From Curious to Bizarre: Unveiling Weird Laws in Poland

Poland, like any other country, has its fair share of laws and regulations governing various aspects of society.

While most laws serve essential purposes and ensure order, some might leave you confused.

In this article, we will explore a selection of weird laws in Poland that range from peculiar animal-related regulations to unusual food restrictions.

These laws, although bizarre, have their historical origins and continue to intrigue both locals and visitors alike. Let’s dive into the quirky world of Polish legislation.

Strange Laws Related to Animals

Barking Dogs and Criminal Offenses

One of the more peculiar laws in Poland pertains to the issue of barking dogs.

According to a specific statute, if your canine companion excessively disturbs the peace with incessant barking, you might face criminal charges.

While it may seem extreme, this law reflects the importance of maintaining tranquillity within residential areas.

Walking Your Goldfish

In the realm of unusual pet-related regulations, Poland takes an unexpected turn with a law specifically addressing goldfish owners.

If you’re a goldfish enthusiast in Poland, you’ll be surprised to learn that taking your fish for a walk is illegal without proper authorization.

Although this law may seem whimsical, it underscores the country’s dedication to maintaining order and control, even in seemingly unconventional situations.

Peculiar Regulations on Transportation

Driving While Wearing a Bear

When it comes to transportation-related laws, Poland doesn’t disappoint in terms of peculiarity. In this Eastern European nation, it is strictly prohibited to operate a vehicle while wearing a bear.

Yes, you read that correctly—a bear! The intention behind this regulation is unclear (maybe something to do with Wojtek the bear?), but it serves as a lighthearted reminder to prioritize road safety and avoid any distractions, no matter how unusual.

Winding back the clock

rewinding a car’s odometer is a well-known way to increase the value of a car when selling it on the second-hand market. It is, of course, very dodgy, but in Poland, it’s not illegal to do so.

It’s only an offence to profit from reduced mileage and, therefore to sell a car with the odometer turned back while concealing this fact. Workshop operators can therefore claim that they are unaware of the purpose for which the car owner has commissioned them to reverse the mileage.

Tractors on the Freeway

Poland has a rather unique law regarding tractors in the realm of unexpected road regulations. Unlike many other countries, where tractors are generally confined to agricultural areas, Polish tractors enjoy a surprising freedom—the ability to drive on freeways.

This quirky rule may raise eyebrows, but it highlights the agricultural significance of the country and its acknowledgement of tractors as legitimate means of transportation.

Honk If You’re in Love

Love knows no bounds, but in Poland, it’s important to remember that there are still limits when it comes to expressing affection. One of the more peculiar laws in the country prohibits excessive honking of car horns, especially if it’s done to express love or admiration.

While a romantic gesture in some cultures, it’s best to find alternative ways to profess your love while cruising through the Polish streets.

Curious Laws on Food and Beverages

Ketchup Restrictions

In Poland, a nation known for its culinary delights, you might be taken aback by the strict regulations surrounding ketchup.

According to an obscure law, certain public establishments are prohibited from serving ketchup to customers unless specifically requested.

This unusual restriction aims to preserve the traditional flavours of Polish cuisine and encourage the appreciation of local condiments.

The Forbidden Mushroom Hunt

Poland’s rich forests are home to a wide variety of mushrooms, attracting avid mushroom hunters from all over the world. And picking mushrooms is infact one of Poland’s important cultural pastimes.

However, before you embark on a mushroom-picking adventure, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with Polish law.

Harvesting protected or rare species of mushrooms can result in serious consequences, including fines or even imprisonment. So, while the allure of foraging may be strong, make sure to stay on the right side of the law during your mushroom-hunting escapades.

Weird family laws in Poland

Women changing back their name

Polish women have it tough, but even more so after a divorce.

A woman has three months after the divorce papers are approved to change her name back. During this period, the change is made free of charge and automatically.

But after that three-month period? Not only does she have to pay an administrative fee for the application, but the decision to let her change her name is also made by the head of the civil registry office.

She has to broadly justify the reasons why she wants to change her surname, which, after that three-month period, is now seen as her ‘real’ name. The application fee is a whopping 37zł, but it’s not the money that’s the problem, but rather the risk of a negative decision!

Sick kids with divorced parents

The rules on custody of a sick child can also be a problem for divorcees. In Polish law, in the event of a divorce, one parent gets sole custody, and the other parent general gets rights to the child every second weekend.

But when the child is ‘sick’, they can only live with the parent that has custody.

What does this look like in practice?

Let’s assume that dad has their kid every second weekend. If the child is ill at that time, the mother has every right not to let the child go spend the weekend with dad, and she does not have to set an alternate date. But what is illness in this case? It can vary from cancer to an allergy, whatever the sole carer seems as being ‘sick’.

As lawyers report, there are situations where fathers have not seen their children for seven months because mums conveniently report their kid as being sick every second weekend. And the courts accept this interpretation.

Uncommon Legal Restrictions

Ingenious building design

The sale of flats with an area of 150 square metres is subject to 23% tax, while smaller places are only charged 8%. Therefore, a common practice developers encounter is the sale of ‘combined flats’.

Two flats of approximately 80 square meters are built, finished and signed off on, with the intention of the owners knocking down the wall between the two flats after purchase.

Forbidden Emoticons

In the digital age, where emojis and emoticons have become integral to online communication, Poland presents an unexpected restriction.

There is a law that prohibits the use of certain emoticons in commercial communications. While this law might seem excessive or unnecessary, it highlights the country’s concern regarding the potential misinterpretation or misuse of visual symbols in a business context.

The Curious Case of Umbrella Thieves

While theft is generally frowned upon worldwide, Poland has a unique law that specifically targets umbrella thieves. According to Polish legislation, stealing an umbrella can lead to criminal charges and penalties. This law, although unusual, reflects the importance of personal property and highlights the Polish commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness.

Beers and church

A weird Polish law states that alcohol can’t be sold within 50m of a church.

So when two sisters wanted to open a bar on a property that backed on to a church, they found a unique solution: They extended the distance between the pub and the church by installing a maze of barriers in front of the entrance.

The distance you have to walk to “have a drink” has increased by more than 70 metres, even though the premises have not moved one millimetre.

The Polish flag…

In 1980, the Polish government release a decree for the specific shade of red to be used on the Polish flag:

Hex: #dc143c
RGB: (220, 20, 60)
CMYK: 0, 0.909, 0.727, 0.137

the same decree stated that whenever the flag is hung vertically or laid on a coffin, the white side must be on the left.

…and the Polish coat of arms

Poland has intriguing regulations concerning its symbols and coat of arms. The Polish Eagle, which serves as the country’s coat of arms and other official insignia, is safeguarded by a special law that aims to prevent public profanity and insult.

Engaging in public activities involving these symbols, which may cause damage or insult, can be classified as a criminal offence. Recently, Adam ‘Nergal’ Darski, the frontman of the Polish metal band Behemoth, faced formal charges for allegedly insulting the coat of arms. He had incorporated it into promotional materials for a national tour.

Presently, the legislation concerning the laws surrounding the coat of arms seems to lack clarity. The act intended to protect this emblem contains errors, misinterpretations, and inconsistencies, making it challenging and confusing to utilize the logo for artistic interpretation.

Under the same law, the government mandated the removal of the red and white Eagle from the jerseys of the Polish National Football team in 2010. Subsequently, a new shirt was introduced in 2011, devoid of the eagle symbol.

However, due to overwhelming pressure from football fans, citizens with common sense, and even the president himself, the eagle-less shirts vanished seemingly overnight.

The peculiar laws in Poland often have fascinating historical origins. While some can be traced back to outdated social norms or peculiar events, others may have emerged due to unforeseen circumstances or cultural peculiarities. Exploring the historical context behind these laws provides valuable insights into the evolution of Polish society and its legal system.

Lawyer Eliza Kuna says these weird laws can be divided into two groups.

1. One is when regulations are old, from the communist period, and inadequate to life changes.
2. The second group of weird laws centres around the interpretation and application of the law.

While communism ended in Poland just about 30 years ago, it’s understandable that there’s a bit of a hangover, and some obscure laws may still exist.

This second group is a really unique situation, though, and complements a trait seen in many Polish people. There’s ‘the law’ and then there’s ‘the law for me’.

What you need to know about these laws

Are these laws still actively enforced?

While many of these laws are still technically in effect, their enforcement is often lax or nonexistent. Authorities generally prioritize more pressing matters, and these peculiar laws tend to fall to the wayside.

Have there been any efforts to repeal these laws?

In recent years, there have been some discussions regarding the relevance and necessity of these unusual laws. However, due to their relatively low impact on daily life and the perception of them as cultural curiosities, significant efforts to repeal them have yet to materialize.

How do these unusual laws affect daily life in Poland?

For most people in Poland, these unusual laws have little to no direct impact on their daily lives. They are often seen as amusing anecdotes or conversation starters rather than rules that significantly alter how people do their routines.

Can tourists get in trouble for unknowingly breaking these laws?

While tourists are unlikely to face serious consequences for unknowingly breaking these laws, it’s always advisable to respect and adhere to local regulations. Being aware of the peculiarities of a country’s legal system can contribute to a more enjoyable and hassle-free travel experience.

In conclusion, Poland is home to several strange and unusual laws that continue piquing the interest of locals and foreigners.

From regulations on barking dogs and goldfish walks to restrictions on wearing bears while driving and sick kids, these laws showcase the country’s distinctive legal landscape.

While some may find these laws amusing or perplexing, they often reflect historical contexts, cultural nuances, and societal priorities.

Whether you’re a curious traveller or simply interested in the oddities of legal systems, exploring the weird laws of Poland offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of this Central European nation.