10 Weird Bizzare But True Australian Laws That Are Still On The Books

10 Weird Bizzare But True Australian Laws That Are Still On The Books

Laws are made to govern, protect, shape the peace, promote justice and provide a basis for compromise. However, once things are written into law, it’s unlikely that they would be revised. What does this leave us with? Some seriously crazy laws. Local pub owners must provide water and feed to your horse when you show up for a pint – that’s the law but, don’t drink too much because it’s illegal to be drunk in a pub.

Laws like this made sense in the time and context in which they were written but, as society changes, so to do the social mores and societal traditions. We’ve rounded up some of the weirdest Australian laws that still exist today.

Don’t worry though, even though these laws are on the books, your chances of being arrested or prosecuted under these laws are about as slim as the chance that your local pub would have parking for a horse.

When in drought don’t try to make man-made rain clouds.

In Victoria, it is illegal for citizens to take the weather into their own hands. Under the Rain Making Control Act of 1967, it’s against the law to make rain clouds. However, the making of rain clouds is permitted as long as certain regulations are followed such as ensuring those employed in “carrying out rain-making operations” are qualified. Is there a special rain making school for that?

Make sure you cover up when you go to Brighton Beach.

Don’t worry about getting sunburnt on Brighton Beach in Melbourne. Apparently, swimmers must wear a swimsuit that goes from neck to knee or risk being charged with indecent exposure. Make sure your arms are covered too! It’s great for sun protection but, when it comes to the style of the day, we’ve got some questions!

Gold Coast bikinis must not exceed more than six square inches of material.

If the swimsuit laws on Brighton Beach are cramping your style you could try heading up to the Gold Coast where, apparently, bikinis must not have more than six square inches of material.

Only qualified electricians can change a light bulb in Victoria.

How many Victorians does it take to change a lightbulb? Well, if this old school law was followed, then only electricians would be able to change a lightbulb or risk a $10 fine if they are found changing lightbulbs unattended.

When there is no urinal nearby you are allowed to urinate on the rear left tire of your vehicle.

Forget stopping on the side of the road to pee in the bushes. If there isn’t a toilet nearby you’re legally in the clear because it’s legal to urinate on the rear left tire of your vehicle instead. Just make sure you’re aim is good.

Don’t try dressing up like Batman and Robin if you want to stay on the right side of the law.

Holy masquerade Batman! Unless you’re in Gotham City it’s against the law to dress up as Batman or Robin. The jury is still out on whether that applies to riding around in a Batmobile as well?

Fortune telling is against the law.

You’d better think twice the next time you want to go and get your palm read. Evidently fortune-telling or the use of any other type of “crafty science” is illegal. Under Section 13 of the Vagrancy Act 1966, any person who pretends or professes to tell fortunes using palmistry or any other kind of witchcraft may be found guilty of an offence.

Children can use cigarettes, alcohol or other contraband.

Although it’s illegal for children in Australia to purchase cigarettes and alcohol apparently it’s not against the law for children to partake in them. So, mums and dads beware of keeping your liquor cabinet unlocked!

Don’t wear hot pink pants after 12pm on Sundays.

Just in case you wanted to time warp back to the seventies, then this might change your mind.  According to Victorian law, you can wear hot pink pants Monday to Saturday. Just don’t wear them on Sundays if you don’t want to get picked up by the fashion police (or the actual police for that manner).

It’s against the law to touch electric wires that cause death.

According to this law, it’s ok to get slightly-singed by electric wires just make sure they don’t electrocute you to death. Otherwise, you could be on the hook for a $200 fine.