50 Strange and Unenforced Laws in Australia

Australia, like other countries, has a myriad of laws on the books that are rarely, if ever, enforced. While some of these laws seem absurd, they remain a part of our legal system. Here are some of the most peculiar and unenforced laws in Australia, backed by real examples and official statutes.

1. Hay in the Boot of Taxis (Victoria)

A Victorian road law once required taxis to carry a bale of hay in the boot. While the law has long been forgotten, it symbolizes the unique laws that Australia has seen.

2. Inadequate Hotel Stables (Very Few Cases)

While very few hotels have been prosecuted for failing to provide adequate stabling facilities for horses, this law highlights the absurdity of some legal requirements.

3. Indecent Clothes (Rare Cases)

Only a handful of women or girls have been prosecuted for wearing clothes deemed indecent. This law has not been strictly enforced, and public morality has evolved significantly over the years.

4. Obsolete and Curious Laws (Non-Enforced)

There are still quite a few obscure laws on the books that are rarely if ever enforced. Here are a few examples:

Flying a kite that annoys someone Ring a doorbell without lawful reason Clean up seagull poop without a licence Possess more than 50 kg of potatoes without lawful reason Drive so as to splash mud on people at a bus stop

More specific laws include:

Correspond with pirates Challenge anyone to a duel or carry on a duel Carry a non-lethal electrified briefcase (WA)

5. Weird and Curious State Laws (Non-Enforced)

States across Australia have unique, interesting, and occasionally bizarre laws:

Hot pink hot pants after midday on a Sunday in Queensland 50kg potato possession in Western Australia Taxis in Queensland must carry a bale of hay in the boot Bars are required to stable water and feed horses of their patrons in Queensland Never swim at Brighton Beach Melbourne without a neck-to-knee swimsuit No singing obscene songs in public (Queensland) Prohibiting certain attire to prevent cat burglary Only licensed electricians may change a light bulb (Victoria) Illegal to be drunk in a pub (various states and territories) Witchcraft through tarot or psychic readings (Victoria) Using an article of disguise without a lawful excuse (Victoria) Bikini material exceeding six square inches in Gold Coast (Queensland) Leaving car keys inside an unattended vehicle (Victoria) Prohibit placing an advertisement for a lost or stolen item without the required caption (Victoria)

6. Unenforced Federal and State Crimes (Non-Enforced)

Here are some unenforced federal and state offenses:

Life sentences do not exceed 25 years (Victoria, New South Wales) Uriinate on the rear left tire of your vehicle if no urinal is readily available (Western Australia) Vacuuming between certain times is illegal (Melbourne) No specific laws prohibit underage smoking in public (all states and territories) Defaced currency is a crime (Commonwealth) Specific kinds of theft, such as dead wood, rocks, plants, and live or dead fences (New South Wales) Stealing books from libraries (New South Wales)

7. How Are These Laws Still Enforced?

Absurd or unenforced laws persist due to historical reasons and legal interpretations. Even non-enforced laws have the potential to be invoked if deemed necessary. For instance, the law requiring taxis to carry a bale of hay was likely a leftover from days when horse-drawn carriages were common.

Moreover, even though these laws may not be actively enforced, they serve as part of our legal framework and may influence public behavior and perceptions. It's also worth noting that police and prosecutors have significant discretion and may choose to enforce these laws based on the context and severity of the situation.

Conclusion

Australia’s legal system is filled with many unenforced and peculiar laws that have remained on the books for decades. While these laws may seem outdated or absurd, they serve as a reminder of the history and quirky nature of our legal landscape. Whether or not these laws will one day be enforced, they are a fascinating part of Australian legal tradition.