Seeing kids riding their bikes down the road during the holidays, you're bound to see a few trying their luck out with some wheelies or no hands stunts. It's a normal thing for a kid to do and I love seeing it happen, scrapes and bruises included!
So did you know that in Illinois, if these normal kids were doing that, they would in fact be breaking the law?
Yup, the law states the following:
Sec. 28-345. - Trick riding.
No rider of a bicycle shall remove both hands from the handlebars, or feet from the pedals, or practice any acrobatic or fancy riding on any street. The chief of police or his agent is authorized to approve racing events under section 11-1514 of The Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 5/11-1514].
(Ord. No. 82-854, § .057, 4-1-82)
Strange that this is something that someone took time to add to the law standards....must have been those horrible bike gangs of the 50's that really got to them!!
This is obviously something that happens in most countries, where there are strange bylaws and laws that persist in a country or state, even though we know most of these are never enforced.
Let's look at a few of these laws:
Strange laws
- Also in Illinois:
Sec. 4-6. - Noise, odor, etc.
No person shall keep or maintain any animal, poultry or fowl in such a manner to cause inconvenience or disturbance to other persons by reason of noise, odor or other cause.
(Ord. No. 84-935, § .0311, 2-20-84)
Your stinky dog could be up for some jailtime!! We have a dog that farts a storm, and she would be putting us into serious trouble LOL!!
Credit
- Sec. 4-23. - Burning of animal matter; prohibited.
No person shall burn any feathers, hides or any other animal matter within the corporate limits of the city.
(Ord. No. 84-935, § .10, 2-20-84)
Burning feathers? Strange one that. However living on a plot near a 'slaghuis' or abattoir we understand the need to get rid of that body matter properly.
- Talking of odors, in Alabama has outlawed stink bombs, funk balls and any other item that creates a disagreeable odor.
They also outlawed spray string, confetti and bathing in fountains. Sounds like a sour old lady/man that has no time for youngsters.
Another funny, however pretty logical in a non-drinkers mind, is in Alaska it is illegal to be drunk in a bar!!So if you're already drunk, you may not enter a bar or remain in a bar that you are currently in.
The Alaskan police enforce this law.....and frankly I think it is quite good, however most people in the office think its crazy....I mean where else can you get drunk then!
In Arizona you can get a fine of $2500 dollars and 6 months in prison for spitting in public. I think South Africa should implement this for public urinating!!
People have lost their manners.Another strange yet for a fuddy-duddy like myself, and father of 4 daughters, I like it! In South Africa there WAS a law that prohibits any child under the age of 16 from any PDA (Public displays of affection).
This WAS covered under the sexual offences act. But now there was an upraor where children then protested until the law changed.
They caved and HIV and teenage promiscuity/pregnancy goes on unabated!
According to Divorcelaws.co.za unmarried fathers were not held responsible for their children (2015), and the women in South Africa automatically assume all rights and responsibility for that child.
I know this is not the case anymore, but that is a 'nutter' law.Only in Africa! If there is a herd of donkeys, goats, pigs, ostriches, mules or horses being herded across the road, or wanting to cross the road, they have the right of way, and all traffic is to give them passage.
This reminds me of a naughty prank we did when we were in school (matric).Don't be angry now, please.
I was in an all boys school and the girls school was about 200m from our school.
They had a zebra crossing, also known as the pedestrian crossing. We managed to get hold of a cattle crossing sign, and changed the normal crossing sign to a cattle crossing sign!
Most girls laughed at the mischief, but some were incensed. Humour, it can be an difficult thing.
- TV license....this one is stupid! Anyone that owns a TV in South Africa HAS to have a TV licence because the national (useless) broadcaster insists.
If they want a TV without a licence, then you must pay for an inspector to come out and verify with proof that you have no connection to the broadcaster.
Can anyone say moneygrabbers! If they had decent programming then perhaps we would not worry about the fee.
Thankfully they are as useless in their administration as they are in their programming, so they have no clue how to police the licencing. Their policing method is to run adverts saying "its the right thing to do".
Not stealing billions from the public is the "right thing to do" bud!!
Swiss funny laws: No flushing the toilet after 10pm (not good for weak bladder people, and can you imagine the airports or public places with people in and out), cant hang your laundry outside, no mowing your lawn and washing cars on Sundays.
Singapore: I love this one....NO SMOKING in public! Yup if you're caught smoking you get a fine! The city is very clean, and this has to be a big reason! I think the biggest trash issue worldwide is cigarette butts.
- Thailand: If you step on their currency you are going to be in trouble! Why? Because the kings face is on the Thai Baht and this is disrespectful of course :)
- USA San Francisco: Illegal to feed the sky rats! You can be fined between $5 and $300 for feeding pigeons because they have become a pest and carry disease.
They also make public spaces look dirty.
Germany: Running out of petrol on the highway will get you in trouble with the law!! This is a choice people!! Breaking down is not a problem, but petrol must be controlled!
In SA the reason we don't run out of petrol is so that you don't get mugged on the side of the road waiting for help!Burundi: If you happen to jog, you won't want to move to Burundi. Jogging has been banned by President Pierre Nkurunziza because he said it is an activity that is used to cover or plan nefarious activities.....yup, for reals!!
- Mexico: Singing the national anthem incorrectly. Ah a country that takes a little pride in the anthem. Poor old Art Matthews would be in trouble!
A lot of US residents would also not like this one. I mean KRAPearnick doesn't even want a pair of shoes with the US flag on them!
Looking into some of these laws there are many far stranger laws that are found worldwide, but these will give you a good laugh at ourselves.
I'm sure you know of a few that are still there but not followed.
Hope you all have a great weekend!