Wednesday, October 29, 2014

3 Peculiar Laws You Ought To Know

Law is absolutely essential in any country. It clearly distinguishes right from wrong, establishes boundaries, outlines sentences for those that breach it, and at times bans Donald Duck for not wearing pants; thanks Finland. For every dozen or so laws that help us sleep better at night, there is one that makes our mouths go agape. Here are 3 of them.

Chewing Gum is Illegal in Singapore
Yes. Illegal! Ever since 1992, gum has has been banned nation-wide, and been caught with some of it warrants a heavy monetary fine coupled with jail time. A bit to extreme you think? Well, all this is all in an effort to reduce vandalism and ensure cleanliness. The ban was incited after the multi-billion dollar metro system, launched in 1987, was vandalized by people leaving gum on the seats, sensors and rails. Now, gum can only be procured through a doctor's prescription. Even tourists aren't immune to this law. Enter the country with more than two packs of that chewy goodness, and you just might find yourself slapped with a $5,500 fine for gum smuggling.

Women Require Their Husband's Permission To Wear False Teeth in Vermont
Vermont is known for its picturesque landscapes, snowy slopes, and apparently, strict dental protocol. In a law that still exists to this very day, if a woman wants to get dentures, she must get written permission from her husband. Granted, it stems from a time when men were the sole breadwinners in the family and needed to account for every penny spent. Fact is though, it is still law. .

Drunk Driving Punishable By Death in El Salvador
Drunk driving is the cause of numerous deaths all around the world, and governments have enacted tough laws to curb it. In El Salvador however, 'tough' is a huge understatement. Being charged with a DUI here can lead you straight to a firing squad. Definitely makes one think twice before having one for the road.

Therefore, if you ever find yourself in any one of these places, ensure you're on your best behavior or face the long, and incredibly peculiar, arm of the law.