Cutting in line can be illegal—10 travel taboos you shouldn't ignore

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Every country has different customs and laws, and being familiar with local regulations before traveling abroad can help you avoid trouble. Below are some practical tips and taboos from ten countries, including smoking, cutting in line, or going out without wearing underwear—all of which could result in fines or even imprisonment. Travelers may want to take note.

1. Philippines – Smoking
The Philippines’ President Duterte signed Executive Order No. 26 in May 2017, banning smoking in all public places. Offenders may face fines, and in serious cases, imprisonment. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas; violators can be fined between 500 and 10,000 Philippine pesos, with severe cases possibly leading to jail time.
 
2. Japan – Cutting in line
Japan’s Minor Offenses Act includes penalties for “cutting in line in public places.” Violators may face detention or a fine. Detention ranges from 1 to 29 days, while fines range from 1,000 to 9,999 Japanese yen.

3. Singapore – Littering
In Singapore, littering can result in fines. Trash bins are available on roadsides, at traffic lights, bus stops, and airports, but not in MRT stations, train cars, or buses. First-time offenders may be fined up to 2,000 SGD; repeat offenders may face fines up to 4,000 SGD; and third or subsequent offenses can incur fines as high as 10,000 SGD, along with mandatory litter-picking duties and counseling. 

4. Thailand – Going out without wearing underwear
Although Thailand has a booming sex industry, going out without wearing underwear is illegal. Additionally, driving without a shirt or stepping on Thai currency is also against the law. Furthermore, disrespecting the monarchy can lead to a 15-year prison sentence.

5. Denmark – Driving with headlights on during the day
In Denmark, drivers must keep their headlights on even during the day, or they may be fined 70 euros. Studies show that daytime running lights help increase visibility to other drivers and reduce traffic accidents by 3%. Similar regulations exist in other European countries, including Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and Hungary. 

6. France – Staring at women for too long
France is home to charming landmarks, rich culture, and a romantic atmosphere, and there are many stylish people on the streets—but staring at women for too long is against local norms. According to the “Modern Traveler’s Etiquette Guide” published by Paris traffic authorities, visitors are advised not to stare at women for extended periods, or they may be required to attend educational sessions if reported.

7. Switzerland – Flushing the toilet after 10 PM
In Swiss apartment buildings, flushing the toilet after 10 PM is prohibited and considered illegal because the government believes noise pollution is more harmful to public well-being than odor pollution. 

8. Italy – Wearing revealing clothing
In Spineda d'Adda, Italy, a new regulation requires all female sex workers to avoid revealing clothing and wear highly visible reflective jackets to ensure road safety—or face a 500 euro fine. Additionally, wearing revealing clothes is strictly prohibited when entering churches.