Ahead of the summer season, the holiday car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have researched the strangest laws at popular locations across the globe so tourists aren’t caught off guard.
Every year millions of tourists pack their bags and jet off to soak up the sun, culture, and sites of different counties where some unintentionally break laws and are punished accordingly.
There are many strange laws and local customs in other countries, but some are so bizarre that they would catch even the most experienced traveller out.
Perceived harmless acts, like wearing high heels or stepping on money, are illegal in some parts of the world.
Spain, one of the most popular sunny European spots, has recently introduced a flurry of fine-able offences, including bans on inflatable dolls, which could see cheeky tourists lumped with a £650 if they ignore the rules.
A spokesperson for StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Tourists should always research before jetting off on vacation so they don’t cut into their holiday budget by unknowingly breaking the law.
“Although some laws may not seem to make sense, holidaymakers must respect them else they could be fined or even locked up.
“Most tourists will not be intentionally setting out to break laws but will be unknowingly caught by unusual foreign rules they have never heard of before.
“Being fined for wearing high heels may seem far-fetched and downright silly, but when travelling overseas, people must accept that different cultures and opinions lead to different law-making and something legal at home could be a huge no-no abroad.”
These are the most bizarre laws in popular holiday hotspots:
5. USA, New York- Jaywalking
Jaywalking is walking in the street or road unlawfully without regard for approaching traffic, which is illegal in New York. Tourists from abroad who cross the road whenever they deem it safe often unknowingly break these laws and are issued fines and tickets by police officers. The most common violation among pedestrians is failing to give the right of way to vehicles, walking against the traffic and not obeying the pedestrian control signs. Photo: Getty
6. Australia, Swearing
Swearing in public places in Australia is illegal, and if caught using foul language, offenders could be given a hefty fine. Every year in Australia, there are thousands of offensive language incidents, and thousands of dollars are taken in fines. The maximum penalty for using foul language in public in New South Wales and Western Australia is 660 and 500 dollars, while the maximum penalty for foul language in South Australia is harsher at a whooping 1250 dollars of three months imprisonment. Photo: Getty
7. UK, Being drunk in a pub.
Shockingly, it is against the law to get drunk at a pub in the UK. The Metropolitan Act of 1839 says it's against the rule for “the keeper of a public house to permit drunkenness on-premises.” Heading to the pub and having one too many could leave pub-goers with a £200 fine if found to be intoxicated. Photo: Getty
8. Dubai, public displays of affection
PDA, including kissing, hugging, and holding hands, is illegal in Dubai, and those found to be breaking the law could be imprisoned or deported. Many foreigners have suffered the consequences of not following this rule, so couples should be extra careful when visiting the country. Photo: Getty