 400 euros.

9. Barbados

Wearing comfortable or trendy clothes in Barbados could land you in a lot of trouble.

Clothes with camouflage design on them are illegal, and could see you slapped with a fine.

That’s because camouflage is worn by the country’s drug and defence officers, so if you are seen wearing it, it might appear that you are impersonating a police officer.

10. Singapore

Having fresh breath could be your downfall in Singapore as it is illegal to import and sell chewing gum.

Holidaymakers are reportedly allowed to bring a maximum of two packs of gum each into the country. But if they run out, they’ll struggle to get any more.

The law was brought in to maintain the country’s top cleanliness standards, and it’s worked – you won’t find a piece of gum dropped on Singapore streets.

And you won’t end up with a piece of gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe.

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