The 8 Most Bizarre Train Laws From Around the World

There is something invigorating about traveling by train while you watch the world rush by just outside your window. Railway systems exist in many parts of the world, conveniently allowing riders to get to and from their destinations without needing to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. The weird train laws accompanying these systems across the globe make train travel an experience that’s unique anywhere you go. You may be surprised at some of the train laws that are or previously were on the books, whether or not they’re currently enforced.

1. Kissing Banned at an England Train Station

In 2009, it was reported that the Warrington Bank Quay railway station in Warrington, England, designated kissing and no-kissing areas in its parking lot. The rule was apparently enacted to combat delays resulting from loved ones in lip locks.

2. No Smooching on French Train Platforms

The law banning kissing on train platforms in France dates back to 1910. It reportedly only applies while the train is at the station. As with the aforementioned kissing law in England, it started as a way to prevent delays.

3. Kissing Banned on Vienna Trains

Due to an increase in kissing complaints, kissing was banned on Vienna trains in 2013, and smoochers could be fined. Fines were reportedly also being given out to riders who consumed foods with a potent smell and were deemed to be speaking too loudly while conversing on their cellphones.

4. No Durian Allowed on Singapore Trains

If you’re carrying around durian and plan to ride the trains in Singapore, you may want to make other arrangements because you can’t board while carrying this pungent fruit. The powerful stench of durian , which some say resembles the odor of roadkill, rotten eggs, or raw sewage, makes this fruit an unwelcome passenger on Singapore trains.

5. No Salt on Alabama Train Tracks

You’re facing more than a fine if you put salt on railroad tracks in Alabama. It’s reported that the act is punishable by death . Although the death penalty is harsh, there was a method to this madness. Salt can corrode train tracks, causing serious accidents and costly damage. So leave your saltshakers at home.

6. No Indecent Language on Wisconsin Trains

Wisconsin Statute 192.17 states in part, “If it shall become necessary for the protection of the passengers on any railroad car from the violent, abusive, profane or indecent language or conduct of any passenger, the conductor may arrest such passenger …” While you should always practice proper train etiquette, you may want to take extra care to avoid using rough language while riding trains in Wisconsin.

7. Lap-Sitting Law in Seattle

If a woman planning on riding a train in Seattle wants to sit on a man’s lap, she reportedly needs to bring a pillow (or make sure he brings one) to place between them. Not doing so can lead to a jail term of six months — but only for the woman. The sexist law also applies to riding in buses.

8. Waiting in Kansas

One train law in Kansas sounds more like a riddle that can confuse many about the solution. It states, “If two trains meet on the same track, neither shall proceed until the other has passed .” As courteous and safe as this sounds, it essentially means both trains are simply waiting for the other. Train delays are already a problem in many parts of the United States and across the globe, but a law requiring both trains should wait for the other would likely cause even more.

There are many interesting train laws throughout the United States and internationally. Some are still valid today, while others originate from long ago and were merely forgotten as the world modernized and evolved, and train riding became more of a casual happening. Wherever your next train journey takes you, perhaps you should review the local laws to ensure you follow them. Even if it doesn’t sound like a law that should still be in place today, you can either confirm it with a reliable source or play it safe and treat it as if it were enforced.