Instituto Del Carmen

English Teacher Training College

Fourth Year, 2016

Mara de Guadalupe Costantini

Mara Godoy
Language IV

Why it's illegal not to smile in Milan... and

donkeys can't sleep in the bath in Oklahoma: The
strangest laws from around the world

No sleeping donkeys in the bath after 7pm in Oklahoma

Illegal to be overweight in Japan, the country who brought us sumo
Turn that frown upside down if you're in Milan, Italy

By JOHN HUTCHINSON FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 09:15 GMT, 2 December 2014 | UPDATED: 00:33 GMT, 3 December 2014
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When travelling around the world, it's not always a bad idea to do your research on local laws and
traditions.
Not only could this keep you out of trouble, but it can also help you get the most out of your
holiday.
However, there are some weird and wonderful rules that surely nobody is expected to follow.
But whether you are akin to having a sleeping donkey in your bathtub to enjoying eating
somewhere that's on fire, it pays to be clued up.
Erica Chang, regional director of HomeAway UK who conducted the research, said: 'Travel really
does open the mind so it's curious to see what odd rules and regulations can be found on the law
books around the world.
1. Only a qualified electrician is allowed to change a light bulb in Victoria, Australia
How many mechanics does it take to change a light bulb? None, in Victoria.
Australia's second most populated state says it's illegal to change a light bulb unless you're a licensed
electrician. Apparently, rebels who defy this law could receive a fine of up to AU$10 (5.50).
2. Milan requires that citizens must smile at all times, or face a fine
Milan in Italy states that it is a legal requirement to smile at all times, except during funerals or
hospital visits. Frowners could face a hefty fine.
4. In England, it is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament
This was voted the most ludicrous law in the UK in 2007. A spokesman for the House of
Commons said: 'The people who know about these things here say there is no basis for such a law,
not to say it does not exist somewhere in writing.'

5. In Oklahoma, it is against the law to have a sleeping donkey in your bathtub after 7pm

Instituto Del Carmen

English Teacher Training College
Fourth Year, 2016

Mara de Guadalupe Costantini

Mara Godoy
Language IV

Great if your donkey is awake and just enjoying a bit of relaxation time. Not so good if it has
snoozed off in a lava of bubbles.
6. In Canada, by law, one out of every five songs on the radio must be sung by a Canadian
Great for Justin Bieber fans, not so great for the sane. Part of the CRTC (Canadian Radio and
Television Commission) that for both types of programming there has to be at least a fifth by
Caadian performers.
7. It is forbidden to be fat in Japan In the country that brought us sumo wrestling
It is illegal to be fat. In 2009, lawmakers set a maximum waistline, meaning every man aged over 40
must not have a waistline measuring over 31ins, and every woman cannot measure over 35ins.
8. Flushing the toilet after 10pm is illegal in Switzerland
Flushing the loo after 10pm in an apartment building is illegal in the country of Switzerland. The
Government consider it noise pollution.
9. In Chicago, it is against the law to eat in a place that's on fire
No matter how good the pizza tastes, if the restaurant sets on fire you can't stick around!
10. Running out of petrol is illegal on Germany's autobahn, and so is walking along it
So those who do break down must pull over and use their horn to attraction attention. The penalty
is 80 (65) for endangering other drivers.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2856346/It-illegal-not-smileMilan-no-donkeys-sleep-bath-Oklahoma-strangest-laws-word.html#ixzz4N9l88Bie