5 weird fines around the world

A particular land follows certain rules and regulations to maintain decorum in that land and to respect their way of life and culture. Though there is also a saying that goes, "Rules are meant to be broken", we would not want to break some bizarre rules mentioned below (unless you want to be jailed and pay a hefty fine).

While no one likes to be penalised for violating rules, make sure that you stay within your limits when it comes to these.  

1. NO FROWNING

In Milan, Italy, you must smile at all times because it's illegal to frown. Except when you are at the hospital or at someone's funeral.

A THREAD OF WEIRD LAWS IN THE WORLD. ??1. In Milan, Italy, it is illegal for citizens to frown in public—unless they’re at a funeral or visiting someone in the hospital. pic.twitter.com/jtYNrLyNtL

— 0xHavers ? (@haversfleeted) November 27, 2020

Though it is not enacted today, it was part of Milan's law during Austro-Hungarian times. 

2. WALK YOUR DOG THRICE A DAY

In Turin, Italy, you have to walk your dog thrice a day or pay a penalty of up to €500 (Rs 42,000). Not just that, neither can you dye your pet's fur, nor can you chop your pet's fur in an unflattering manner, since animal fur modification is viewed as a form of animal cruelty. Well, those are some lucky dogs!

Turin Hot dog Pioggia vieni a noi.. ☂️(John King) pic.twitter.com/xuw1qfNTFo

— Torino da Scoprire (@TorinodaScoprir) July 27, 2019

3. NO PLASTIC CONFETTI

In the city of Mobile in Alabama, it is illegal to possess, make, sell, give away or throw any non-biodegradable, plastic-based confetti, as it is a littering hazard. However, citizens can enjoy paper confetti or coiled paper streamers during celebrations. 

#WackyWednesday: Planning to celebrate Mardi Gras next Tuesday? If you're in Alabama, make sure your confetti is biodegradable! Non-biodegradable confetti is prohibited in Mobile, AL. pic.twitter.com/sKtr6kajqF

— Torri's Legal (@TorrisLegal) February 19, 2020

4. NO CUTTING CACTII

Arizona, US, is famous for their iconic Saguaro cactii and since they are the landmark of the land, cutting down cactii is illegal without a permit. Even if the cactii is present on private land, only a permit can allow one to cut down these beautiful cactii. 

Cactus magic. ? #VisitArizona#? : Saguaro National Park by @marknavarrophoto pic.twitter.com/2pqbKWpaZq

— Visit Arizona (@ArizonaTourism) March 21, 2022

Well, sometime back, many of these cactii were found to be illegally dug and sold across the world for thousands of dollars. Since they are extremely hard to find and grow, the market for already grown cactii has taken off and to prevent this, many illegal operations were fined and charged with an imprisonment of 25 years. 

5. NO WEARING FLIP FLOPS

Cinque Terre in Italy has had it with flip-flop-clad tourists, because they usually need to be rescued from local hiking trails. Thus, a law imposes fines amounting from €50 (Rs 4200) to a whopping €2,500 (Rs 209,000) for wearing flip-flops. 

Beware, flip-flop-wearing hikers. Italy's crackdown on footwear includes some very steep fines. https://t.co/d94hhxxB9X pic.twitter.com/CDRFg5AF2o

— Treehugger Animals (@TreehuggerTwo) April 19, 2019

6. NO SINGING ALOUD

On Roman buses, it's better to just keep your singing to yourself, since it is frowned upon in the city and can cost you about €250 (Rs 20,000). Rome also imposed laws to curtail inappropriate behaviour in the city, and prohibit illegal street trading. They also created stiff rules to stop noise pollution and illicit jumping in the city's historic fountains. The regulations also include a ban on 'nuisance drunks' on public transport as well as prohibiting singing or busking on the city's buses, Metro and trams. Rome will also fine people taking exotic animals for a walk in town and lovers who attach 'love locks' to city bridges.

Did you find some of these penalties weird?