Column Chronicles: Strange laws throughout the world revealed

Strange laws throughout the world revealed

Frank Cotolo
March 13, 2025

Just when we think we uncovered every strange law on the books in every country, along come more discoveries. Every civilized country has weird laws. Most laws have origins no one recalls but the laws remain enforceable. Here are some laws not reported previously.

In Bareback, Missouri no two people whom look alike may resemble people outside of their families without proof of age.

A ruling in Westville, Maine permits an adult to shake the hand of an embalmed body displayed at a funeral.

It is illegal in most Florida counties to arm wrestle while driving on Interstate roadways.

In the south of France there are regions where tourists must be able to address local police with Spanish accents.

Under no circumstances may parents carry infant family members by strapping them to their bodies when dining in Hamburg, Germany.

In Alberta no resident may own or rent or borrow a moose to a stranger.

Skiing accidents in Switzerland must be reported within twenty minutes of occuring and then must be detailed by a witness or witnesses whom sign an agreement swearing there is no connection to the accident and disparaging opinions of the injured.

Brazil prohibits shouting obscenities in historic structures used for tourism or dentistry.

Canadian military personnel may request to pass on violent commands made by superiors without origin of reason (OOR). The definition of OOR includes cowardice or a general lack of intelligence concerning the usage of weapons not issued to the military specifically.

Icelandian-born residents are immune to laws pertaining to odd body movements during the long winter hours of morning, noon and night darkness if the hours in question are spent in an occupation unrelated to food services.

Wiggataw, Texas does not allow oversized cowboy hats used for advertising products at a Country-Western tailgating event without some kind of a license to do so.

Frank Cotolo can be found hosting the talk and interview programme Cotolo Chronicles. You can send him an e-mail at this address: frank@148.ca.