All Aboard... or Maybe Not! The World's Craziest Railway Laws

From banning kisses to the death penalty for salt, these bizarre railway laws will leave you speechless.

Railways are full of oddities—not just in their historic trains and unique carriages but also in their unusual and sometimes downright bizarre laws. Across the world, governments have introduced railway regulations that range from strangely specific to outright shocking. Here are some of the weirdest railway rules you might encounter when traveling.

No Kissing on the Platform—SERIOUSLY!

One of the most unexpected bans in railway history involves public displays of affection. In England’s Warrington Bank Quay station, a special "kissing zone" was introduced in 2009, but couples caught smooching elsewhere could face trouble. Meanwhile, in Vienna, Austria, a brief ban on kissing inside trains was introduced in 2013.

France, however, takes things a step further. Since 1910, kissing has been banned on train platforms—but only when the train is arriving! The reasoning? Preventing delays caused by lingering goodbyes.

Durian Lovers—Stay Off the Train

If you've ever encountered durian, you know why it's banned. This Southeast Asian fruit is infamously smelly, with a scent often compared to sewage or rotten eggs. Singaporean authorities took action by banning durians from trains, ensuring passengers aren’t trapped with the overpowering stench. If you want to bring one home, you’ll have to find another mode of transport.

The Death Penalty—For Salt?

In one of the most extreme railway laws, the U.S. state of Alabama has made it illegal to sprinkle salt on train tracks. The reasoning? Salt can corrode metal, weaken rails, and cause accidents—resulting in costly repairs. But here’s the kicker: violators could face the death penalty.

It’s unclear whether anyone has actually been executed for seasoning the rails, but if you’re traveling through Alabama, leave your salt shaker at home.

In Medellin you’re not allowed on the train unless you’re going to work or the DR (Must show proof.) The work shifts have been staggered so that not everyone is starting at 8am so the trains aren’t as crowded. The trains have assigned spots for distance. NY’ers would cry. pic.twitter.com/pKapoIcuNv

— Jeff (@LittleJ21) May 3, 2020

A Sexist Rule from Seattle

One of the most absurdly outdated railway laws comes from Seattle, USA. According to this rule, if a woman wants to sit on her lover’s lap, she must place a pillow between them to avoid direct contact. And if she forgets? She could face six months in jail!

Even more outrageous—the rule only applies to women, meaning men face no consequences. While it supposedly applies to both trains and buses, it’s hard to imagine this law still being enforced today.

No Spitting in Scotland

Scotland takes railway etiquette seriously. Spitting on train tracks is strictly forbidden, as part of efforts to maintain cleanliness and discourage bad behavior. If you’re in the habit of spitting while waiting for your train, you’ll have to break that habit in Scotland—or risk facing fines.

Source: dailyrecord.co.uk; expatica.com; klag.com