When you're traveling around the world, it's useful to be aware of the local customs, and even more useful to know the local laws. Here are some of the more unusual laws around the world that you might encounter.
1. Singapore - Gum control
In Singapore it's illegal to import chewing gum. The problem with gum is not how people chew it, but how they dispose of it. And no gum helps keep the footpaths clean.
2. Thailand - No to commando
In Thailand, There's a rule against leaving home without your underwear. We don't know who checks these things but you are advised not to take the risk.
3. Russia - Wash and go
In Russia you can be fined for having a dirty car, as the police need to be able to read your registration plate.
4. Fiji - Don't dare to bare
In Fiji, topless sunbathing is illegal. And the call for modesty extends further, because when you visit rural areas you should cover your shoulders.
5. Florence, Italy - Food to take (further) away
In Florence, Italy, it's an offense to eat or drink near the main churches or public buildings. There's no mystery to this, it's just a mark of respect to the city and its culture.
6. Minnesota, USA - They've got you pegged
In Minnesota, USA, you're not allowed to hang male and female clothes on the same washing line. Strange but true, so best toe the line.
7. Australia - Parental guidance explicit lyrics
In Adelaide and Melbourne there are laws against singing obscene song. As there's no official list of banned words, it is worth singing on the safe side, and keeping lyrics above the waistline.
8. Kentucky, USA - Freezing your assets
In Kentucky, USA, it's illegal to keep ice cream in your back pocket. This is because in the past, thieves would put ice cream in their pockets to steal horses luring them away, without even looking at them.
9. Manila, Philippines - Come in number 6, your time is up
In central Manila, Philippines, your car registration number defines which days of the week you can drive - with every private car having one day off. This is a move to manage congestion, which often brings the city to a standstill.
10. Rio Claro, Brazil - The watermelon law
Rio Claro, Brazil still has a city law that bans the sale of watermelons. The "Watermelon Law" was put into force in 1894, because at the time, watermelons were thought to transmit typhus and yellow fever.
11. Russia - Strictly No Frills
In Russia, there' an import ban on synthetic lace underwear. But what might seem odd at first glance is actually a move to protect customers from unhealthy poor-quality synthetics.
12. Japan - A major puddle muddle
In Japan, courtesy is taken very seriously and this extends to how people drive. There is a law that in wet conditions they must slow down to avoid splashing pedestrians.
13. Germany - How low can you go?
On the autobahns of Germany, although there is no specific law against running out of fuel, it is illegal to stop unnecessarily. In the authorities' view there is no excuse to run out of fuel.
14. New Zealand - Just plain chicken
In New Zealand it's illegal to fly with a rooster in a hot air balloon. Our research team is still working on this one, but we have learned that the first balloon passengers were a sheep, a duck and a rooster.
15. United Arab Emirates - There's an e-law against it
In the United Arab Emirates, it's illegal to sell e-Cigarettes. Far from the 'healthy alternative', the UAE has acted on World Health Organization warnings that chemicals used have not been properly identified or proved to be safe.
16. Capri, Italy - Shhhh!
In Capri, Italy, the local Mayor introduced a law banning loud footwear. The law was put into effect along with other noise controls for people living in apartments.
17. Venice, Italy - The pecking order
Some laws in Italy are city-specific, and in Venice it's illegal to feed the pigeons. You'd probably get a warning, but if you continue, you could be fined.
18. Oklahoma, USA - Tongue out is right out
In Oklahoma, USA, it's illegal to pull ugly faces at a dog. The actual law however states it is unlawful to torment a service dog.
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