Around the world, there are thousands of laws that can be broken, and sometimes we don’t even realize that we are committing these felonies. In Greece, you can’t wear heels at the acropolis, and in Switzerland, you can’t flush the toilet in an apartment building after 10 pm! So, if you’re planning your next vacation, you might want to consider brushing up on the local laws to avoid penalties. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 strange things that are very real crimes.
Eating while driving
Did you know that if you pick up some fast food and eat it on the drive to work in the morning, you’re actually committing a crime? Many countries all over the world enforce this law, as they believe you aren’t able to control the vehicle properly and could cause a car accident. If you’re caught with something edible in your hand, you could end up with a hefty fine. Even in some countries that don’t enforce the law, you can still get in trouble and will be stopped by police.
Defacing money
Defacing money or destroying it is considered a crime in many countries around the world, and could even land you in jail. While the punishments do vary from place to place, some countries take it more seriously than others. In Australia, even writing up to one word on a note or coin could land you up to 2 years imprisonment or a $5000 fine. It’s not sure why individuals would want to destroy money, but it’s still an issue that we face today.
Using available WIFI
How many of you have logged on to an open network service to use their Wi-Fi? Well, if you have, it is actually an offense, and you could be facing a huge fine and even arrested for violating the criminal code. While piggybacking is common across the world, in some countries, it’s taken very seriously, so it’s best not to be tempted. Remember, this also refers to sitting across the road and using a cafe’s Wi-Fi service!
Sand theft
It might sound strange, but sand theft is taken seriously in many countries, and you could find yourself facing hefty fines for removing it from a beach. Currently, sand is in very high demand due to its use in construction, making it desirable for many large building companies. In some countries, mafia gangs are even trying to remove it illegally to sell on the black market. So next time you think about filling up a jar at the beach, you might want to think again!
Having a permanent marker in public
Vandalism as a tricky topic, as there are many different forms of it. It could be the scratching of a vehicle, the breaking of a mailbox, or the defacing of a public space. However, did you know in some countries you can be fined for just carrying a permanent market in public? You might want to consider keeping those sharpies at home in areas such as California, New York, and Florida. For more information on vandalism, check out felonies.org.
Feeding pigeons
While many individuals enjoy feeding the birds on their afternoon walk, it is strictly forbidden in Venice. They believe that the birds are considered a health hazard and have caused previous damage to the local monuments and statues. If you are caught feeding even one bird, you could be facing a nice big fine of $700. So next time you’re out and about in Venice, maybe consider leaving the bird feed at home.
Jaywalking
Jaywalking is when an individual crosses the road without using a designated area. It may seem harmless enough, but in some places, you could be charged a hefty fine, as much as $250. This is to protect not only yourself but the drivers making their way down the road. Each state and area set their own rules, but you’ll still want to think again before making your way across the street without using a proper crossing.
Driving a dirty car
Driving a dirty car can be considered dangerous around the world, and it’s common knowledge that you should keep it relatively clean. It can cover your number plate, and make it harder to see while driving. However, Russia has taken dirty cars very seriously, and in some parts of the country, you could receive a nice fine for failing to keep it clean. So next time you leave the house, make sure you keep your hose at the ready.
Chewing gum
While many of us enjoying chewing gum as we walk around the town, in Singapore, you certainly don’t want to be caught. In 1992 all gum was banned, as it was thought to promote “mischief-making” and littering. If you’re caught with even a single piece, you could be fined up to $1000. Not only that, but if you are caught another time, you might be made to clean the streets and participate in hard labor.
Littering
We all know that littering is wrong, but many individuals across the world still choose to do it anyway. It can cause harm to the local wildlife, pollute the environment and cause a number of different health hazards. Throwing something out of the car window, or leaving rubbish on the beach, might seem harmless, but if you’re caught, you could be in big trouble. You’ll be charged with a considerable fine and may be made to help clean up the town. So next time if you can’t find a rubbish bin nearby, just take it with you.
Wherever you are in the world, make sure you take a moment to learn the laws and respect each country. Each place is unique, and we want to make sure that we all work together to abide by the rules. In the UK, don’t handle any salmon suspiciously in public; in France, don’t name your pig Napoleon and in Tennesse, don’t share your Netflix password!
