“Ignorantia juris non excusat”, is a Latin legal principle adopted by most western countries, passed down by the Roman law tradition. It simply means that if someone is ignorant of the laws of the land, they are not excused. So whenever you plan on traveling around the world, you better do a crash course on the country of destination you plan to visit. As you will see from the following unbelievable laws and the penalties they carry for violating them you could find yourself genuinely in the middle of some bad holidays. So, take heed and and prepare yourselves for the some of the strangest laws in the world. One is in Greece:
Suspiciously holding a salmon in the UK
Parliament’s famous Salmon Act of 1986 states that it’s illegal to hold a salmon under suspicious circumstances.
Chewing gum in Singapore
Among the lengthy list of items that aren’t allowed to be imported into Singapore is chewing gum, a rule enforced in order to keep public spaces clean.
Naming your baby something weird in Denmark
If you want to name your baby something other than the 7,000 approved names, you need to get approval from the government.
Recklessly biking in Mexico
This practical law was created in 1892 as a way to protect riders. However, no hands is still fair game.
Hiking naked in Switzerland
Swiss canton Appenzell was the first to ban the indecent act after a naked German man walked past a family picnicking in the Alps in 2009.
Being a bird perch in Venice
A fine of up to $700 is in store for anyone who feeds the pigeons in Venice’s St. Mark’s Square.
Whistling in Canada
The city of Petrolia in Ontario has a law that limits excessive noise.
Having your chickens cross the road in Georgia
If you own any chickens in Quitman, Georgia, it’s illegal to let them cross the road.
Wearing high heels in Greece
Leave your stilettos at home if you’re planning on sightseeing around Greece’s historic cities. High heels are illegal at certain ancient monuments because they can damage them, and because they often threaten preservation efforts .
Naming a pig Napoleon in France
The law no longer states Napoleon specifically, but instead says that it’s illegal to offend the heads of state by naming your pig after them.
Running out of gas on the autobahn in Germany
Running out of gas on the motorway will lead to fines — basically, you should have known better and planned ahead, like any self respecting German.
Peeing in the ocean in Portugal
You can’t pee in the ocean in Portugal, though we can’t confirm or deny that anyone has ever been caught.
Getting someone too drunk in Australian pubs
Using water guns in Cambodia on New Year’s Eve
